West Cornwall
Area and attraction information for West Cornwall
Did you know.?
Bob Fitzsimmons, Britain' s first Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World was born in Helston on 4 June, 1862. He is the only European to hold world titles at three weights and there is a pub named after him in the main street.
The town of St Ives was the inspiration for Rosamunde Pilcher's international best-seller The Shell Seekers as it is close to where she was born and grew up.
West Cornwall area's coast extends from Portreath in the north round as far as Mawnan Smith and the Helford River in the south. From the wild cliffs and jagged rocks around Cape Cornwall to the sheltered harbours and rare plants of the Lizard peninsula, this area is perhaps Cornwall's most diverse.
- National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
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The Sanctuary, set on forty acres of the picturesque Helford estuary, is Europe's leading marine animal rescue centre and it cares for dozens of sick, injured and orphaned seals every year. In addition to seals, there are Californian and Patagonian sea lions, otters, ponies and goats and an adoption scheme is available for many of the residents.
- Flambards Theme Park, Helston
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All weather family fun goes on at Flambards with exciting rides, family shows, live entertainment, glorious gardens and award-winning exhibitions like the realistic Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz.
- Carn Brea Leisure Centre, Pool
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Feeling energetic? Carn Brea has just about all the sport and fitness facilities you need. It has a modern fitness suite, dance and aerobics studio, swimming pool with flume, badminton and squash courts, indoor five-a-side pitch and much more. It is also the home of the Royal Duchy of Cornwall Athletics Stadium.
- Goonhilly Satellite Station
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Goonhilly is the largest satellite earth station in the world.
With the ability to transmit to every corner of the globe via space, and through undersea fibre optic cables, Goonhilly simultaneously handles millions of international phone calls, emails, and TV broadcasts. You can take a tour of the site to see the massive satellite dishes, visit the multimedia visitor centre and journey through the history of international satellite and radio communications in the Connected Earth Gallery. Café, shops and a children's play area complete this fascinating day out. - St Ives
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Artists have been attracted to St Ives since the 19th century and it is now internationally known as an artistic centre, with numerous galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. The harbour remains the hub of life in the town, with narrow cobbled streets and fishermen's cottages around it. With clear waters and sandy beaches it is a lovely stretch of coast for walking, fishing or just enjoying.
- St Michael's Mount
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Separated from the mainland at Marazion by a granite causeway, St Michael's Mount is only accessible by foot, or boat at high tide. The magical island has a church, a medieval castle (home of the St Aubyn family for more than 300 years), an exotic garden clinging to the steep slopes, and an ancient harbour with shops, restaurants and an audio-visual presentation on the history of the Mount.
- Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
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Carved into the cliffs, looking across Porthcurno to Logan Rock, the Minack is Cornwall's world famous theatre under the stars. It was constructed in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, in the style of a Roman Amphitheatre, with the unique backdrop of the sea. A full and varied programme of performances takes place in the summer season, from May to late September and the theatre and visitor centre are open daily.
- Trevarno Estate and Gardens
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This unspoilt Cornish estate has been protected for 700 years. The beautiful Georgian and Victorian gardens contain an extensive collection of rare trees and shrubs and numerous garden features. Other highlights include walled gardens and woodland walks and the splendid Fountain Garden Conservatory. The fascinating museum contains an intriguing collection of tools and implements and explores gardening through time.