HISTORIC HOUSES AND CASTLES

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
(EH, open all year, except Xmas)
Henry V111 had Pendennis Castle built to defend the anchorage of the Carrick Roads from possible Spanish attacks. Museum and Discovery Centre. Fabulous views of Falmouth.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/pendennis

Prideaux Place, Padstow
(open Apr - Oct)
The family home of the Prideaux family, this stunning Elizabethan house offers an insight into 400 years of Cornish history.
www.prideauxplace.co.uk

St Michael's Mount, nr Penzance
(open Apr - Oct)
Spectacular castle on an island rock, dating back to the 14th century. Fine views towards Lands End and the Lizard across Mount's Bay. Accessed by causeway or ferry at low tide. Café and National Trust shop.
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
(EH, open all year, except Xmas)
Legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Magnificent setting on a windswept Atlantic headland.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel

GREAT GARDENS OF CORNWALL

Eden Project, Pentewan, near St Austell
(open daily excl. Xmas)
One of Cornwall's finest attractions, the Eden Project, contains a wide variety of plants from different climate zones around the world housed in giant conservatories, known as "biomes". Not only does it show the sheer beauty of the natural plant world but also aims to educate people in the importance of the environment and sustainability.
www.edenproject.com

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St Austell
(open all year)
After many years lying hidden under a thick blanket of bramble, ivy, laurel and fallen timber, the Gardens of Heligan are being restored to their former glory. Features include a collection of walled gardens and a sub-tropical valley overflowing with palms, tree ferns, bamboos and exotic trees and shrubs.
www.heligan.com

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith, Nr. Falmouth
(Open all year)
Gorgeous steeply wooded ravine garden leads down to private cove on the Helford River. Listed by the Good Gardens Guide as one of the 80 finest gardens in the world.
www.trebahgarden.co.uk

Trelissick, Truro
(NT, Open all year)
The National Trust estate of Trelissick overlooks the great expanse of the Carrick Roads, with superb views of the Fal Estuary and Falmouth harbour. A variety of shrubs and plants including rhododendrons, hydrangeas and camellias, surrounded by parkland and woods.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Other Attractions

CHINA CLAY COUNTRY PARK, MININING AND HERITAGE CENTRE
Two miles north of St Austell, Cornwall on the B3274
Open daily from 10.00 am
The China Clay Country Park offers a fascinating insight into the authentic history of the communities that lived, worked and played in the shadow of the clay industry. Set in 26 acres of woodland the visitor can explore nature and historical trails leading up to a high viewpoint that gives a panoramic view of Wheal Martyn Pit a modern working clay quarry, from here can be seen the powerful water jets and massive trucks and equipment that extract this important material so essential in our everyday lives. The preserved Victorian clay works boasts Cornwall's largest working waterwheel and the collection of exhibits includes a rare 1914 Peerless truck and other historic vehicles.
www.chinaclaycountry.co.uk

Dobwalls Family Adventure Park, nr Liskeard
(open daily Easter - Oct)
A good day out for the family, particularly for 6-11 year olds, featuring an American style miniature railroad with 10 different trains and Adventureland, a large adventure play area with lots of ropes and walkways in a woodland setting. Costumed bears entertain the younger ones, and there is also a children's driving school complete with a mini London bus. Reasonably priced tickets are valid for one week, or reduced entry for the afternoon, after 2.30pm.
www.dobwalls.com

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
(open daily)
This world-class landmark on Falmouth's harbour front is a gateway to the maritime world, offering unique and interactive displays of boats and their place in people's lives. Discover Cornwall's maritime heritage, take in the breathtaking views from the top of the tower and experience racing in a regatta - this superb new museum has something for everyone.
www.nmm.ac.uk

Tate Gallery St Ives
(open daily excl. Xmas & Mons except BH & Jul/Aug)
St Ives has always been popular with artists and the Gallery shows works by St Ives School artists and 20th century art with a Cornish connection. The impressive building enjoys a wonderful cliffside setting.
www.tate.org.uk/stives

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Tate Gallery St Ives

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles, through some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe. The path begins at Minehead in Somerset, continues across North Devon, then all the way round Cornwall, through South Devon, and finally along the Dorset coast ending at Poole Harbour. It was originally a working footpath used by the Coastguards to patrol the South West Peninsula coastal area to prevent smuggling. Coastguard cottages were built at various points along the route, most of which are still standing today although usually converted to some other use. Splendid scenic coastal views can be enjoyed from most parts of the path, as the Coastguards had to be able to see into every little hidden cove and inlet. It is estimated that it would take approximately six to seven weeks to walk the entire path, but obviously short stretches can be enjoyed during a short-break or holiday in the area. Down round Land's End is the Granite Coast, where the granite is formed into angular castellated blocks, unique on the English coastline. In early summer the sea pinks here create a pretty carpet of pink contrasting with the azure blue of the sea beyond - definitely a lovely time to visit.

For further information go direct to the South West Coast Path website.