Local Attractions

Explore Cornwall’s most inspiring local attractions, where culture, coastline and countryside come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Discover more, breathe deeply and let every moment help you rest, reset and revive.

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail was built in 1779 and reveals the gripping tales of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment. 55 executions took place within its formidable walls; some for what we today would call petty offences, others for crimes such as rape, murder and stealing with the last execution in 1909.

St Neots Church

Named after a monk born in the 9th Century, St. Neot’s church is famous for its stained glass. Of international importance, it’s the 2nd largest collection of surviving medieval windows in England having survived both the reformation and the civil war. Incorporate a stop at the London Inn as part of your visit.

Lanhydrock

Run by the National Trust, a magnificent Victorian Estate extending to 1000 acres and includes a Jacobean mansion, formal gardens, parkland, gift shop, café and cycle trails. As well as cycling, other activities include Parkrun, fishing and horse-riding.

Bodmin Railway

A dog-friendly attraction, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway operates from Bodmin General Station, with free car parking, or a short walk from Bodmin town centre. Trains operate throughout the year and is Cornwall’s only full-size steam railway. It incorporates a 13-mile round trip through the Cornish countryside. It links with Bodmin Parkway main line station, as well as Boscarne Junction, which is directly adjacent to the Camel Trail.

Seal Sanctuary

Based in Gweek near Helston. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates over 70 seals a year that can be viewed in its harbour views pools and underwater viewing areas. Dog friendly, the sanctuary is open all year. It also offers various experiences including breakfast with the seals, being a keeper for the day, VIP cream tea & tour and photography tour amongst others. In addition to seals, there are also penguins, beavers, and paddock animals.

Padstow

A picturesque fishing port surrounded by stunning beaches, Padstow has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. Steeped in history as part of the ancient pilgrim route known as the Saints’ Way, its pretty working harbour may have been in use as far back as 2,500 BC. Set along the Camel Estuary, the town is framed by two breathtaking National Landscapes, the Camel Estuary and Carnewas to Stepper Point, offering an area rich in natural beauty, rare plant life and protected wildlife including the otter. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy the calm of nature.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel is one of Cornwall’s most iconic coastal destinations, famed for its dramatic cliffs, ancient castle ruins, and legendary connection to King Arthur. Said to be the birthplace of the mythical king, Tintagel is steeped in history, folklore, and a sense of magic that lingers throughout the landscape. The surrounding coastline offers spectacular walking along the South West Coast Path, with rugged sea views, hidden valleys, and nearby beauty spots including St Nectan's Glen and Trebarwith Strand.

Eden Project

Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most celebrated attractions, home to vast biomes filled with plants and ecosystems from around the world. Built within a former clay pit, the Eden Project combines nature, sustainability and immersive experiences in a truly unique setting. Visitors can explore tropical rainforests, Mediterranean landscapes, outdoor gardens and seasonal exhibitions, all while learning about the connection between people and the natural world. With striking architecture, family-friendly activities, and year-round events, the Eden Project offers an inspiring day out surrounded by beauty, creativity, and environmental innovation.

Port Issac

Port Isaac is a quintessential Cornish fishing village, known for its narrow, winding streets lined with charming whitewashed cottages that overlook the picturesque harbour, locally known as the Platt. With a fishing heritage dating back to the early fourteenth century, the village has long been deeply connected to the sea, and fishing remains an important part of local life. Its name comes from the Cornish Porthysek, meaning “corn port,” reflecting its historic role in the grain trade. Since 2004, Port Isaac has also gained fame as the fictional village of Port Wenn in the BBC series Doc Martin, and it is the birthplace of the Fisherman’s Friends, who can still occasionally be heard performing impromptu concerts on the Platt.

Fowey

Fowey is a picturesque harbour town set along one of Cornwall’s most beautiful estuaries, where winding cobbled streets and historic waterfront buildings reflect its rich maritime past. Once an important trading port for tin, copper, and china clay, Fowey is now known for its sailing culture, literary heritage, and stunning coastal scenery. The town famously inspired writers including Daphne du Maurier and Rosamunde Pilcher, whose connection to the area helped cement Fowey’s reputation as a place of creativity and storytelling. Surrounded by wooded creeks, beaches, and rugged countryside, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxed waterside charm.

Charlestown

Charlestown is a beautifully preserved Georgian harbour village known for its historic tall ships, cobbled quays, and timeless coastal charm. Originally built by Charles Rashleigh to export copper and later china clay, the harbour still reflects its rich maritime past. Today, visitors come to enjoy its independent cafés, waterside inns, and picturesque setting, made even more famous as a filming location for Poldark.

Colwith Farm Distillery

Colwith Farm Distillery is Cornwall’s first “plough to bottle” distillery, crafting award-winning vodka and gin using potatoes grown on the family’s fifth-generation farm. Set within the Cornish countryside near Fowey and Lostwithiel, the distillery combines traditional farming heritage with modern craftsmanship and sustainability. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and immersive experiences while discovering how the spirits are created entirely on one estate, from field to bottle. With its relaxed tasting bar, farm shop, and beautiful rural setting, Colwith offers a true taste of Cornwall’s artisan spirit culture.