Summer fun off the beaten track

10 Lesser Known Things to Do this Summer

There are so many attractions, activities, beaches and places to visit in Cornwall that you’ll never be stuck for something to do. However, for those wanting something a little different how about exploring an ancient castle, discovering a sculpture garden and delving down a tin mine? We examine summer fun off the beaten track with 10 of the lesser known things to do in Cornwall:

• Discover your spiritual side at St Nectan’s Glen and wonder at the waterfall.
• Explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle and tread in King Arthur’s footsteps.
• Watch an open air performance at the Minack Theatre.
• Step through British history at Pencarrow House and Garden.
• Be amazed at the giant sub tropical plants at Trebah Garden.
• Delve into Cornish history at the Poldark Mine and Gardens.
• Find artistic inspiration at the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.
• Kayak a river or sea cave with Koru Kayaking.
• Zip Wire over Eden.
• Get acquainted with shipping history at Charlestown.

St Nectan’s Glen and Waterfall

This sacred site, which reputedly once housed the hermitage of Saint Nectan, has an amazing waterfall cascading down into the valley below. Myths and legends of piskies and fairy magic are rife here as well as a tale of a visit by King Arthur and his knights. A very spiritual place and one of outstanding natural beauty.

Tintagel Castle

Now a ruin, legend has it that the castle was built at the place King Arthur was conceived. Climb the 148 step bridge to the dramatic headland setting of the ruins and visit the exhibition to learn about England’s mystic past.

Minack Theatre

Marvel at the views and sub tropical gardens at this open air theatre which is perched on a cliff. If you can take your eyes away from the stunning scenery, take in a performance as well.

Pencarrow House and Gardens

Take a walk through time in Pencarrow House and admire the formal gardens before heading off on a woodland stroll through the beautiful valley.

Trebah Garden

Get in touch with nature whilst winding through the four miles of colourful tropical paradise which is Trebah Garden before buying a Cornish ice cream and heading for an hour or two on the private beach.

Poldark Mine

Delve down the only complete mine open to the public in Cornwall at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find out about the working lives of miners and what the industry meant to Cornwall.

Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden

Be inspired by the life of one of Britain’s foremost 20th century artists and enjoy a wander through the gardens which reveal amazing stone, wood and bronze sculptures placed by the artist herself.

Koru Kayaking

Kayak down the pretty Helford River or discover the depths of a north coast sea cave whilst seal spotting on the way.

Zip Wire over the Eden Project

Experience Britain’s longest skywire ride at 660 metres, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour!

Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre

Discover the golden years of shipping and view the booty of more than 150 shipwrecks before walking around Charlestown’s traditional 18th century harbour, complete with its tall ships.