List of museums in Cornwall facts for kids
Welcome to a super cool guide to museums in Cornwall, England! Cornwall is a beautiful place with lots of history, and these museums are like treasure chests filled with amazing stories and objects from the past. They collect and take care of things that are important for culture, art, science, or history. Then, they show these collections to everyone. You'll find everything from old houses and art galleries to places that tell the story of Cornwall's famous mining past. Get ready to explore!
Awesome Museums to Explore
Here's a list of some fantastic museums in Cornwall. Each one offers a unique adventure into history, art, or local life.
Name | Image | Town/City | What You'll Find |
---|---|---|---|
Antony House | ![]() |
Antony | An early 18th-century house with beautiful gardens. It's full of old paintings, furniture, and textiles. |
Barbara Hepworth Museum | ![]() |
St Ives | Explore the studio and amazing sculptures by the famous 20th-century artist, Barbara Hepworth. |
Bodmin Jail | ![]() |
Bodmin | Step back in time at this old jail. Learn about its history and the stories of local criminals. |
Bodmin Town Museum | Bodmin | Discover the history, culture, and industries of Bodmin, including natural history and old transport. | |
The Castle, Bude | Bude | This castle was once home to the Victorian inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. It shares stories of local history, the Bude Canal, and art. Entry is free! | |
Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre | ![]() |
Charlestown | Dive into the history of shipwrecks, diving, and salvage. You'll also see exhibits on mining and minerals. |
Cornish Mines and Engines | Pool | See impressive engine houses and beam engines. Learn all about Cornwall's industrial past. | |
Cornwall's Regimental Museum | ![]() |
Bodmin | Explore the history and artifacts of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry regiment. |
Cotehele | ![]() |
Calstock | A Tudor house filled with tapestries, old weapons, armor, and furniture. It also has lovely gardens. |
Davidstow Airfield Cornwall at War Museum | Davidstow | Learn about the history of this former World War II airfield and military life in the area. | |
Falmouth Art Gallery | Falmouth | See amazing art from Old Masters, Victorian artists, and even children's book illustrators. | |
Flambards Experience | ![]() |
Helston | This amusement park has cool museum exhibits. Explore Victorian shops, homes, and learn about life in Britain during The Blitz. |
Fowey Museum | ![]() |
Fowey | Discover the history, culture, and shipping stories of Fowey. |
Geevor Tin Mine | ![]() |
Pendeen | Go underground and explore a real former tin mine. It's a fascinating look at Cornwall's mining heritage. |
Godolphin Estate | ![]() |
Godolphin Cross | A beautiful Tudor/Stuart mansion with early formal gardens. It's a great place to imagine life long ago. |
Heartlands | Pool | This amazing place was once a mining area. It has an interactive exhibit about Cornish mining, a restored beam engine, and an adventure playground. Entry is free! | |
Helston Museum | Helston | Explore local history, culture, art, archaeology, mining, fishing, farming, and old costumes. | |
Jamaica Inn | ![]() |
Bolventor | This famous inn has a museum about smuggling in the area. It also features exhibits on the author Daphne du Maurier. |
John Betjeman Centre | ![]() |
Wadebridge | Located in the old Wadebridge railway station, this center celebrates the poet and author John Betjeman. |
King Edward Mine Museum | ![]() |
Camborne | Visit another former tin mine and learn about the hard work of miners. |
Lanhydrock | ![]() |
Helston | A grand Victorian country estate with beautiful gardens. It's like stepping into a fancy historical novel. |
Launceston Steam Railway | ![]() |
Launceston | Enjoy a ride on a heritage railway and see a museum of vintage transport and machinery. |
Leach Pottery | St Ives | Discover the world of 20th-century studio art pottery. See how beautiful ceramics are made. | |
Levant Mine and Beam Engine | ![]() |
Trewellard | Visit this old copper and tin mine. See a working steam-powered beam engine in action! |
Liskeard and District Museum | ![]() |
Liskeard | Learn about local history, mining, and even old tin toys. |
Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre | ![]() |
Lizard Point | Explore the history and important role of the Lizard Lighthouse, guiding ships safely. |
Mary Newman's Cottage | ![]() |
Saltash | This 17th-century cottage is said to be the home of explorer Sir Francis Drake's first wife. |
Mount Edgcumbe House | ![]() |
Cremyll | A grand 16th-century house, restored to its 18th-century look. It has art, tapestries, and lovely gardens. |
Museum of Witchcraft | Boscastle | This unique museum displays artifacts related to witchcraft and Wiccan history. | |
National Maritime Museum Cornwall | ![]() |
Falmouth | Discover Cornwall's amazing maritime history. See a collection of small boats and learn about boat building. |
Newlyn Art Gallery | Newlyn | See fantastic contemporary art at this gallery. | |
North Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery | Camelford | Explore local history, art, old farm tools, and pottery from Cornwall and Devon. | |
Pencarrow | ![]() |
Bodmin | A beautiful 18th-century mansion with stunning gardens. |
Pendennis Castle | ![]() |
Falmouth | This fortress was built by Henry VIII! Explore its history all the way through World War II. |
Penlee House | ![]() |
Penzance | See beautiful paintings by artists from the famous Newlyn School. |
PK Porthcurno, Museum of Global Communications | Porthcurno | Learn about the incredible history of global communication and how messages traveled across the world. | |
Poldark Mine | Wendron | Another fascinating former tin mine where you can experience the underground world of Cornish miners. | |
Prideaux Place | ![]() |
Padstow | A country mansion with royal portraits, fine furniture, and a special porcelain collection. |
Royal Cornwall Museum | ![]() |
Truro | This big museum has a bit of everything! Art, archaeology, local history, natural history, geology, and even ancient Egyptian artifacts. |
Saltash Museum | ![]() |
Saltash | Discover the local history and culture of Saltash, with old records and photographs. |
St Agnes Museum | St Agnes | Learn about the history, culture, mining, minerals, and maritime stories of St Agnes. | |
St Michael's Mount | St Michael's Mount | Take a tour of the amazing island castle. It's like something out of a fairy tale! | |
Tate St Ives | ![]() |
St Ives | See modern British art, including works by artists from the famous St Ives School. |
Tintagel Old Post Office | Tintagel | Visit a 19th-century post office inside a 14th-century farmhouse. It's run by the National Trust. | |
Trerice | ![]() |
Newquay | An Elizabethan manor house with an orchard and even a collection of old lawnmowers! |
Wheal Martyn China Clay Country Park | ![]() |
Treverbyn | Explore the history of the china clay mining industry. See how clay was mined and learn about the communities that grew around it. |
Defunct Museums
Some museums have closed over time, but their stories are still part of Cornwall's history.
- Barnes Museum of Cinematography, St Ives
- British Cycling Museum, Camelford Station, Camelford
- Cornwall Geological Museum, Penzance
- Trinity House National Lighthouse Museum, Penzance
Images for kids
See also
- List of places in Cornwall
- List of windmills in Cornwall
- Visitor attractions in Cornwall
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List of museums in Cornwall Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.