What to do in west Cornwall

Stormy skies over Mount's Bay, Marazion

Stormy skies over Mount’s Bay, Marazion

Rain or shine there are hundreds of interesting activities for the visitor to see and do in west Cornwall. If you are looking for high octane adventures or just want to kick back and relax, then there is something for everyone.

This is just a glimpse of some of the things that you could do or try:

  • Kitesurfing lessons with Ocean High, an adrenaline-fuelled experience taught from the beaches of Mount’s Bay (01736 390001)
  • Try your hand at Stand Up Paddleboarding, again with Ocean High, a fun, relaxing activity (01736 390001)
  • Marazion-based Global Boarders can show you how to catch that perfect wave (07980 432313 or 07817 202656)
  • Fishing trips from Bite Adventures (01736 711764)
  • Go go karting at Coast 2 Coast Karting, St Erth (01736 754960
  • A short golf course is available at Greenacres (01736 757600)
  • Horse riding is available from Mulfa Trekking Centre, Newmill (01736 361601), Romany Walks Riding Stables (01736 740838) and Tregurtha Downs Farm Riding School (01736 711422)

Other local attractions include:

Penzance, Newlyn and Mousehole

Just a couple of miles down the road (or the coastal footpath) lies Penzance. Take some time to explore the harbour, Chapel Street (look out for the unusual Egyptian House) and the Art Deco architecture around the Jubilee Pool and the Yacht Inn. Sir Humphrey Davy, famous as the inventor of the Miner’s Safety Lamp, was born in Penzance. And, of course, the town has been immortalised in Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’

Egyptian House, Penzance

Egyptian House, Penzance

Newlyn is England’s largest fishing port and has a busy fish market at the edge of its working harbour. In the late 19th century, painters flocked to the town and became part of what is now known as the ‘Newlyn School’. The Newlyn Art Gallery today holds exhibitions of modern art.

Further along the coast, Mousehole is a quaint fishing village with an attractive harbour right at its heart. Every December, thousands descend on Mousehole to see the Christmas lights.

Land’s End and St Just area

There are numerous little coves and valleys on the south coast between Mousehole and Land’s End. Lamorna, Penberth and Porthcurno are all worth a visit. At Porthcurno, you will find the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum which shows how communications shrunk our world as well as the Minack Theatre, built, literally, in the cliffs.

Cape Cornwall, near St Just

Cape Cornwall, near St Just – Britain’s only cape

Land’s End is a popular tourist destination and a place of stunning beauty. A few miles up the coast is Cape Cornwall, the only cape in this country.

St Ives

Whether you are interested in art, shopping or lazing on a golden sandy beach, St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday resorts. Home to the Tate Gallery with nationally-significant exhibitions, St Ives remains a magnet for artists.

Helston and the Lizard

Helston, to the east of Marazion, is home of the famous Furry Dance every May. The town itself is worth exploring.

Heading south from Helston takes you past RNAS Culdrose, home of the air sea rescue helicopters. There is also the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, who rescue more than 40 seal pups every season.

The Lizard is Britain’s most southerly point and it was from here (Poldhu Cove) that Marconi first received transatlantic wireless signals and the first satellite television pictures were received by Goonhilly Earth Station.

Truro and Falmouth

Truro is the most south-westerly city in the UK and the main shopping centre in Cornwall. Towering over the centre is the Victorian Gothic cathedral. The city has many fine streets of houses and is also home to the Royal Cornwall Museum, with many interesting items such as an unwrapped mummy!

Truro in the sun

Truro

Falmouth is an interesting town and home to the National Maritime Museum with its wide range of exhibits about our marine heritage.

Eden Project

Since opening in 2003, the two giant biomes at the Eden Project and its surrounding microclimate have captured the hearts and minds of millions of visitors. If you have any interest in plants or nature, a visit to Eden is essential. It also hosts regular events and concerts in the summer months.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project

The Isles of Scilly

Just a short hop from Land’s End airfield or by boat trip on the Scillonian III, the Scilly Isles are a true paradise on our doorstep. A world apart from mainland Britain, you cannot fail to be captivated by the beauty of these islands.

St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

Gardens to visit

There are many fascinating, beautiful gardens to visit in mid and west Cornwall, see the VisitCornwall website for more ideas:

Last and most definitely not least, the coast paths and byways around Marazion will give you hours of endless walking pleasure. With so much to do and so much to see, you will look forward to a great night’s sleep at Glenleigh House.