The Eden Project and some other favourite places to visit

Choose From: Historic Houses and Gardens Castles & Forts Cliff Walking, Moors, villages Golf Beaches Horse Riding Museums

The ever growing Eden Project

The Eden Project is a fantastic world class attraction based on the south coast of Cornwall near St. Austell.

Dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' by some, Eden is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches.

With a worldwide reputation Eden barely needs an introduction, but this epic destination definitely deserves a day of your undivided attention. More than just a huge, tropical garden, Eden is a gateway into the relationships between plants and people, and a fascinating insight into the story of mankind's dependence on plant life. Not only a mind-blowing visitor attraction, Eden is also fast-becoming a unique resource for education and knowledge towards a sustainable future.

Experience the sights, smells and scale of the rainforests in the Humid Tropics Biome - the world's largest greenhouse - and discover the tropical plants that are used to produce everyday products. Travel to South Africa and California, as you amble amongst the orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled vines of the Warm Temperate Biome, and in the 30-acre Roofless Biome see hemp, sunflowers and other plants that could change your future, flourishing under the Cornish sun.

A fascinating location, but, more importantly, Eden is a fun and family friendly day out. Curious kids can find out where tea, rubber and sugar come from, and travel the world to the simulated environments of tropical destinations that they dream of traveling to in the future. There are themed events according to the seasons, workshops for adults and children, activity days, music concerts and much more besides. There's no stress about packing up a family survival kit - facilities include on-site restaurants and cafes, gift shops and well equipped child- and baby-friendly toilet facilities. In fact, for a day out you needn't worry about taking much more than yourselves. Eden is also offers easy access to wheelchairs and buggies.

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The Minack Theatre

Cornwall’s Theatre under the Stars. A unique place to visit all year round and the only venue in the world where you might see dolphins in a Shakespeare Play. From a natural amphitheatre carved into Porthcurno's staggering cliffs, the stage drops straight into the Atlantic - a spectacular backdrop to any performance.

Since 1998 our sub-tropical rockeries have become a must for gardeners with a taste for the exotic. The ideas and plant selection are based on the cliff garden developed here in the 1930s.

The Minack Theatre was the inspiration and life’s work of one remarkable woman, Rowena Cade. The onsite Rowena Cade Exhibition Centre reveals her remarkable story.

The story of a girl who enjoyed the gentility of Victorian Cheltenham and grew up to build an internationally famous cliffside theatre with her own hands.

St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is justly thought of as one of Cornwall’s most beautiful places.

The sight of the Mount from the shore is always inspirational, no matter what the season or weather.

This island, which rises steeply from the waters of Mounts Bay is surmounted by a medieval castle, home to the St Aubyn family for over 300 years. There are spectacular coastal views from the castle’s roof terraces and the private sub tropical gardens are fascinating.
The Mount itself is also home to an island community, with a working harbour.

Access is by foot across the ancient causeway around low tide or by ferry boat to the harbour from Marazion.

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Historic Houses and Gardens

Cotehele House and Gardens

National Trust. Tel:01579 351346

Location: 1 mile west of Calstock. Approx. 40 mins drive

This medieval house, unlit by electricity, with its steep valley garden leading to the banks of the river Tamar, provides a variety of activities for a day out including a walk to the quay where a restored Tamar sailing barge "Shamrock" is moored.

Opening Hours: House and Restaurant: 1 st April-31 st Oct. daily except Fri (but open Good Friday) 11-4

Garden: all year round daily 10.30-dusk

11.00-17.00 (16.30 in October)

Antony House and Garden

National Trust. Tel: 01752 812191

Location: 2 miles northwest of Torpoint Approx 25 min.drive

This early 18 th century mansion, home to the Carew family for nearly 600 years is set in parkland overlooking the river Lynher.

Opening Hours: 4 th April-31 st October Tues, Wed, Thurs & bank Holiday:

Tearoom opens 12.30

Whilst here, you could also visit Antony Woodland Garden , established in the late 18 th century; it features, amongst other flowering shrubs, 300 varieties of Camelia.

