days your mini guid e to great days out at cornwall's muse ums

Great treasures in Cornwall

Your mini guide to great days out at

Cornwall's Museums

YoDAYS

GreatGreat DAYS out in Cornwall DAYS – how do you like to spend yours? Sure there are days when there’s plenty to be done, but what about your lovely days off … we’ve got some ideas we’d like to share with you.

What if we told you there are some 50+ spots you can visit across Cornwall to enjoy all sorts of things from, baby painting (your baby does the painting, you don’t paint your baby), real Viking artefacts, an open working clay pit and loads more. These places come in all shapes and sizes and are full of all sorts of different things.

To get the ball rolling we’ve have created a collection of DAYS you might like to enjoy … you never know, you might stumble upon a new beach, gorgeous eaterie or take-your-breath-away view to top it all off, after all Cornwall is full of them.

Got your children or grandchildren to entertain? They’ll be in discovery heaven on one of these day trips; if a culture blast will make your day you really need look no further and if real life stories and history floats your boat well, there’s a wealth of tales, exhibitions and experiences waiting to be discovered by you.

We’re pretty confident you’ll find a few new ways to enjoy your spare time and entertain your friends and family on days out at Cornwall’s Museums.

To find out more about Cornwall’s museums visit www.museumsincornwall.org.uk in the meantime explore, create, discover and enjoy with some of the fabulous suggestions in this little book.

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To find out more about Cornwall’s museums visit

www.museumsincornwall.org.uk

No time for a day trip? Some of the museums are free and some you get an annual pass

that means if you only have a few hours you can still pop in,see, look, do and enjoy

as you choose ..... and as often as you like.

Anthony HouseBarbara Hepworth MuseumBodmin Town MuseumBude Castle Heritage CentreCallington Heritage CentreConstantine MuseumCornwall’s Regimental MuseumCoteheleDavidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War MuseumEast Pool Mine

Elliotts Grocery StoreFalmouth Art GalleryFowey MuseumGeevor Tin MineGerrans Parish Heritage and Information CentreGrampound with Creed Heritage CentreHayle Heritage CentreHelston MuseumKing Edward Mine

LanhydrockLawrence House Museum, LauncestonLeach PotteryLevant Mine and Beam EngineLiskeard and District MuseumLostwithiel MuseumMarazion MuseumMary Newman’s CottageMevagissey MuseumMount Edgcumbe HouseNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

National Trust GodolphinNewlyn Art GalleryNewquay Heritage Archive & Museum Newquay Old Cornwall Society(at Dairyland)Old Guildhall Museum, LooePadstow MuseumPendennis, FalmouthPenlee House Gallery & MuseumPenryn Town MuseumPerranzabuloe Museum

Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and FishingPorthmeor Studios and CellarsRedruth Old Cornwall SocietyMuseum (Tolgus Mill) Royal Cornwall MuseumSaltash HeritageSt Agnes MuseumSt Hilary Heritage CentreSt Ives MuseumSt Michaels Mount

Stuart HouseTate St IvesTelegraph Museum PorthcurnoTintagel Old Post OfficeTrenance Cottages, NewquayTrerice, NewquayWadebridge and District MuseumWayside Museum and Trewey Mill, ZennorWheal MartynWitchcraft Museum Boscastle

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DiscoveryNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

Discover more than you might expect; like our boat pool, where you can learn to sail, the view from our 100ft tower or one of only three natural underwater galleries in the world.

Wheal Martyn

Discover the fascinating uses of China Clay. You’ll be amazed to find the product of Cornwall’s largest mining industry used in so many everyday items. See how it influences the life you live today.

Falmouth Art Gallery

Turn the handles to discover the country’s largest public collection of contemporary automata.

Idle hands of all ages are sure to be amused!

Telegraph Museum Porthcurno

Secret wartime tunnels await intrigued explorers of all ages. Step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of a working cable station, and discover Cornwall’s global connections.

Royal Cornwall Museum

Discover nature, landscape, art, ancient worlds, archaeology and archives, all under one roof. With the Discovery Centre, Explorer Back-packs and many interactive exhibits, discovery is at the heart of the Museum.

