Attractions

Gardens and Country Houses

Eden Project - A dramatic global garden based in the natural theatre of a china claypit overlooking St Austell Bay. Nestling within it are two gigantic geodesic conservatories, the largest is 200 metres long and 55 metres high - the biggest in the world! This world class visitor destination has been created to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources leading to a sustainable future for all.

Here is a link to the Official Eden Project Website - http://www.edenproject.com

Keith's Eden Project Website - http://www.eden-project.co.uk

The Lost Gardens of Heligan - The garden restoration of the century. Lost for many years this was truly the secret garden. Eight acres of superb pleasure grounds plus five walled gardens and a huge vegetable garden. Voted March 2002 the nation's favourite garden by the viewers of BBC's Gardeners World.

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery - Quite unusual in the in the plant growing world of today. Big enough to offer something like four thousand varieties of plants for sale, it still feels like a small specialist nursery.

Cotehele- An ancient and romantic place, hidden in woodland above the River Tamar.

Lanhydrock - The grandest and most welcoming house in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is superbly set in 450 acres of woods and parkland running down to the Fowey. lovely in all seasons.

Pencarrow - A Georgian house with 50 acres of Grade II* Listed Gardens must be one of Cornwall's finest stately homes.

St Michael's Mount - The jewel in Cornwall's crown, this magical island has a church, a medieval castle (home of the St Aubyn family for over 300 years), an exotic garden clinging to the steep flanks, and an ancient harbour where you will find shops, restaurants and an audio-visual presentation on the history of the Mount.

Trelissick - A garden of rare beauty, set as the jewel in an estate of 500 acres, which is surrounded by water on three sides. The garden is a plantsman's delight, with collections of rare and exotic shrubs that thrive in the mild Cornish climate.

Trerice - A delightful small Elizabethan manor house, Trerice is an architectural gem hidden away from the world in a web of narrow lanes and still somehow caught in the spirit of its age.

Heritage

Geevor Tin Mine - The last mine to work in West Penwith. Set in dramatic coastal scenery, Geevor is now the largest complete mining site in Britain where visitors can follow the story of the mining and processing of tin.

Wheal Martyn Clay Museum - Discover the fascinating story of china clay. There is plenty of variety for all the family. Following an audio-visual introduction, the Historic Trail takes you through the old clay works where you will see the largest working water wheel in Cornwall.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway - Cornwall's only standard gauge steam railway. The line is set in beautiful countryside in the heart of the county.

Pendinnis Castle - 450 years of history can be traced from one of Henry VIII's coastal strongholds to its last military role as a secret Second World War base. A Discovery Centre packed with activities allows visitors to get to grips with the history of this superb fortress.

St Austell Brewery - Visitor Centre - Take a guided tour around Cornwall's oldest independent family brewery. St Austell Brewery has been brewing beer on the same site for more than 100 years and many of the original traditions and skills remain at the heart of St Austell beers today. Website - www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Poldark Mine - An all weather site set in the picturesque Wendron Valley Poldark contains a growing range of local craft shops, interactive craft workshops and activities for all age groups. FREE ENTRY.

Royal Cornwall Museum - The museum has a permanent display on the history of Cornwall from the Stone Age to the present day, as well as the natural history of Cornwall.

Maritime Attractions

National Maritime Museum Cornwall - If you're looking for guaranteed entertainment for all the family, come rain or shine, then National Maritime Museum Cornwall has it all. New for 2004 is the Olympic exhibition called the 'Will to Win'. With one of only three natural underwater viewing locations in the world, breathtaking views from the 29m tower, hands-on interactives, audio visual immersive experiences, talks, special exhibitions and the opportunity to get out onto the water and discover the marine life around our coastline, the Museum has everything for the whole family.

Charlestown Shipwreck Centre - Located in a historic china clay building, the centre offers visitors an insight into the history of Charlestown and shipwrecks. They have the largest exhibition of artefacts recovered by divers, on public display in the UK. Walk through underground tunnels where clay trucks were pushed out to the ships in the port.

Fowey - Mevagissey Passenger Ferry - Combine a visit to two of Cornwall's most picturesque and contrasting ports with a return ferry trip across St Austell Bay between Fowey and Mevagissey. Website - www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk

Wildlife

Blue Reef Aquarium - Overlooking the Atlantic, the Blue Reef Aquarium is the perfect location to appreciate the beauty of the oceans.

National Seal Sanctuary - Home to Britain's leading marine animal rescue centre. Set in 40 acres of beautiful country on the picturesque Helford Estuary nr Helston.

Newquay Zoo - There's always something new at Newquay Zoo. Explore the new rainforest exhibit in the zoo‚s tropical house where you will discover a whole world of exotic animals. Water cascades down the ancient temple walls to the pools filled with tropical fish.

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary - opened in 1973, the founder, Mike Reynolds wanted to create a home for his collection of birds, and imagined a sheltered spot with large aviaries set in beautiful gardens.

The Monkey Sanctuary - Meet a colony of Amazonian Woolly Monkeys, see them forage and play, and get a unique insight into their daily lives and individual characters.