Opening Hours: 1 st March- 31 st October daily except Mon & Fri (but open Bank Holiday) 11.00-17.30 (free admission to NT members on the days Antony House is open)

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Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park

Cornwall C.C. & Plymouth City Council Tel: 01752 822236

Location: Cremyll 6 miles south east of Torpoint on B3247 Approx 35min.drive

This historic house with its magnificent 800-acre park and formal gardens is found on what is known locally as "Cornwall's forgotten corner", the Rame peninsula. It was built by the Edgecumbe family in 1550 and it is said that the Spanish Admiral, the Duke of Medina Sidonia, leading the Armada, had earmarked the estate for himself, had not the weather and a certain Francis Drake, foiled the invasion.

Whatever the Admiral's qualities as a seaman, he certainly had good taste, for the park offers spectacular scenery, rare trees, a folly, a pond complete with water birds and formal gardens with an Orangery which now houses a pleasant tea room. There is something here to interest everyone and walks to suit all abilities.

Opening Hours: House & Earls Garden April-Sept, daily Wednesdays to Sunday (and Bank Holidays). Admission charged.

Park and Formal Gardens open all year daily. Free admission.

Whilst here you might like to visit the nearby twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand,

typical fishing villages with their narrow streets and quaint cottages.

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Lanhydrock House and Gardens

National Trust Tel: 01208 265950

Location: 3 miles SE of Bodmin off the A38 Approx 20min drive

Said to be the finest house in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is set in wooded parkland and encircled by a garden of rare shrubs and trees, 49 rooms are open to view, ranging from maids' bedrooms to the richly furnished main rooms.

There are lovely walks in the parkland, the walk to the River Fowey at Respryn Bridge and back, is especially recommended.

Opening Hours: House 1 st April-31 st October daily except Mon (open Bank Hols) 11.00-17.30 (17.00 in Oct)

Garden; 1 st March-1 st October daily10.30-17.30; Nov-Feb daily during daylight hours.

Pencarrow House

Owned by Molesworth -St Aubyn family Tel: 01208 841369

Location: Between Bodmin and Washaway, off A389 Approx 25min. drive

This Georgian house still lived in by the family, houses a superb collection of pictures, furniture and porcelain. There are marked walks through beautiful formal and woodland gardens.

Opening Hours: Easter-Oct. Sun to Thurs inclusive 11-5 (last guided tour 4pm)

Gardens open daily in season. The Tearooms open during House opening times

House closes Thursday 26 th October. Open Sun - Thurs 11-5 pm

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Prideaux Place

Owned by the Prideaux- Brune family. Tel 01841 532411

Location: Padstow Approx 40min drive

Situated at the top of the old part of Padstow, this Elizabethan House has been home to the Prideaux family for 400 years. It retains many original features, including the plaster ceiling in the great chamber, recently uncovered for the first time since 1760.

The House is surrounded by gardens and wooded grounds overlooking the Camel estuary.

Opening Hours: May 16th to October 5 th

House closed Fri & Sat tours 1.30 - 4pm. Grounds & Tea Room 12.30 - 5 pm

 

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Castles and Forts

Cornwall has a wide range of fortified sites and buildings dating from the earliest times up to the present day. Many were designed to defend her territory from invasion by sea, whilst others controlled important routes.

Restormel Castle

English Heritage Tel: 01208 872687

Location: 1.5 miles N. of Lostwithiel, off A30 Approx 20 minute drive

Once home to Edward the 'Black Prince', the huge circular keep of this Norman castle still survives, perched on a high mound and surrounded by a deep moat with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.