Penlee House Gallery & Museum

Discover Norman Garstin’s celebrated painting, The Rain it Raineth Every Day, then wander 100 yards down the road to stand in the artist’s footsteps.

A beautiful museum to not only learn about world history, but Cornish history. Thoroughly enjoyable”

Royal Cornwall Museum Penlee House Gallery and Museum

Trip Advisor

8One of the best, if not the best, small galleries in the country. Consistently extraordinary shows. Makes me proud to visit every time. And they are still saving & buying art for their (and our) Cornish collection. ”

”

Visitor quote

”

TreasuredNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

Take an epic journey into the Viking world with the new Viking Voyagers exhibition. Encounter rare antiquities, many on display for the first time in the UK.

Wheal Martyn

Learn about Cornwall’s China Clay treasure, a mining industry worth over £14 billion! While you’re with us escape and enjoy the atmospheric former clay works and woodlands, creating your own memories to share and treasure.


Make treasured memories with your little ones at our art and making sessions for Under 5s: ‘Baby Paint’, ‘Baby Jam’ and ‘Little Fingers’.

Free. See website for details and dates.


Capture moments and make memories. Dress up in historic costume, play find and seek with our pigeon trail and discover global treasures in our hands-on exhibitions. A day to remember!


From Cornish gold, to Roman rings, discover treasures from pre- history to the present day. Amazing collections of minerals and masterpieces – a treasure trove to treasure together!


Visit the archaeology gallery and marvel at the prehistoric treasures, including the ancient Lunula. This crescent- shaped gold necklace was made around 4500 years ago.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Trip Advisor

“Brilliant! Best value for money of the whole holiday.” “Wow, what a great place, we arrived at 10.30 am and spent a full day, looking around the museum, nature trails and watching the machines at work at the pit view which was incredible … recommended and extremely dog friendly, a must for locals and tourists alike!”

Wheal Martyn

Visitor quote

CultureNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

With 15 galleries over five floors dedicated to the sea, boats and Cornwall, lose yourself in a world of maritime history and explore Cornish culture through its seafaring past.

Wheal Martyn

See how people lived and worked in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’. Ponder at the desk of Clay Country’s renowned poet, Jack Clemo, explore the clay workers’ ‘crib hut’ and enjoy the heavy horse harness display.


Add a splash of culture to your day with a visit to our exhibitions. There’s something for everyone and entry is free so just pop in while you’re exploring the town.


Delve into Cornwall’s hidden heritage as you discover global connections and collections. Enjoy live demonstrations, stimulating talks and explore a rich and unique collection of objects, artworks, images and film.


A vibrant cultural hub, exploring new and exciting ideas through exhibitions, lectures, talks and special events. Cornwall’s culture and history alongside the cultures of ancient worlds and the unwrapped mummy, Ist-tayef-nakht.


Penlee House has the largest single collection of paintings by the celebrated Newlyn School of Artists who colonised the nearby fishing village from the 1880s to the 1920s.


Trip Advisor

“A little gem art gallery in the heart of Falmouth, what’s more it’s free, friendly and very welcoming.”

“ D efinitely not to be missed, if you only visit one attraction in Cornwall, this should be it”


Visitor quote

InspiringNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

More than just a museum about boats; be inspired by the epic achievements of the people who sailed them, such as four time Olympic Gold medal winner Sir Ben Ainslie.

Wheal Martyn Follow the nature trail or historic trail through the Victorian Clay works and be inspired by the waterwheels, chimneys, fascinating technology or ancient woodland. Why not let it inspire your own artwork or poetry?

Falmouth Art Gallery Hidden histories, untold struggles and surprising journeys – learn the inspiring stories behind the artworks at our free talks and walks.

Telegraph Museum Porthcurno Be surprised and inspired by voices from the past in our interactive light and soundscape. Interactive galleries and sensory exhibitions will captivate the imaginations of young and old alike.

Royal Cornwall Museum Special exhibitions and knowledgeable staff and volunteers help make your visit to the Royal Cornwall Museum inspirational. Be inspired in 2015 with exhibitions by the amazing Kurt Jackson and many more, check website for details.

