Top Things to do in Cornwall
Things to do in Cornwall, England: The Best Ancient Ruins
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. Chapel Carn Brea
2. Trethevy Quoit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
This dolmen has a strange doorway and a mysterious port-hole in its capstone, which is thought to have served as an astronomical observation instrument and/or burial chamber around 2500 BC.
Reviewed By JackThePirate1234 - Looe, United Kingdom
To come around the corner and see this beautiful ancient tomb is a real treat and wonder to behold. Neolithic portal tomb in a peaceful environment with a view of Caradon hill. Worth a visit for lovers of ancient stone work and culture, not a place to take kids or spend a day but worth a passing visit. One of many hidden gems on Bodmin moor. Yes there are houses near the site as trevethy is also a Cornish hamlet so please be respectful and also treat the site with respect,
3. Tintagel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,358 reviews
This brooding 13th-century castle sits on the rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast in Cornwall, which recalls the myth and mystery associated with King Arthur and Merlin the magician. New exhibition explores the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site illustrating how it has changed over the centuries. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Excellent trip to the castle, im petrified of heights and still managed to get to the top, king Arthur is up on the highest of hills and the views from up there are breath taking... it is well worth a visit... excellent fun for ALL the family
4. Chysauster Ancient Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Dated back to the later Iron Age and in continued use during the Roman period, this ancient settlement consists of about seven round huts, the walls of which are mostly intact and well preserved. Stunning views across the countryside and out to sea. Child and dog friendly.
Reviewed By 149stuartc - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
We popped into Chysauster on the way to St Ives and so glad we did. There was a small car park with toilets. From there it is a 5 to 10 minute walk up a hill to the ancient village. The man in the English Heritage shop was so friendly and funny making my teenage daughters laugh when he said they might find an ancient version of Primark walking around the village. The village itself is fantastic and unlike anything I’ve ever visited before. There are lots of information boards and even a lookout over the whole site. Having looked around the kids decided to have a game of hide and seek which was so much fun. A really interesting day place.
5. St. Mawes Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 635 reviews
This round stone artillery fortress was built for Henry the Eighth in 1542, using a cloverleaf plan with a four-storied round tower. Take the free audio tour to discover life at the castle during the Civil War and explore the castle and grounds with its stunning views out to sea. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By 762jeffreyg - London, United Kingdom
Set just outside St Mawes this castle built on behalf of Henry VIII was intended to stop invaders and pirates from invading the upper reaches of the river estuary. Later the French and then Germans were the main threat and so this castle and Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Estuary controlled these waters with their artillery for many years. There are many steps and the castle is structured over a number of layers to provide gun platforms for controlling that side of estuary. Lots of hand rails and safety guards. Excellent toilet facilities and shop run by English Heritage. Lots of benches for sitting and admiring the views and ideal for picnics.
6. Merry Maidens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
One of England's best-preserved and complete ancient stone circles consisting of 19 granite stones that form a perfect circle nearly 78 feet in diameter.
Reviewed By SClond - London, United Kingdom
We saw the merry maidens from the upper deck of a bus thanks to a tip off from a local after we had been excited by an earlier view of a single standing stone on the same A1 bus route. The bus waited there quite a long time and we realised it was because the bus driver had stopped to pop out and. take photos of the maidens. The local said he had been using the bus for 30 years but had never seen a driver stop to take pictures before.
7. Lanyon Quoit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Believed to be a burial chamber or a mausoleum from prehistoric times, this well-known Cornish quoit collapsed during a storm in 1815, breaking some stones, and was re-erected several years later.
Reviewed By Y468WYpaulr - Wellingborough, United Kingdom
Firstly, apologies for the title. I couldn't help myself. But I'm not joking about the impression this weathered stone structure makes. I suppose it's merely the product of a fertile and romantic imagination but it seems, to me, to radiate an atmosphere evoking times long past and customs obscured by the intervening ages. Quite a feat for a simple structure of four balancing stones, not much taller than me. The setting helps, of course, with the wind-swept landscape of the Land's End Peninsula, the overgrown stone-centred hedgerowss, the heathery moorland backdrop and the remains of an old tin mine on the horizon. We arrived as the sun set below a blanket of mackerel sky which made for some striking photographs. Like many of the ancient sites around, the quoit takes some finding. The postal code takes you to a nearby farm, there are no signs, maps are misleading and there is only a tiny layby to park in, next to a stone stile in the hedgerow - easy to miss. To make things worse, the quoit, being not much higher than the hedgerows, is not visible from the road from most angles. We drove past it twice before suddely catching a glimpse. It's well worth persevering for, though. Other local sites are larger and more complex but none have as commanding a presence. Obviously, this is free to visit at any time.
8. The Hurlers (3 stone circles)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Said to have been hurled by an angry God in response to violation of His Sabbath day, these three large stone circles are built close together and vary in size from 105 feet to 135 feet across.
Reviewed By PaulC923 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Wonderful scenery with breathtaking views across Bodmin Moor and beyond. A gentle walk to the Cheesewring passing Daniel Gumps old "house" gives you an idea of what it was like many years ago. Occasional climbers in the quarry below the Cheesewring make interesting watching. Good choice of cafes and a pub in Minnions
9. Tregeseal East Stone Circle
10. Castle an Dinas
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