Cornwall is one of the top holiday destinations in the UK and is famed for its spectacular beaches, wonderful scenery and historic castles, but there is far more to see and do, especially if you look off the beaten track. If you are planning a stay in Cornwall, here's a quick guide to unusual things to do in Cornwall for something different.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Situated near the south coast of Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan’s 200 acres of spectacular Victorian gardens is a joy to explore. Over the past 25 years the site has been faithfully restored back to its former glory, and is considered by many as one of the best gardens in the UK.
Visitors can discover the remarkable Victorian grass covered sculptures, learn how the Victorians grew their food in the productive gardens and explore the vast array of native and exotic plants in the pleasure grounds. The impressive sub-tropical exotic plants of the Jungle Garden will surprise many guests with its exotic plants including bamboo tunnels, giant rhubarb and even banana trees.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is open to the public all year round and is a great place to visit at different times of the year because every visit is unique.
Poldark Mine & The Cornish Heritage Collection
Poldark Tin Mine transport visitors back to the days when Cornish miners were common place, and is one of the few mines in the UK that offers underground guided tours. The Poldark Tin Mines experiences help to create what it was really like to work in the mine.
Visitors will learn about the real working environments of a tin mine while walking through the tight tunnels with only a head torch to see. The site also features a museum which boasts an array of unique artefacts and exhibitions following the enthralling stories of Cornish miners at home and abroad.
Screech Owl Sanctuary
Situated near Gross Moor National Nature Reserve, Screech Owl Sanctuary is a great day out and educating too. Dedicated to help care and rehabilitate sick and injured owls, and to teach visitors about the preservation needs of owl species throughout the UK.
Screech Owl Sanctuary have a wide range of hand-reared tame owls, and visitors are encouraged to get up and close to these amazing birds. You can also learn about each owl’s characteristics, their habitats and what food they eat. There are also three flying displays each day so that you can see the owls in action.
Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre
The Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre is a different place to explore. Home to one of the biggest private collections of shipwreck and maritime artefacts in Europe, the Shipwreck & Heritage Centre is the place to visit for those who want to learn about the history of ships and diving.
The site boasts an array of fascinating objects from over 150 shipwrecks, as well as exhibits that celebrate the history of Charlestown, what village life was like and showcases the villages once thriving China Clay manufacturing process.
The exhibition also boasts a collection of maritime history dating back to the early 1700s and has one of the biggest underwater diving equipment displays in the UK, including deep sea diving suits used for hunting treasure, searching shipwrecks and other naval purposes.
Finally
I hope that this post has given you some ideas for doing something different in Cornwall. Cornwall is a wonderful place to visit and if you're travelling solo to Cornwall, you'll meet lots of other visitors here too.