Penlee House Gallery & Museum A changing programme of up to five exhibitions a year means that there is always something new to see, alongside old favourites such as Elizabeth Forbes’ charming School is Out.

Wheal Martyn

Trip Advisor

Surprisingly the history of China clay mining is fascinating and beautifully told here. The mixture of the interactive centre, the clay works, the lovely nature trail amongst the woods, as well as the spectacular view of the pit itself, all made for an engrossing visit.”

” “Brilliant exhibitions and no charge. I want to bring everyone in off the streets!”


Visitor quote

FunNational Maritime Museum Cornwall

The Maritime Museum is the Museum to have fun in, from our hands-on, dress-up, climb inside interactive exhibits, to creative craft activities for the kids every day of every school holiday.

Wheal Martyn

For all the family… See modern mining in action at Pit View, explore the flat rod tunnel, test your strength against the tug-o-war team or try the children’s challenge trail. Enjoy the wonderful café and shop. You can even bring the dog!


There’s fun for all the family at our ‘Free Family Saturdays’. On the first Saturday of every month there’s a different artist-led activity to enjoy. Just drop-in between 11am – 3 pm.


Push buttons, pull wires, crack codes, and follow trails. Little visitors love our explorer backpacks and our family ‘make & take’ activities mean there’s always something to take home and treasure.


A visit to the Royal Cornwall Museum makes history fun for everyone, with hands-on exhibits and special family holiday activities. Complete your visit with a browse in the lovely gift shop and delicious food in the Arts Café.


Younger visitors can explore the museum with quizzes and fun activities. There’s also a children’s play area in the adjacent park to let off steam!


Winner of 2014 Telegraph Family Friendly Museum award. Gold Winner- Art, Museum & Heritage Attraction of the Year, Cornwall Tourism Awards 2014/15.


Entrance price: Free.

Access for wheelchairs and pushchairs is by a lift in our side entrance to the right of the building.

www.falmouthartgallery.com | 01326 313863

L@FalmouthArtGall | [email protected] Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 2RT l

The award winning Falmouth Art Gallery is family friendly and free.

It has an outstanding collection of art that ranges from Pre-Raphaelite

masterpieces and British Impressionist paintings to contemporary

prints, photography and automata.

The collection is showcased through the vibrant and innovative

exhibition programme. The exhibitions change regularly and are

designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

The gallery offers free workshops and events for babies and toddlers,

families, all community groups, schools and higher education. The

gallery shop stocks high quality but affordable, locally crafted

products along with cards, postcards, books and prints.


Entrance price: Adults £12.00, under 5’s free, 5 to 15 £8.50, concession 60 plus £10.00, student £8.50, family of 2 adults and up to 3 children aged 5 to 16 £33.50. Groups of 10 or more receive discount. Pay once and get in free for 12 months. Fully wheelchair accessible, level access to entrance, lift and ramps. Accessible toilets on 1st and 2nd floors. Guide Dogs and Dogs for the Deaf welcome. Large format guide book. Baby change facilities available.

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Winner of Best Museum at the Cornwall Today Awards, The Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award & silver winner of the UK Heritage Attraction of the Year at the British Travel Awards, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is a must see.

Take an epic journey into the Viking world with the new Viking Voyagers exhibition. Discover the secret of the Vikings’ success and explore the truth behind the popular myth of the bloodthirsty raiders.

Encounter Norse voyagers, experience Viking life over 1000 years ago and climb aboard a full scale replica Viking ship. Get up close to rare antiquities on loan from the British Museum, National Museum of Ireland and National

Museum of Denmark, many on display for the first time in the UK.


www.nmmc.co.uk | 01326 313388

L@TheNMMC | [email protected] Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3QY

Open seven days

a week

10am – 5pm

Closed Christmas

Day & Boxing Day

Open Monday

to Saturday

10am – 5pm

Closed between

Christmas & New

Year

Prices & information correct at time of print Prices & information correct at time of print

Entrance prices: Children under 18 free, adults £4.50, concession 60 plus, students with a valid NUS card £3.00. Ramped/lift access throughout, adapted toilet and babychange facilities, three disabled parking spaces available.

l

Penlee House Gallery & Museum is an elegant gallery set within a

Victorian house and park. Changing exhibitions mainly feature the art

of the area from 1880 to 1940, often including the famous Newlyn

School artists such as Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley,

Harold Harvey and ‘Lamorna’ Birch.

