Cornwall isn’t just dramatic coastlines and scenic fishing villages, it’s also home to some of the UK’s most fascinating and unusual museums. From smuggling lore on a windswept moor to curious cabinets of folklore, here are unique and quirky Cornwall museums that will make your next visit unforgettable.
Gwithti an Pystri, A Cabinet of Folklore and Magic, Falmouth
Nestled in Falmouth’s High Street, Gwithti an Pystri, A Cabinet of Folklore and Magic, is exactly what it sounds like: a quirky, small museum of curiosities that celebrates Cornwall’s mystical traditions and storytelling past. Inside you’ll find genuine artefacts and oddities, from a Victorian vampire slaying kit to odd folk magic relics and Cornish lore displays, all curated by local folklorist Steve Patterson.
More than just a museum, it’s a space where art and folklore merge: a delight for anyone fascinated by magic, myth and the stories that shape Cornwall’s cultural identity.
Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle
No list of Cornwall’s quirky museums is complete without mentioning the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic in Boscastle. Home to what many describe as the largest collection of magic-related artefacts in the world, this museum explores European magic traditions, folk practices, ceremonial tools and the social history of witchcraft.
Expect curios like ritual tools, talismans, scrying mirrors, and artefacts linked to Wicca and folk magic, presented with a blend of history and mystery.
Tintagel Toy Museum, Tintagel
A delightful stop for families (and nostalgic adults!), the Tintagel Toy Museum is tucked into the charming village of Tintagel, also famed for its Arthurian legends and coastal scenery. The museum houses an eclectic and extensive collection of vintage toys, from antique dolls and model trains to tin toys and die-cast cars, spanning the 19th to 20th centuries.
Though compact, it’s packed with treasures that will spark memories and curiosity alike. Many visitors describe it as part toy shop, part museum, where you can browse historical toys and even pick up unique gifts.
Jamaica Inn Smuggling Museum, Bodmin Moor
Set high on Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn Smuggling Museum is a must-see for history lovers and mystery seekers alike. Explore one of the finest collections of smuggling artefacts in the country and discover how contraband like tea, brandy, tobacco and silks was brought ashore under cover of darkness and hidden away in secret passages.
The museum’s exhibits are brought to life with “The History of Jamaica Inn”, a short film that immerses you in Cornwall’s shadowy past of wreckers and market-town smugglers.
The Inn itself inspired Daphne du Maurier’s famous novel Jamaica Inn, and today even houses a small museum dedicated to the writer, with original letters and personal artefacts on display.
The Story of Emily, Liskeard
This award-winning site explores the remarkable life of Emily Hobhouse, the courageous humanitarian who exposed the brutal conditions of British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War and helped change public opinion across the Empire.
At The Story of Emily, you can walk through her Victorian childhood home, experience recreated war-time “War Rooms,” and gain insight into her tireless activism and legacy. The immersive exhibits take you from 19th-century Cornwall to a pivotal moment in global history, offering a deeply moving and educational experience.
Tips for Visiting Cornwall’s Quirky Museums
Make sure to check opening times before you go, as many of these quirky spots have seasonal hours or limited opening days.
You should also take a look at nearby local attractions, as they are often located near beautiful coastline walks, historic sites or charming cafés.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a cultural weekend or a fun day trip, these quirky museums add unforgettable layers to your Cornish adventure. If you’re wanting to see a few of these, and more exciting attractions across the county, then our holiday cottages in Truro are perfectly positioned for exploring Cornwall.
Feature Image Attribution: Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle by Darren Haddock