7 Things to do in Cornwall Before the End of the Year

October 29th, 2018

Sometimes the year seems to zip by so quickly it is impossible to keep track of all the things you wanted to do! Whether you’ve crammed this year full of excitement or have let 2018 pass you by, there are still lots of great things you can do before the end of the year. Here are seven of our favourites.

 

Titanic Stories

When most people think of the Titanic, they think of the tragedy dramatised in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster epic by the same name. Every time the name of the sunken ship is spoken, it is hard not to think of Leonardo DiCaprio’s romance with Kate Winslet and their evolving love on the doomed ship’s maiden voyage.

 

Titanic Stories examines the story of real passengers on the ship, as well as the rich history and legacy of the shipwreck. Alongside documentary and personal photographs of friends and families of the voyagers, Titanic Stories explores the deep cinematic history of the ship. Discover the earlier 1958 film on the last night of the Titanic’s shipwrecking, A Night to Remember starring Kenneth More, the Nazi Propaganda film produced in the middle of the Second World War titled Titanic, and Cameron’s film itself. Look out for all of the memorabilia from his movie, not least including a collection Kate Winslet’s most iconic costumes from her role.

 

You can explore the exhibition on the Titanic’s monumentous sinking until January 7th 2019 at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.

 

Titanic Artwork Ruined Ship Crashed into Iceberg

Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Experience your own indoor winter wonderland at the Eden project this winter! Newly remodelled, everyone can have fun having a whirl around the ice rink from tots on ‘Parent and Toddler’ sessions filled with toys to budding experts, who can train with professional instructors on the ice. A fantastic family day out or exciting date, strap on your skates and enjoy the magic of gliding on the frozen water!

 

The Ice Rink is open until the 24th February at the Eden Project in Bodelva.

 

Eden Project Outside in Grass

St Ives Shanty Shout Weekend

Some days you know you want to get on a table, have a drink, bang your hands together, make a loud noise and start to sing. At least, Bamaluz Bootleggers think so, and are returning to St Ives to sing and scream and raise money for the RNLI and Children’s Hospice in the process. In a fantastic display of Cornish culture, you can take part in the raucous festivity and help some great causes at the same time.

 

The St Ives Shanty Shout Weekend is on the 23rd and 24th November and is free entry in all venues where they are playing that weekend.

 

St Ives Outside Houses with Beach

Aladdin at the Miracle Theatre

The Miracle Theatre is known for its innovative and unique takes on classic children’s stories, and its newest performance of Aladdin is no different. Without giving anything away, the panto-inspired recreation of Aladdin introduces a whole new world of delight for children while providing enough twists and retellings to the Disney story to keep adults entertained as well. Expecting singing, dancing, magic, and lots and lots of laughter in this fantastic performance.

 

Aladdin Theatre Poster Advert

Screech Owl Sanctuary

Screech Owl Sanctuary is home to one of the largest collections of owls in the South West. It specialises in taking in injured or abandoned owls in Cornwall and nurturing them into good health before releasing them back to the wild.

 

The Sanctuary is home to so many gorgeous owls as well as emus, meerkats, and Shetland ponies – and if you’re lucky, you will be able to see them feed baby owls being fed and raised in the shelter. With its new array of stunning creatures, it is no surprise they have recently won a Visit England Tourism Award. Witness owls flying displays every other hour in the park, or come at midday for an up close and personal interaction with the magnificent birds themselves! And if you are willing to pay a little extra, you can have a private one-to-one session teaching you how to handle their hand-tamed owls, racoons, or meerkats.

 

Screech Owl Sanctuary is open to the public every day between 10 am and 5 pm.

 

Owl Flying Outside With Wings Spread

St Austell Brewery Visitors Centre

Soak up some Cornish culture with a taste and tour of real ale and West Country beer. In a 90 minute guided tour, the secrets behind St Austell’s award-winning brews are revealed, with tasters included! The Victorian-era copper tanks are still in use to this day to make the distinctive St Austell tipple. Afterwards, go to Hick’s bar for some quality food and drink after your tour, or come back on selected evenings for live music.

 

Weekly all-access tours take place every Friday at 2 pm, though you have to book.

Austell Brewery Inside With Posters Chairs and Table

Carnglaze Slate Caverns

The natural beauty of Cornwall shines in the Carnglaze Caverns. While it may grow colder and colder outside, the caverns, thanks to their location underground as part of an old shale quarry in the Loveny Valley, stay at a comparably-warm 10˚C. As well as exploring the gigantic caverns, you can visit some evenings to hear live bands where the acoustic of the venue creates a unique concert experience.

 

You can access the cave from outside of the village of St Neod near Liskeard, though tours depend on the season and what events are running on the day. We recommend especially visiting on the 1st and 2nd of December, during the Alternative Christmas Present Show, for a memorable and exciting experience! We’ve also written a guide on spending your Christmas in Cornwall which contains some great places to eat.

 

Cavern with Water and Paddle Boat

 

Which of these days out would you like to try? If you’re thinking about coming down for a short break in Cornwall, we have many lovely cottages in beautiful communities that you might be interested in.