Places of interest in Cornwall facts for kids
Cornwall is a beautiful county in the southwest of England, famous for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and rich history. It's a popular place for holidays, and there are many exciting places to visit, from ancient castles and mines to amazing gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. This list will tell you about some of the best spots to explore in Cornwall!
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Amazing Castles and Ancient Sites
Cornwall has a long history, and you can still see many places where people lived and worked thousands of years ago, or where important battles took place.
Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle is a mighty fortress built by King Henry VIII in the 1540s. It was designed to protect England from attacks by France and Spain. This castle has been used for hundreds of years, even during World War II. You can explore its towers, tunnels, and see how soldiers lived there. It's a great place to imagine what life was like long ago!
St Mawes Castle
Just across the water from Pendennis Castle is St Mawes Castle. It was also built by King Henry VIII around the same time. This castle is very well preserved and has a unique clover-leaf shape. It's fun to explore its round towers and see the cannons that once guarded the Carrick Roads.
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is one of Cornwall's most famous and mysterious places. It's linked to the legend of King Arthur, and its dramatic ruins sit high on a cliff overlooking the sea. You can cross a new bridge to reach the island part of the castle and explore the ancient remains. The views are incredible, and it's easy to imagine knights and legends here.
Restormel Castle
Restormel Castle is a unique circular castle that dates back to the 13th century. It's one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Britain. You can walk around its circular walls and enjoy the peaceful countryside views. It's a lovely spot for a picnic and to learn about medieval life.
Chysauster Ancient Village
Chysauster Ancient Village is a fascinating place where you can see the remains of an Iron Age settlement. People lived here about 2,000 years ago! You can walk through the stone foundations of their homes, which were called 'courtyard houses'. It gives you a real sense of how people lived in Cornwall a very long time ago.
Chûn Castle and Quoit
Chûn Castle is an Iron Age hillfort, which means it was a fortified village on a hill. Nearby is Chûn Quoit, an ancient burial chamber made of huge stones. These sites are great for exploring ancient history and imagining the people who built them.
The Hurlers
The Hurlers are three ancient stone circles on Bodmin Moor. Legend says they are men who were turned to stone for playing a game called 'hurling' on a Sunday. These mysterious circles are a great example of prehistoric monuments in Cornwall.
Mên-an-Tol
Mên-an-Tol is a very unusual ancient stone formation. It consists of three upright stones, with a circular stone in the middle that has a hole through it. It's a popular spot for photos and has many old folk tales associated with it.
Wonderful Gardens and Nature Spots
Cornwall is known for its mild climate, which allows many special plants to grow. It also has stunning natural landscapes.
Eden Project
The Eden Project is a world-famous attraction. It features huge domes called 'biomes' that house thousands of plants from different climates around the world. One biome is like a rainforest, and another is like the Mediterranean. It's an amazing place to learn about plants, nature, and how we can protect our planet.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were once forgotten and overgrown for many years. They have been beautifully restored to their former glory. You can explore different areas, including a jungle, a pleasure garden, and a productive vegetable garden. It's a magical place with giant sculptures made from plants and mud.
Trelissick Garden
Trelissick Garden is a beautiful garden with stunning views over the Carrick Roads. It has a wide variety of plants, including exotic trees and shrubs. It's a lovely place for a walk, and you can also visit the house and art gallery.
Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches, famous for its turquoise water, white sand, and unique rock formations. It's a fantastic place for exploring rock pools and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Land's End
Land's End is the most westerly point of mainland England. It's a famous landmark with dramatic cliffs and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can take photos at the iconic signpost and enjoy the wild beauty of the coastline.
The Lizard
The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point of mainland Britain. It's known for its rugged cliffs, unique geology, and beautiful coves like Kynance Cove. It's a great place for coastal walks and spotting wildlife.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is a vast, wild area of granite moorland. It's home to ancient stone circles, old mining ruins, and wild ponies. It's a great place for hiking and exploring the rugged Cornish landscape.
Fun and Unique Attractions
Cornwall offers many unique experiences, from riding on old trains to seeing amazing shows.
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is an incredible open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs overlooking the sea. It's a truly magical place to watch a play, with the ocean as a natural backdrop. Even if you don't see a show, visiting the theatre and seeing its amazing location is an experience in itself.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured seal pups. You can see the seals being cared for and learn about their lives. It's a wonderful place to learn about marine wildlife and conservation.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Lappa Valley Steam Railway is a fun attraction where you can ride on miniature steam trains through beautiful countryside. There are also other activities like crazy golf, a boating lake, and play areas, making it perfect for a family day out.
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
This is a heritage railway where you can ride on full-size steam trains. It's a great way to experience the charm of old-fashioned train travel and see the Cornish countryside from a different perspective.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Located in Falmouth, this museum tells the story of Cornwall's strong connection to the sea. You can learn about boats, famous sailors, and the history of fishing and trade. There are often interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages.
Tate St. Ives
Tate St. Ives is a modern art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach. It showcases British and international modern art, often with a focus on artists who have been inspired by Cornwall's unique light and landscape. It's a great place to see some amazing artworks.
Paradise Park, Cornwall
Paradise Park is a wildlife sanctuary and jungle barn. It's home to many different birds, including parrots, penguins, and birds of prey. You can watch flying displays and learn about conservation efforts. There's also an indoor play area.
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine is a real former tin mine that you can explore. You can go underground into the old mine tunnels and learn about the tough lives of Cornish miners. It's a fascinating insight into Cornwall's rich mining history, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Charming Towns and Villages
Cornwall has many picturesque towns and villages, each with its own unique character.
Looe
Looe is a charming fishing town divided by the River Looe. It has a busy harbour, sandy beaches, and narrow streets filled with shops and cafes. You can take boat trips from here or just enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is another beautiful fishing village with a historic harbour. It's known for its narrow, winding streets and traditional Cornish cottages. You can watch the fishing boats come and go and enjoy fresh seafood.
Mousehole
Mousehole (pronounced 'Mow-zul') is a tiny, picturesque fishing village with a beautiful harbour. It's famous for its Christmas lights display and has a very quaint, traditional feel.
Polperro
Polperro is a stunning village with a natural harbour, known for its smuggling history. Cars are not allowed in the village centre, so you can enjoy walking through its narrow, winding streets and soaking in the atmosphere.
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