Local Attractions in Penwith

 

PZNOW

Penzance
Accommodation

Local Attractions

Elsewhere in Penwith

Historic Past

Weather

Geology

Local Art

Shore Life

Wildlife

Local Music

Activities

Site Map

Disclaimer

The area's great wealth of history and culture has been recorded in several museums. Some specialise in subjects that are relevant to Cornwall, such as mining and fishing.

Cornwall, particularly Penwith, has a way of life which fosters many famous artists. Over the last 200 years many important artists have made this their home. The list is long, but there are the notables such as those of the Newlyn School, including Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley.

More recent has been the emergence of the Modernists school of St Ives bringing to the forefront painters such as Sir Terry Frost and the world famous sculptor Barbara Hepworth and pottery Bernard Leach.

Fortunately much of this work can still be seen by the public, located in museums within Penwith.

For more information of any of the local attractions within Penwith, click on the map below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  email: pznow@btopenworld.com
Museum of Submarine Telegraphy Porthcurno has been a telecommunications site since the 1870s. The museum houses early telecoms equipment right up to that of modern digital. At Porthcurno is the famous Minack Theatre. Throughout the summer each week a different play is held. These are wide ranging, including such favourites as Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan. There is a visitor centre which is open outside the theatre season. Geevor Tin Mine Heritage Centre is a museum which covers the practice and processing of mining. Geevor is an ex working mine. It is possible to tour old workings underground. Levant Mine. The National Trust run a working mining steam engine about a mile from Geevor at Trewellard At Zennor is Cornwall's oldest private museum, the Wayside Folk Museum. It has two working mining waterwheels, cobbler's shop, wheelwrights and an archaeological display of this area. Pendeen Lighthouse. This part of the coastline is well worth a visit in itself. St Michaels Mount is the most prominent feature in the Mounts Bay area and one of the most visited National Trust properties in Cornwall. The attractions on the Mount include shops, restaurant and cafe. Within the castle are paintings, fine rooms, antique furniture and an armoury. There are canons on the ramparts. Most of the local museums specialise in one subject. An exception to this is the Penlee Gallery & Museum, which covers pre history and the evolution of social life and culture in Cornwall. It also possesses an art collection focussing on the Newlyn School, which includes famous artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Norman Garstin and Walter Langley. Located close to Newlyn harbour is the Newlyn Art Gallery. This was opened over a hundred years ago and since its opening has exhibited many local artists which it continues to do. The Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital & Sanctuary helps about 1500 wild birds a year. Visitors are welcome. St Ives Museum houses exhibits pertaining to the life and history of St Ives. St Ives in artistic terms is interesting, as located here is a gallery of national importance, the Tate Gallery St Ives. The gallery concentrates on modern art particularly that with a Cornish context. Kidz R Us theatre is a Youth Theatre company based in St.Ives Cornwall and a registered charity. The company has performed in the West End at the London Palladium, Royal Albert Hall and Criterion Theatre and also at the world famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall throughout the past 10 years. One of the most influential sculptors of the twentieth century who carried out of her best work while living in St Ives. Her final home in St Ives has became a museum for her works and is now managed by the Tate. Paradise Park and The World Parrot Trust is best known for its housing of a large collection of exotic and endangered species of birds, and their sucessful breeding programme of such species. As well as the exotic bird collection, there are birds of prey, owls, otters, a farm, penguins, miniature railway, exotic plants and a Victorian walled garden. Marazion Town Museum is located in the market place within the Town Hall of Marazion. This building was once a local gaol. A cell from this period has been reconstructed and can be viewed. Other exhibits include historical artefacts pertinent to Marazion. Lands End is the most westerly point of mainland UK. It is currently the most visited attraction in Cornwall. Within the entertainment complex are many exhibitions to visit, including the Last Labyrinth, Relentless Sea and Land of Greeb Farm. The famous potter Bernard Leach set up his pottery in St Ives in 1920. His works and those of associated potters can be seen at the Leach Pottery. The pottery is located on the edge of town.