Major Attractions in Cornwall
St Michael's is ideally situated for visits to Cornwall's favourite family attractions
Cornwall has many excellent family attractions, that have plenty to keep the kids occupied, and even teach the adults a thing or two into the bargain! In Falmouth we are very lucky to have some of the top visitor attractions on our doorstep. Close to the hotel are the following:
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
15 minute walk from our hotel. Housed in an award winning building on the Falmouth harbourside, the National Maritime Museum transports you into the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. The Museum also has a regular events calendar with talks from visiting Maritime celebrities, and activities and workshops for kids, and fascinating exhibitions and displays. Picture courtesy of VisitCornwall
Pendennis Castle
20 minute walk from our hotel.
Owned by English Heritage. In its superb coastal setting, Pendennis offers magnificent views of Falmouth and the Fal Estuary. Pendennis Castle was built by
King Henry VIII to defend against possible attack by Spain and France.
Throughout its 450-year history, Pendennis Castle has faced new enemies, right up to the Second World War. See a Tudor gun deck in action, and experience
the sights and sounds of battle in the interactive exhibition at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Picture by Paul Watts courtesy of VisitCornwall
St Mawes Castle
The best preserved and most elaborately decorated of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses, St Mawes was built to counter invasion threats from France and Spain. Its counterpart was Pendennis, on the other side of the Fal estuary (see above) Visit this beautiful Castle by taking a trip on the St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth. Picture by Dawn Runnals courtesy of VisitCornwall.
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is an open air theatre constructed on the coast of Cornwall with beautiful views across Porthcurno.
To experience the magic of this special place, you must visit and see for yourself.
Newquay Zoo
EXPERIENCE THE WILDLIFE SILVER Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007-2008 (South West Tourism Awards) Set amongst exotic lakeside gardens with animals from all around the world from the smallest monkey the Pygmy Marmoset to African Lions. Picture courtesy of Michelle Turton & Newquay Zoo
National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
With the rescue work its first priority the sanctuary can help as many as 30 pups every winter, with emergency calls coming in day or night. The Sanctuary is now home to many grey seals that couldn’t be released, as well as common seals, sea lions, goats, ponies and more recently short clawed Asian otters. With talks and demonstration through out the day, the residents own stories, unique personality and curious habits are revealed. Picture courtesy of National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
Paradise Park Wildlife Sactuary, Hayle
Paradise Park has an international reputation for breeding rare species, is home to the World Parrot Trust charity and was chosen twice by the independent 'Good Britain Guide' as Cornwall's Family Attraction of the Year. Hundreds of beautiful birds, from parrots to penguins and eagles to flamingoes plus otters, red pandas and red squirrels. A full timetable includes Penguin, Otter and Rainbow Lorikeet feeding. The amazing Free Flying Bird Show allows visitors to admire the beauty and intelligence of the parrot family.
Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, near Helston
Goonhilly Earth Station occupies over 160 acres on the magnificent Lizard Peninsula and with its huge structures majestically pointing skyward, these dishes have become part of the local landscape for nearly half a century. Explore the story of international communications in our interactive Visitor’s Centre and take a tour of this fascinating site. From interactive displays to film shows to historical artefacts, Goonhilly has something for everyone.
Crealy Adventure Park
The Crealy Adventure Park offers visitors six huge Realms of fun, magic and adventure in total. This exciting family adventure park has activities and play areas suitable for all age groups.
Located between the popular holiday towns of Newquay and Padstow. Formerly known as Shires Adventure Park, Crealy has been voted the "top tourist attraction" by the Cornish Tourist Board.
