Eden Project
A giant botanical garden can be found close to the town of St. Austell. The Eden Project is one of the most important sights in England. In the year 2011 alone, more than one million people visited the garden. The world’s biggest greenhouse is home of over 5000 plant species which can grow and flourish in their natural climate zones simulated within the building. In a playful manner, young and older visitors can learn everything about endangered species. A highlight of
the Eden Project is the biggest artificial rainforest in the world. This is also a popular venue for all kind of events, concerts and exhibitions.
Tate St.Ives
Art enthusiasts should not miss to visit the Tate St. Ives, opened in 1993. Fans of modern and contemporary art will love the atmosphere in the artists’ colony founded by Christopher Wood, Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis. Three times a year the exhibitions, that concentrate on a special artist or topic, change. Another highlight is the atelier of the famous sculptress Barbara Hepworth that has been converted into a museum after she died. The museum is also managed by the Tate St. Ives.
Trewithen Gardens
Probably the largest manor in Cornwall is Trewithen House which is surrounded by beautiful garden grounds. You cannot get enough of looking at the old trees, the huge rhododendrons, the rare types of orchids and the longest lawn in the world. An eye-catcher is the magnolia fountain which is a symbol for the beautiful trees on the ground. The elegant home of the Galsworthy family takes you back to the world of the English aristocracy. During a guided tour of the house you can see furniture and art collections of former owners.
Land’s End
Land’s End is the most western point of the English mainland and is located close to the town of Penzance. The town and the peninsula carry the same name. This beautiful region is a popular starting point for walks and bike tours along Cornwall’s coast. You can also find a theme park with ships, fishing-boats and shops. If you take a closer look down the cliffs, you can discover the wreck of the ship RMS Mühlheim which sank in 2003. A little further from the coast there is a whole shipwreck graveyard which is very popular amongst divers.
St. Michael’s Mount
To reach the tidal island St. Michael’s Mount, you have to take a ferry or wait for ebb. Located directly off the coast, there is only a narrow causeway that leads to the island. On the mountain you find a subtropical garden, a chapel from the 15th century and other religious buildings what gives the place a religious character. It is very surprisingly that the island has its own underground rail which is used for freight transport between the harbour and the castle. The castle is the resident of Lord St. Levans.
National Maritime Museum
Not only sea bears will love the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. The focus of the exhibition is on seafaring, fishing and ship-building. Taking a look at the boat collection, you immediately get the desire to set to sea. Visit the tidal area that illustrates how Falmouth harbour looks under the surface. In the Nav Station you can learn everything about weather and maritime navigation. This is important to find your way on sea. A visit of the museum is definitely worthwhile.
Pendennis Castle
Founder of the former bulwark Pendennis Castle in Falmouth was none other than Heinrich VIII. Today the well-preserved site is a popular tourist attraction. The impressing tower and the intact wall have already provided protection to many people. On the observation post visitors can experience how an assault in the Second World War took place. The gundeck from the Tudor period is also used for many demonstrations that amaze the visitors. Furthermore you find different exhibitions that show the life of the soldiers at Pendennis Castle.
Heartlands
If you spend your vacation in Cornwall together with your children, a visit to Heartlands will be unavoidable. On a huge area you find a botanical garden, a giant adventure-playground and several art galleries. In workshops you can do some handicraft work by yourself. The best part of Heartlands is, you do not have to pay any entrance fee. The area is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Until 1998 there has been a tin-mine, an important symbol of the region for over 400 years. After closing the mine, the financial support by the Big Lottery Found helped to turn the project into action and to open the park in summer 2012.