The Arts Centre (now called the Poly) is on the main street in town just past the Falmouth…read morebookshop, they have regular events almost every night ranging from theatre, music and they also have a small cinema that shows a lot of foreign films and art house productions that normally wouldn't get seen. They also show the usual blockbusters etc around a month after their release and because the cinema is so nice we often wait until then to go watch a film, with fewer people it's a much better experience. Also just as you go in the doorway, to the left they usually have a gallery display and to the right they occasionally have a book sale in the evenings after a film, i've picked up some fantastic books from there! Word of advice if you want snacks and nibbles during your film they sometimes have them on the counter but not always and not many, so pop across the road to Threshers and grab yourself a bag of something. List of films and events can be found here: http://www.thepoly.org

A truly educational visit for the whole family. You learn all about how Semaphore was first…read moreinvented by an Englishman Robert Hooke and the kids (and adults) get to play with lots of gadgets and stuff which is good fun. The museum itself is underground and that in itself makes it fun, with mazes of tunnels to explore and find out how this revolutionary technique was started. Parking for disabled drivers and passengers is available close to the museum and disabled carers go in free. You can get drinks and ice creams and snacks to keep the kids happy.

A fascinating insight into a little piece of Cornwall's varied history…read more For something out of the ordinary, visit Porthcurno and prepared to be amazed.

Absolutely incredible place. Visited during the day to tour the theater and was blown away. The…read moreMinack Theatre is an open-air gem, built right into the Cornish cliffside, and the views are breathtaking. The whole thing feels like something out of a movie, with the sea stretching out in front of you and the rugged cliff edges all around. It's such a unique experience. There is an audio tour available, which is great if you're interested in diving into the history of this place. The theatre was the brainchild of Rowena Cade, an eccentric woman with some serious grit--she literally built this theater with her own two hands, twice! You can learn all about her dedication and the post-World War II rebuild in the small museum on-site. It's worth stopping by if you want to get the full story. Just a heads up: there are a lot of steps. So if you have any mobility challenges, keep that in mind. But if you can handle the steps, the views and the history are so worth it. The theater is open for visitors throughout the year. I visited later that day during the evening to catch a performance, and wow, what an experience. I saw The Rink, and while the show was fantastic on its own, the real magic was the setting. You're watching a play unfold with a stunning sunset over the cliffside sea behind you--it's an unforgettable backdrop that made the whole experience next level. As others have stated, however, make sure to dress in layers and bringing a blanket and pillow to sit on may not be the worst idea in the world. Definitely a must-do experience if you're in Cornwall - even if you can't catch a show in the evening! (but definitely try to catch a show if you can)

Incredible location and story of an inspirational eccentric woman. Worth the journey to see awe…read moreinspiring landscape. If going to a performance remember your rug and a cushion

Deeply touched by the writings displayed in this famous sculptor's humble dwelling. Garden is…read moredreamy &meditative. Her art was ahead of her time - bold, daring forms - creative phenomenon, true poetry in s

A slice of heaven in Cornwall.This is a place you must see regardless of weather.Hepworth bought it…read morein 1940 & it became her home & studio thereafter. You can feel her presence there. So sad she died too soon. Marvellous Tate Members get in free

Penlee House Art Gallery & Museum will introduce the visitor to painters from the Newlyn School of…read moreArt (an art colony that existed in Newlyn, a fishing village adjacent to Penzance, from the 1880s until the early years of the twentieth century. It was similar to groups like the Barbizon School in France, and the "en plein eir" movement in Calfornia). With this close a focus, you won't be surprised that the collection isn't huge, but it does include major works by regional painters like Stanhope Forbes. The admission price is UKP 5 (single adult), which seems reasonable. The concession price is UKP 4. The permanent Newlyn School display covers the second floor, where you will also find some small rooms with archaeological artefacts and objects from Penzance/Newlyn's social history, as well as photographic exhibits. When I visited, there was a temporary exhibition on over 70 works by SJ "Lamorna" Birch (1869-1955, see photos), a self-taught but talented (mostly) landscape painter who also mentored other local artists. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take photos of the paintings (no such restrictions apply to the artefacts), but I did manage to "steal" a few shots to give you an impression of the kind of paintings that you can expect to see. Of course, various books on the Newlyn School (and others) are available from the smallish gallery shop. Staff were very friendly (and ever so politely told me to stop taking photos, which I did). Another highlight is the adjacent, atmospheric garden area, which is very inviting. Penlee House is one of the prettiest of the many small, regional museums in England that I've visited over the course of the past ten years, and also very family-friendly. But it will not occupy you for more than one hour, 1.5h max.

The home of the Newlyn School of Art, a famous 19th and 20th century art colony based in the nearby…read moreport of Newlyn. Some quite extraordinary and beautiful paintings are on display which are regularly updated and changed. There is also an interesting local history display.

Full of detailed info about all kinds of boating and shipwrecks, particularly in the local area. I…read morejust did not find it that interesting myself. I thought shipwrecks would make for quite an interesting museum, but I got bored quite quickly. If this kind of thing fascinates you then go for it, you'll have a ball. Shame I visited prior to this year's Titanic exhibition. That would potentially have interested me more

This is very interesting to all ages. There is so much crammed in that it's hard to take everything…read morein. There is also a Titanic display as well as the history of the local shipwrecks. The kids also liked the tall ships moored in the harbour, some which have been used in period dramas.

This is a very pretty theatre just a few minutes walk from the main shops in St Ives…read more We visted the theatre between Christmas and New Year to watch the youth theatre who were putting on the annual pantomime. We were a bit dubious and only really went for something to do during a weeks holiday but we had a really great time. The theatre is quite small and basic but very pretty with lots of lovely original features. The staff were really friendly and chatted with our children making them feel really special. The show itself was brilliant and really well put together. The children all worked so hard on the night and had obviously put lots of hard work into the show. There were good jokes, good singing and good acting. We were really plesantly surprised at just how good our night out at the theatre was. If we visit St Ives again, we would definately consider going to St Ives theatre again - Well done all!

Great museum to visit on a rainy day. Very helpful and informative staff and they let you bring…read moreyour dog! It's free but make a donation to allow them to continue their work

This is a wonderful museum with many artefacts from the local farming community. This is what…read moremuseums should be like with relics that relate to local social history. The children will love it here as history is brought alive.