Arts and Crafts

Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery - now offers the widest range of jewellery
related courses available at any independent school in the UK ! Jewellery making is fun and whether you are a total beginner or already have some experience, you can sign up to use the facilities of the workshop. - Website - http://www.mcsj.co.uk/

Attractions and Theme Parks

Dairy Land - A favourite with families for nearly 30 years, this bustling dairy farm is not only hugely entertaining, it's particularly good value too. There are masses to do, with plenty of play areas and children's activities.

Flambards - With internationally acclaimed exhibitions, the best thrill rides in Cornwall, family shows, live entertainment, glorious gardens, whatever the weather, The Flambards Experience is - the Best Day of the week.

Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station - With over 60 dishes on site, Goonhilly is the largest satellite station in the world and makes a dramatic appearance on the landscape. Able to transmit to every corner of the globe via space, and through undersea fibre optic cables.

Lands End - The most westerly point in mainland England offers first class exhibitions and facilities to complement the spectacular natural attractions.
Water World - Swim in the 25 metre pool or slide down the 60 metre water flume into the tropical pools clear blue water.

Miniatura Park - Goony Farm is a 2 acre small animal petting farm where children can pick up and feed some of the residents. World in Miniature, situated in the main park gardens, features models of landmarks throughout the world. Dinosaur Discovery Trail, wander beneath the biggest animals that ever walked the earth, now even more realistic thanks to special effects.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway - Board a 15 gauge steam train, Zebedee or Muffin, at Benny Halt and travel on a mile-long journey through a beautiful Cornish valley to our leisure park at East Wheal Rose. Then ride on two more miniature railways: the 10 1/4 gauge climbs nearly half a mile further up the valley, and the 7 1/4 gauge travels a circuit of 320 metres.

Kids Kingdom / Ben's Playworld - Indoor play / adventure centre.

Springfields - Fun Park and Pony Centre, features indoor and outdoor play areas, woodland walks and the chance to meet ride and groom more than 25 native british ponies.

Oasis Fun Pool - The Oasis Fun Pools in Newquay is the ideal family attraction for the whole family whatever the weather! With its amazing indoor and outdoor pools you will have fabulous fun.

Waterworld - Bask in the tropical fun pool with water cannon, tipper, flumes, slides, erupting volcano, spitting snakes & crocodile or enjoy a swim in the 6 lane 25 metre swimming pool. In2Fitness, Stay fit & healthy using the state of the art "Life Fitness" gym, superbly equipped, with instruction from our fully qualified instructors.

Places of Interest

Fowey - An historic town overlooking a deep-water anchorage, Fowey is one of Cornwall's most picturesque and romantic places. The pace of life in its narrow street is easy and there are few concessions to modern development. Home of the Daphne Du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature.

Lostwithiel - One of the most attractive and interesting small market towns in Cornwall.

Looe - The town was formerly a pilchard fishing village. The bustling quayside is still lined with fishing boats and shark-fishing expeditions can be taken or more leisurely boat trips.

Luxulyan - Winding north from St Blazey is a favourite springtime beauty spot with local people. A mighty viaduct carried a mineral line and aqueduct across the valley. Luxulyan Valley contains some interesting circular walks which are ideal for exploring the area. The Saints Way passes through Luxulyan on its route from Padstow to Fowey.

Mevagissey - A famous and lovely fishing village. Still a flourishing fishing port although tourists have tended to replace pilchards as a source of income.
Scilly Isles - Take a day trip from Newquay Airport and fly to The Isles of Scilly.

Walking / Cycling
Cornwall is a paradise for the hiker or casual walker. In addition to its wealth of beautiful inland walks, Cornwall has 228miles of coastal footpath.

Saints Way - The Saints way crosses mid-Cornwall and follows a diverse range of scenery from valleys and pastures to woodland, moors and villages. The 30 mile trail commences in the town of Padstow and terminates at the southern port of Fowey.
South West Coast Path - The South West Coast Path offers a 630 mile continuous coastal adventure and features some of the most dramatic landscapes and breath taking views of any walking trail. But you don't need to be super-fit to enjoy it! Perfect for a short stroll or walk.

Luxulyan Valley - A variety of routes can be taken around the valley, each one lets you explore the industrial remains as well as the interesting natural features.
Camel Trail - a cycle path following the line of a disused railway, runs along the beautiful the Camel Estuary from Padstow the 6 miles to Wadebridge, and on , for the more adventurous, another 8 miles to Bodmin; and yet on again to the western edge of Bodmin Moor, the rugged heart of Cornwall. Left your bikes at home? No problem, there are several bike hire shops in Padstow Wadebridge and Bodmin from which to rent one.

Pentewan Valley - A shorter version of the Camel Trail, traffic free, and level, hence particularly suitable for families. Nearly 3 miles long, past the sluice ponds, through ancient oak woodland and alongside the River. Car parking at both ends. Cycle hire available.

Links

Norfolk Tourist Guide - Norfolk Tourist Guide caters for all tourists needs in Norfolk. It is the premier guide for all leisure and tourism activities.http://www.norfolktouristguide.com

Kent Tourist Guide - Kent tourist guide caters for all the tourist needs within the county of Kent. It is a comprehensive guide for all tourism and leisure activities.http://www.kenttouristguide.com

Food for my Hoilday - Chef-selected quality cornish produce delivered to your holiday accommodation. http://www.food4myholiday.com

If you have an attraction or event which you would like listed above please e-mail: enquiries@cornhillfarmcottages.co.uk