Opening Hours: 1 st April-30 th June.10am-5pm 1 st July - 31 st August 10am-6 pm

1 st Sept - 30 th Sept 10am - 5pm 1 st Oct -31 st Oct 10am-4pm

The nearby ancient town of Lostwithiel, capital of Cornwall in the time of the Black Prince, is well worth a visit; look out for the remains of the Prince's Great Hall (now known as the Duchy Palace) and numerous other interesting houses. The narrow streets provide a delightful stroll for lovers of antique/bric a brac shops and there are also art shops and a little local museum.

Launceston Castle

English Heritage Tel: 01566 772365

Location: In Launceston on the A30 Approx 40min drive

Set in another erstwhile capital of Cornwall, this medieval castle controlled the main route into Cornwall. The grounds command an impressive view, whilst Launceston's narrow streets contain many historic buildings.

This visit could be combined with a trip to Bodmin Moor and Jamaica Inn for fans of Daphne du Maurier or to the North coast to see the spectacular cliffs and rolling breakers.

Open: April to Oct. daily

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Pendennis Castle

English Heritage Tel:01326 316594

Location: Pendennis Head, Falmouth Approx. 80min drive

Pendennis and its neighbour on the other side of the estuary, St Mawes castle, were built by Henry V111 to guard against the French.

Pendennis has a range of activities including a museum, exhibitions and guardhouse.

Open: Daily from 10am Closed: 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan

A trip to Falmouth could also include a visit to the recently opened National Maritime Museum.

St Michael's Mount

National Trust Tel:01736 710265

Location: Marazion 4miles E of Penzance Approx 75min drive

St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount is justly thought of as one of Cornwall's most beautiful places.

The sight of the Mount from the shore is always inspirational, no matter what the season or weather.

This island, which rises steeply from the waters of Mounts Bay is surmounted by a medieval castle, home to the St Aubyn family for over 300 years. There are spectacular coastal views from the castle's roof terraces and the private sub tropical gardens are fascinating.

The Mount itself is also home to an island community, with a working harbour.

Access is by foot across the ancient causeway around low tide or by ferry boat to the harbour from Marazion.

Open: All year.

Castle open Mon to Fri from 1st April to end of Oct.

The castle and private gardens are open most weekends during the season.

Closed 1 st November - 31 st March

Please enquire at reception for detailed up to date opening arrangements.

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Tintagel Castle

English Heritage Tel: 01840 770328

Location: Tintagel Approx 50min drive

Along ½ mile uneven track from the village, no vehicular access.

The remains of the 13 th century castle of Richard Earl of Cornwall are breathtaking, with steep stone steps, the gaunt ruins of its stout walls cling precariously to the cliff edge. But even before Earl Richard's time this place had been associated with the legendary King Arthur. Certainly, there is archaeological evidence to suggest that it was an important settlement Pottery from the 5 th and 6 th centuries AD has been found and evidence of trade with the Mediterranean.

Open: daily from 10am Closed: Dec 24-26 th and Jan1st

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Walking - Beaches, Coves, Moors and villages

Cornwall offers everything that a walker could want. The biggest coastline in Britain sandwiches ancient paths and ways many of which date back to time immemorial, even the famous Saints' Way is a relative newcomer and add to that rights of way established by the miners, fishermen and farm workers over the centuries and you can start to imagine the scope available to you. It's not just the quantity (over 3000 miles of inland paths, 300 miles of coastline) but the quality, staggering beauty which keeps changing with the weather and the season.

There are organised walks run by the various Countryside Services and other organisations and to help you further there is a range of information available in the form of books, maps, guides and leaflets.

From clifftop to valley, riverside to moorland, Cornwall offers an unrivalled diversity of land and sea-scapes for walkers and hikers and strollers. For the seasoned wanderer there is the the superb walking offered by the coastal path and moorlands, for the rambler there are many well marked circular routes for discovery and gentle exertion.
Cornwall's 300 mile coastal path, part of the South West Coast Path, is the focal point for many walkers. Accessible to all, it offers unending views of towering cliffs and crashing surf on the North coast contrasting with sheltered creeks and picturesque fishing villages on the South coast. And it doesn't stop there: inland there are 3000 miles of paths just waiting to be discovered. From the wild and untouched beauty of Bodmin Moor to the tranquillity of the Roseland and the gentle ruggedness of the Lizard, the heartlands of Cornwall are strewn with walks for all.
You will no doubt find your own favourite walk, taking home memories of clifftop views of deserted beaches and lapping surf, woodland glades and rushing streams, well earned cream teas and pit stops at local hostelries.