The museum collections cover the archaeology and social history of

the Penwith district. There is an extensive photographic archive, which

can be studied via a computer terminal within the Museum.

Penlee House also offers an excellent café and well-stocked shop.


Entrance prices: Children under 5 free, children 5 to 16 £5.00, family of 2 adults and 3 children aged 5 to 16 £22.00, adult £8.50, concession 60 plus £7.50, students with a valid NUS card £6.00. The museum is accessible to visitors with mobility impairments or pushchairs with the exception of the World War II escape steps. Disabled parking available close to entrance. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

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Porthcurno’s golden sandy beach hides an amazing secret. Beneath your feet, messages from all corners of the globe have been buzzing through undersea cables since 1870, making Porthcurno one of the most connected places on the planet and a hub of global communications even today.

Discover Cornwall’s hidden history at the award-winning Telegraph Museum Porthcurno. Interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations and family-friendly activities bring to life the story of communications which have shaped our modern world. Step back in time in Porthcurno’s famous wartime tunnels and experience the sights and sounds of the world’s biggest telegraph station. Don’t miss the museum’s new cafe for an indulgent cream tea or a fresh, seasonal

lunch. Special events take place throughout school holidays.


www.porthcurno.org.uk | 01736 810966

L@ThePTM | [email protected] House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JX

www.penleehouse.org.uk | 01736 363625

L@PenleeHouse | [email protected] Morrab Road, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4HE

Open daily

10am – 5pm

Open Monday

to Saturday

10am – 5pm

April to October

10am – 4.30pm

November to March *Last admissions 30 mins before closing


Entrance prices: Aged 18 or under free, adults £4.50 for an annual pass. Ramps and lift make most of the museum and library is accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs. Raised map of the museum in large print and Braille. One or more support carers they may enter for free. Blue badge parking outside the museum for up to 3 hours. Accessible toilets.

www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk | 01872 272205

L@RoyalCornwall | [email protected] Street, Truro, Cormwall TR1 2SJ

l

“Absolutely superb, eyes on… hands on… brains on!”

The magnificent building on River Street in Truro is home to the Royal

Cornwall Museum and Courtney Library (Cornish History Research

Centre). It is the place to discover Cornwall’s history and its con-

nections to the world through collections of minerals, archaeology,

natural history, fine & decorative art and social history. An exciting

programme of changing exhibitions and many interactive displays,

including the new British Museum partnership gallery, Unwrapping

the Past, makes the Royal Cornwall Museum a must-see destination

for visitors to Cornwall. There is a lovely café to fuel the visit and a

gift shop for that special souvenir or gift.


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Wheal Martyn offers a great day out for all the family, even the dog!

Set within 26 acres in the heart of Cornwall this picturesque site

includes nature trails, woodland walks and is home to the UK’s only

china clay heritage centre, set amongst preserved remains of

a Victorian clay works.

See Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel, witness modern mining

in action and explore ancient buildings and vintage commercial

vehicles. The rich history of the clay industry is brought to life in

the interactive centre which tells the story of china clay from past

to present. There’s also a wonderful café, gift shop and children’s

play area.

Wheal Martyn

www.wheal-martyn.com | 01726 850362

L@WhealMartyn | [email protected], St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG

Open Monday

to Saturday

10am – 4.45pm

Open Mid-January to 23 December Daily – 10am to 5pm during main season (See website or call for other times)

Entrance prices: Children under 5 free, children 5 to 16 £5.00, adults £9.50, concession 60 plus, students with a valid NUS card £7.50, family of 2 adults and 2 children £26.00, family of 2 adults and up to 4 children £32.00. The gallery, shop and café are fully accessible and toilet facilities are available. Because Wheal Martyn is a historic site some areas have limited access. Visitors with access questions are encouraged to call 01726 850362 before visiting so we can give as much advice as possible.


days your mini guid e to great days out at cornwall's muse ums

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