Cornwall is a stunning part of the country, and it is home to many spectacular sights to see. From waterfalls to ancient theatres, we take a look at some of the weird and wonderful places to visit. Switch it up from the usual tourist attractions and discover some extraordinary places!
An attraction that is undoubtedly unique is the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The secret garden dates back to the nineteenth century and has since become a well-loved attraction. With over 200 acres to explore, this place is full of unusual sculptures, captivating wildlife and stunning gardens. Paths that were created over two centuries ago lead you to the Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds where you can immerse yourself in beauty. For something a little different, The Jungle is a sub-tropical journey where you can walk through bamboo tunnels and below some banana trees.
Once you have explored the secret gardens, visit the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery for a cup of coffee and some delicious food! All of their produce is locally sourced, and every hearty meal is full of goodness. Try a traditional Cornish cream tea or choose from the array of homemade pies.
Near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen features a sixty-foot waterfall that runs through a hole in the rocks; a truly spectacular sight! Alongside this incredible spectacle are two further waterfalls and a beautiful woodland walk. The site also has a café where you can enjoy a cream tea or coffee and soak up the gorgeous atmosphere. Furthermore, you can visit the shop and gallery to pick up a lovely holiday souvenir.
Perhaps the main show at St Nectan’s Glen, waterfall one is called St Nectans Kieve and is the sixty-foot spectacular! Take a stroll down to the stunning site and watch the water cascade through the hole that was naturally created in the rocks. There is a shallow pool at the bottom where you can get closer and capture a holiday picture with a stunning backdrop.
As you carry on your stroll, you will stumble upon waterfall two. Located just after the shallow pool from the St Nectans Kieve, it is a beautiful waterfall that is wider and features more drops. Be aware though that the current can pick up a bit here, so if you go for a dip, be cautious. Waterfall three was only recently discovered and is somewhat a hidden gem; the walkway to this scenic location was only opened in 2016! The waterfall is roughly eighty-foot and connects to the main stream after waterfalls one and two.
St Nectan’s Glen woodland walk is a picturesque escape. Walk alongside the river through ivy-clad trees see the animals and birds play. The sound of the flowing water and birds singing creates a tranquil atmosphere. With it being such a spectacular sight, it has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare variety of plants. For more information about this incredible attraction, take a look at our location guide for St Nectan’s Glen!
Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail is undoubtedly a fascinating place to learn and see exactly what life was like back then for a prisoner. The Jail was used to hold state papers and the Domesday book during the First World War; this shows how important the place was many years ago. Today, the Jail is used as a historical attraction and no longer functions as a Prison. Visitors can explore the cold and dark cells and envision what life was like as a captured criminal. You can also visit the execution shed which features a Victorian hanging pit! The drop is 4.5 metres, and it is the only one of its kind in the UK. There is also a Jail exhibition which features a tour across six floors. Here you can get a real feel for what it was like behind bars; the slights, the smells, everything!
The Minack Theatre is located in Penzance, and it is situated in a stunning location; perched on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It’s very first performance dates back to the 16th of August 1932! It is still used today to entertain through dramas, musicals and operas along with music performances, comedies and story-telling. The theatre is open for visiting but during the season, with so many performances scheduled, visiting hours can be limited. Why not take a look at the programme and see if there are any events you would like to attend!
Cornwall is bursting with unusual and fantastic attractions and this only a few of them! If you would like to visit Cornwall, why not choose to stay in a central location so you can visit as many places as possible? Here at The Valley, we have a range of Truro holiday cottages, which means you can venture out to plenty of different attractions without feeling restricted by travel. We are also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends at home, bring them along with you! If you decide to come with your pup, take a look at our blog that features some days out with dogs in Truro so you and your furry friend can have a fun-filled holiday!
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