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The Cornish Riviera

Close to the heart of Cornwall is an earthly paradise where wooded hills drop down to a lush, sub-tropical coastline of broad bays and garden coves, busy estuaries and time-warped fishing villages.  This Cornish Riviera is as old as legend and as young as the latest watersport. A place where you can swim, ride, sail or fish; play golf and attend a Druidic festival - in a single day.

It is defined by a series of broad bays sweeping round from the Roseland Peninsula, past Caerhays Castle and Dodman Point to Gorran Haven and the picture-postcard fishing village of Mevagissey.  On it goes, following the curve of St. Austell Bay and the SW Coastal Path to the miniature china-clay port of Charlestown and the dramatic Eden Project between St. Austell and Par, before rounding the Gribben at the mouth of Fowey's famous estuary - the old port to the left, the creek and villages of Daphne du Maurier Country on the right - and winding up to Lostwithiel, Cornwall's ancient former capital.  A riviera of great beauty and diversity, and for breaks and holidays, an inspiration.

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Bodmin Moor

The grain of the Bodmin Moor landscape reflects the granite dominance. Standing stones, burial chambers, Cornish hedges, clapper bridges, cottages and farms are all built from the boulders which have, over the centuries, been cleared from the surface of the moor.
Yet the Moor is surprisingly small, extending just ten miles by ten miles. The sweeping expanses of moorland and the lack of features give the impression that the upland covers a much larger area. Equally, the wealth of archaeological remains and the relatively few signs of the twentieth century create the illusion of timelessness.

Though Bodmin Moor covers a comparatively small area, the open, gently curving nature of the plateau landform, punctuated by rocky tors, creates a surprising sense of scale, remoteness and even desolation. These qualities combined with the impression of timelessness, contribute to the Moor's distinctive, often challenging, character. Though many of the roads are now paved, and access by car makes visiting the Moor easy, it is a still a landscape where the traveller can be faced with the natural environment in its most elemental form, where the unwary may easily become lost among the bogs in swiftly descending clouds and mist.

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Golf

There are a good range of golf courses in Cornwall catering for the requirements of all types of player.

Here are some of our suggestions.

St Mellion Golf and Country Club

Tel:01579 351351

Location: Near Saltash on the A388 Callington to Saltash road Approx 30mindrive

St Mellion boasts two 18 hole parkland /downland golf courses including the championship designed Jack Nicklaus course (men's 6651/5782 yards, ladies' 5630/5324 yards)

Handicap cert. required

Looe Golf Club

Tel: 01503 240239

Location: Bindown 4 miles NE of Looe Approx 10mins drive

18 hole, par 70 course (men's 5940 yards ladies' 5397 yards). A heath and parkland course commanding panoramic views of the Cornish countryside with views over Looe Bay and island.

Good knowledge of golf etiquette required.

China Fleet Golf & Country Club

Tel: 01752 848668

Location: Saltash Take A38 towards Plymouth the club is sign posted .....

Approx 30min drive

18 hole, par 70 course (men's 6551yards, ladies' 5520 yards) bordered by the River Tamar and Kingsmill Creek.

Golf driving range.

Extensive leisure facilities

Handicap cert. required

Carlyon Bay

Tel: 01726 814250

Location: Sea Road, Carlyon Bay near St Austell

Approx 30 min drive

The first 9 holes of this course stretch out along the cliff top, enjoying magnificent views, then the course turns inland through beautiful countryside with many natural hazards including a disused mine shaft.

