10 History Museums in Cornwall That You Shouldn't Miss

August 26, 2021 Janean Rudisill

Cornwall is the extreme southwestern peninsula of England. It has the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain and it is one of the sunniest areas in the UK. With picturesque villages, Celtic ruins, light blue waters, gardens and parks and unique architecture it certainly is among the most scenic areas of England. Home of many events and festivals and the land of Cornish pasty, it is definitely worth visiting.
Restaurants in Cornwall

1. Lizard Countryside Centre

Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston TRI2 6AF England +44 1326 221661 http://www.britainexpress.com/countryside/coast/lizard.htm
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

When you plan your next trip to the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England, stop at this tourism center that features information and video presentations regarding the geology, land use and wildlife of the area.

2. King Edward Mine Museum

Newton Moor, Camborne TR14 9HW England +44 7783 947658 [email protected] http://www.kingedwardmine.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 143 reviews

King Edward Mine Museum

The award winning King Edward Mine Museum which specialises in the mining history of Cornwall. The mine dates from the 19th century and most of the equipment in the mill has been restored to working order.The buildings are all Grade II* listed and are of National importance. The site is part of the World Heritage Area of Cornwall. The Museum is open during the summer - see website for opening times.

Reviewed By Smudgynasher7

Personal 2 hour tour with lots of interesting detail and demonstrations about the tin mining process. Well worth a visit. Probably suit 10 year old plus.

3. Cornwall's Regimental Museum

Castle Canyke Road The Keep, Victoria Barracks, Bodmin PL31 1EG England +44 1208 72810 [email protected] http://cornwalls-regimentalmuseum.org
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5.0 based on 152 reviews

Cornwall's Regimental Museum

Explore one of Bodmin’s most imposing historic buildings, Bodmin Keep. Discover a warm welcome at Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, a fun and friendly attraction, suitable for all the family. Open 7 days a week during school holidays. Situated close to Bodmin & Wenford Railway, we house one of the finest military collections in the South West. Our displays include uniforms through the ages, paintings and decorative arts, superb medals, an outstanding collection of weaponry and a few surprises! Join us for one of our many events, or just come along to browse our collection. While you're here why not have a go at our museum quiz, or give the bugle a go! ENTRANCE RATES 2018 All paid entry includes an annual pass, including adults, children, family passes and railway discounts. • Adults – £6 • Ages 6 – 16 years – £2 • Ages 5 and under – FREE • Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 children): £15 • Dogs – FREE. We are proud to be a dog friendly attraction and dogs are welcome

Reviewed By Hunrosa2019 - Truro, United Kingdom

Following the loss of our dog yesterday, we decided (my partner & I) to keep busy. We wanted to stay local and this military Museum was on the to do list. The museum is dog friendly including all the internal rooms which i found welcoming. The museum itself is set across two floors and has a wonderful military war timeline the exhibitions and items on display were of great quality and such a vast array of memorabilia. There is an entire floor of historical military weapons and of medals Including the Victoria Cross of which all the present and on display. I was surprised to find for half term (I have no children so I was not aware!) That the museum was free of charge for entry!! I was a little disappointed at this especially as £6 per person (adult) was such a minimum entrance fee for such a fascinating and beautiful collection in a real Army Barracks. However we did make some donations and purchased a couple of items out of the shop. (However even if the museum only charged £1 per person as a promotion- it was incredibly busy yesterday and they could’ve made little bit of money, anyway I’m not the CEO or business manager!!) I must add, the lady who was working on the entrance/shop was incredibly friendly, heartwarming, informative and very helpful. Randomly, on leaving the museum my dog needed the toilet! I had her deposit in a little bag. I did search the entire external grounds for a bin and couldn’t find one. However on stopping a member of staff they didn’t hesitate to take this bag of doggy deposit from me to dispose of it on my behalf. I found the very grateful and such a nice gesture. They also have an antique shop of books which sells simple refreshments on a honesty box service, I really liked the fact that wonderful drinks and flavours were on offer and not just Pepsi et cetera. We spent several hours throughout the museum however my only tiny tiny criticism would be, ensure there is a notice/sign saying this way to 2nd floor as we completely missed this entrance/staircase and only on returning to the lovely lady she commented on both floors and we realised we had still another floor to visit! Overall, I will absolutely be visiting this museum again. We were due to also visit the town Museum yesterday however spent the entire day simply enjoying, learning and invoking memories of my service time within this museum. It’s a must visit place!!! 10/10.

4. Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum

Davidstow PL32 9YF England +44 1840 213266 http://www.davidstowmemorialmuseum.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum

Reviewed By bronwenr572 - London, United Kingdom

A fantastic little museum, jam packed with memorabilia, photographs and stories, lovingly curated and imaginatively displayed - well worth a visit or three, our army mad 10-year-old loved it. Will return!

5. Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

Helston Folk Museum Market Place Market Place, Helston TR13 8TH England +44 1326 564027 [email protected] http://museumofcornishlife.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 218 reviews

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

Explore 19th and 20th century Cornish culture and industry in the heart of Helston. Browse our spectacular collections housed in Helston's historic market buildings - much bigger than it looks from the outside! Explore the way our grandparents and parents lived and wonder at the way things were done only a few years ago. "A Treasure Trove of Memories and Curiosities!"

Reviewed By trazza22

Brilliant and free! My 7 year old loved the pumpkin quiz and the toy section. The wedding dresses and old medicines were also great. We had a lovely morning looking around and the staff were lovely and friendly too. A huge plus was that it is dog friendly.

6. Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre

Aero Hub 2, Newquay TR8 4JN England +44 1637 861962 http://www.cornwallaviationhc.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 616 reviews

Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre

A great family tourist attraction. Informative - and interesting aviation heritage and activity museum. Ideal for young and old. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Sit inside the cockpits of some fantastic aircraft...

Reviewed By glyn84 - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Excellent place to spend a few hours looking at the aviation exhibition with very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to explain the aircraft, even able to sit in the cockpits of quite a few even an amazing cold war Lightning to see .

7. Padstow Lifeboat Station

Trevose Head Mother Ivey's Bay, Padstow PL28 8SL England +44 1841 520667 http://www.padstow-lifeboat.org.uk/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Padstow Lifeboat Station

Reviewed By mrsdancingqueen

Stunning views from this Lifeboat Station connecting to beautiful coastal walks. The Station is staffed by welcoming personnel who happily and proudly inform all comers about the Life Boat - its crew and the job they do. Children love the experience The Boat is launched 6pm every Wednesday- a sight not to be missed . Be sure to leave a donation on your way out - the RNLI is fully funded by public donations.

8. Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum

4-6 Crantock Street Rooms 1a and 1b of Central House, Newquay TR7 1JS England +44 1637 870611 [email protected] http://newquayoldcornwall.org.uk/museum/HeritageArchiveMuseum.php
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Newquay Heritage Archive & Museum

Situated in the centre of Newquay offering a variety of Newquay and Cornish displays and general items. One of 70 small community museums throughout Cornwall volunteers are available to assist with enquiries. Museum room open 3.5 days a week with the 'Corridor Gallery' open during normal office hours throughout the week. Adjacent to Newquay Bus Station access is by a short flight of low stairs.

9. Trenance Heritage Cottages

Trenance Heritage Cottages Trenance Road, Newquay TR7 2HW England +44 1637 859496 [email protected] http://www.trenancecottages.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Trenance Heritage Cottages

Serving up a slice of Old Newquay is Trenance Cottages, a trio of beautifully renovated, Grade II listed, Cornish cottages that are open to the public and free to enter – the only such row of pre-railway age dwellings found in Cornwall! Situated in the heart of the tranquil and award-winning Trenance Gardens, Trenance Heritage Cottages have been lovingly preserved, protected and improved by a group of volunteers who have saved a piece of history to create a special visitor experience in the museum. Built on the site of an old malthouse, the dwellings offer a unique attraction where visitors can learn, relax and unwind in an iconic setting away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and town centre. Exploring the homesteads of Vine, Middle and Rose Cottages, one is invited to step back in time to experience the way Cornish ancestors once lived.

Reviewed By dianebR3694LL - Wilmslow, United Kingdom

These cottages and the museum are well worth a visit,The people working in the museum are all volunteers and were so helpful

10. Pirate's Quest

22 St. Michaels Road, Newquay TR7 1RA England +44 1637 873379 [email protected] http://www.piratesquest.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 551 reviews

Pirate's Quest

Book online now to guarantee date an entry time of your choice. Pirate’s Quest, Newquay is an immersive walk-through experience which combines talented theatrical actors, amazing special effects, and detailed 360⁰ sets in an authentic, atmospheric adventure. A LIVE Pirate Guide will lead you through realistic scenes on an hour-long voyage into the history of piracy. Be transported to the 1700’s and learn about the REAL Caribbean Pirates! A real LIVE Pirate will help you escape a shipwreck then lead you through the mystical caves and murky streets of eighteenth century Cornwall to the crew’s recruitment base; Blackbeard’s Tavern. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Captain’s Ship, ready to set sail to the Caribbean. Feel, hear, smell, and see Cornwall’s intriguing legends and exciting history in an adventure the whole family can enjoy together.

Reviewed By Z8553QOdaves

Took my 4.5 year old daughter, we were led around by Redbeard and another whose name I didn't get (sorry!). Well worth the drive to Newquay - well told stories and information about the history of pirates in Cornwall and around the region, and a lot of fun to boot. Even the scary bit was fun - my daughter was scared but hasn't stopped talking excitedly about it since! One word of caution - it's definitely more of a storytelling show than a "museum" or similar, but that doesn't detract from how much fun it is with kids. Thumbs up!

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