18 hole, par 72, 6549 yards

Lostwithiel Golf and Country Club

Tel: 01208 873550

Location: Lower Polscoe, Lostwithiel

Approx 15 min drive

This undulating parkland course is situated alongside the River Fowey, overlooked by Restormel Castle.

18 holes, par 72, 5984 yards

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Beaches

The county is rightly well known for its beaches. Whether you are down here on a beach holiday Cornwall and looking for a beach to take granny and the kids with easy parking and likely safe bathing, or are more energetic and fancy a Cornish Coast Path Walk thrown in.

If lazing on a beach is your pleasure, you have a huge choice from small coves or sandy inlets to great crescents of golden sands.

Many beaches hold Blue Flag Awards - your assurance of the highest levels of facilities, cleanliness and bathing water quality.

Cornwall has a multitude of towns and villages for the holidaymaker to explore.  From the cathedral city of Truro to unspolit fishing villages,  the old County Town of Bodmin and the 12th century walled town of Launceston with its prominent castle and Norman Keep. 

Whatever your interests and whenever you visit, Cornwall will be able to offer you entertainment, relaxation, education and inspiration.

Fowey and St Austell Bay - Celebrated as one of Cornwall's most famous authors, connections to Daphne du Maurier can be encountered countywide from Bodmin Moor to Frenchman's Creek. But walk along the border of the Menabilly Estate, climb Gribbin Head and wind down to the tiny crescent of Polkerris Beach and you will experience the essence of Rebecca and the home of Du Maurier for many of her years as an author.

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Horse riding

St Veep Riding Stables

Tel: 01208 873521

Location: Little Hadley, St Veep, Lerryn 2 miles South of Lerryn Village

Approx 20 min Drive

St Veep Riding Stables offers horses and lessons to suit all abilities.

Lower Tokenbury Equestrian Centre

Tel: 01579 362747

Location: Caradon Town, Upton Cross, Liskeard

Approx 10min drive

T.M. International School of Horsemanship

Tel: 01579 362895

Location: Sunrising Riding Centre, Henwood. Liskeard.

Approx 20min drive

Please ask at Reception for leaflets giving further details of theses stables.

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Museums

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Tel: 01326 313388

Location: Discovery Quay, Falmouth. Approx 1 hour 15min drive

Take A39 to Falmouth and follow the signs.

In summer it is possible to use a Park and Float/Ride facility. follow signs as above.

This award winning maritime museum offers unique and interactive displays of boats and their place in people's lives. It boasts a natural tidal gallery, one of only three in the world where one can stand as if on the sea bed, head below sea level, looking through a 5 metre high window ..stand there long enough and you will see the tide rise or fall!

There is also a public reference library, boat building workshop and much more.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm

Royal Cornwall Museum

Tel: 01872 272205

Location: River Street, Truro Approx 50min drive

This is the largest museum in Cornwall and houses a number of important collections. There is a permanent display of Cornwall's history from the Stone Age to the present day, as well as the Natural history of Cornwall and a world famous collection of Minerals. There is also an important collection of ceramics, collections of Roman, Greek and Egyptian antiquities and a changing display of fine and decorative art.

There are, in addition, a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, many with free admission.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

The Pilchard Works Heritage Museum

Tel: 01736 332112

Location: Newlyn, Penzance. Approx 1hour 20 min drive

This is a museum with a difference! Here in the fishing port of Newlyn you will find Britain's only working salt pilchard factory. The pilchard industry is part of Cornwall's traditional heritage and here staff will show you how the processing takes place in the time honoured way.

Opening Hours: April to October

Weekdays 10am to 6pm last admission 5pm

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

Tel: 01736 363625

Location: Morrab Road, Penzance

Set in attractive grounds, this elegant Victorian House is home to an internationally known exhibition of paintings by the artists of the 'Newlyn School' 1880-1910

The museum features a display of 6000 years of the history of west Cornwall.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway

 

This railway is Cornwall's only standard gauge railway still operated by steam locomotives and the trains run through some delightful Cornish scenery.

The Railway is typical of a branch line in the 1950's.  Great Western steam tank engines are the main locomotives to be seen here but diesel traction is also used, particularly on Saturdays 

The main station on the line is at Bodmin General. The engine sheds are here, as well as a Souvenir shop and refreshment room in the restored station buildings.

Boscarne Junction provides a direct link with the "Camel Trail", the cycle and footpath running to Padstow along the route of the old Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway.

 

Visit Cornwall’s Food and Drink Producers

 

St Austell Brewery

Explore St Austell Brewery's interactive museum and learn the fascinating story of our pubs, beers, wines and spirits and about the Cornish families who created them. Take the Tour through the Victorian Brewery and see the brewing process first hand, including the secret spring that supplies our water! End your tour at the Hicks Bar with some essential sampling of our award winning ales. Then visit the licensed Brewery Shop where you will find an extensive range of wines, spirits, gifts and of course, St Austell bottled beers - all at special prices!

 

 

Camel Valley Wines

 

Tasting wines and seeing how they are made is great fun at Camel Valley. Their three unique tours are relaxed and friendly and the location is stunning; sitting on the terrace sipping Camel Valley wine on a summer’s afternoon is magical. You’ll find their attitude refreshingly down to earth - there’s no snobbery there, just a deep and enthusiastic love of wine that they hope you’ll find infectious. Details for each of the tours are below.

Guided Tour

Guided Tours take place at 2.30pm, Monday-Friday between 1st April and 30th September. You’ll be shown both the vineyard and the winery, seeing how the grapes are transformed into award-winning wines – and of course, a glass of wine is included!

Price: £4.50 per person, including wine.

The Camel Valley Gold Experience

The Gold Experience offers a great day out at Camel Valley exploring the vineyard, tasting the wines and discovering more about wine making. The day begins at 10.30am with coffee followed by an informative and entertaining tour of the vineyards with the vineyard manager, when you’ll learn the secrets of producing the best grapes in the English climate.

The wine maker will then take you on a tour of the winery, demystifying the wine making process on the way. A tutored wine tasting will then enable you to experience the Camel Valley wines from a new perspective.

At 1.00pm, we’ll serve a delicious buffet lunch, using mainly Cornish ingredients. Informal and relaxed, the lunch is a great chance to chat more with the wine maker and discuss the wines. After lunch, relaxing on the sun terrace with a little more wine is the perfect way to end the day…

Price: £33 per person including wine tastings and lunch.

The Camel Valley Gold Experience is available on the following dates in 2007:

3rd May
5th June
3rd July
11th September

Tickets for the Camel Valley Gold Experience must be purchased in advance.

OPENING TIMES

WINE SALES 10AM-5PM

Year round Monday to Friday
Saturday Easter to 30th September
Sundays on Bank Holiday weekends only
Winter Times may vary

 

Tregothan English Estate Teas

The Tregothnan Estate has succeeded in creating the ultimate quality leaf in conditions superior even to those in Darjeeling, home of the world’s most famous tea. Tregothnan has a history of botanical firsts and is home to original introductions of Magnolia and rarities from Darjeeling. These now tower to 60ft and are among the largest in cultivation.

Tregothnan has been passionately cared for by the Lord Falmouth’s Family since 1335.

Tea comes from a special form of Camellia sinensis; Tregothnan was also first to grow Camellia ornamentally outdoors 200 years ago. The achievement has been with support from across the tea industry worldwide. Connoisseurs, planters, packers, scores of tea specialists as well as Objective One’s Cornish Horticulture Enterprises have helped Tregothnan deliver a world first: True English Tea!

Now Tregothnan plans a New Garden for Cornwall, a true tea garden with rolling acres of tea, factory, tearooms and many surprises, telling the real secrets of tea with the full support of the international tea industry.

Exclusive guided tours are only available by prior arrangement with the Estate Office and with the permission of the Falmouth family. So please let us know in advance if you would like to experience the only Tea Estate in England.

 

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