• Galleries and museums

• Theatres and cinemas

• Gardens

• Historic houses, castles and mines

Galleries and museums
Local galleries and museums are listed first, important galleries and museums second and the Truro Art Guide third.

The New Gallery – Portscatho
The Square, Portscatho
01872 580445

The Picture House – St Mawes
The Quay, St Mawes
01326 270495

Tregony Gallery –Tregony
This small, friendly gallery shows a variety of art that is of a refreshingly high standard with something for everyone – the browsing visitor or the serious collector.
Tregony Gallery
58 Fore Street, Tregony, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5RW
Tel & fax: 01872 530505
www.tregonygallery.co.uk

Veryan Galleries – Veryan
Fine art paintings, prints, ceramics, bronzes, silks, woodturning, jewellery and cards. Special exhibitions during the year.
Veryan Green, Truro TR2 5QQ
www.veryangalleries.co.uk

Waterside Gallery – St Mawes
Traditional and contemporary art
21 Marine Parade, St Mawes
01326 270136
www.watersidegallery.co.uk

Penzance

Penlee House Gallery and Museum
West Cornwall’s Centre for art and heritage. The permanent collection includes paintings by artists of the ‘Newlyn School’ and Lamorna group.

Penlee House Gallery and Museum
Morrab Road, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4HE
01736 363625
www.penleehouse.org.uk
e-mail: info@penleehouse.org.uk

St Ives

Leave your easel at home and enjoy a ‘gallery day’ in St Ives

New Millennium Gallery
The work displayed in this privately owned gallery is the product of over twenty years collecting. Known for its highly abstract and innovative contemporary artworks the ground floor of the gallery plays host to a constantly changing series of exhibitions throughout the year.

Street-au-Pol, St Ives TR26 2DS
Tel & Fax 01736 793121
www.newmillenniumgallery.co.uk

Porthminster Gallery
Impressive list of artists’ work on display, including Terry Frost, Bob Crossley and Tony O’Malley. Exhibitions during the year.

Ferlea Terrace, St Ives TR26 1AD
01736 793978 or 01736 756006

Tate St Ives
A national treasure. Exciting building, equally exciting exhibitions throughout the year. Plenty to entertain children and a highly informative website - we love it.

Pothmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1TG
01736 796266
www.tate.org.uk/stives

St Ives Society of Artists
Founded in 1927, the Society is the most well-established artists’ group of its kind in Cornwall. The Society’s landmark building hosts a varied exhibition programme encompassing a wide range of styles and subject matter.

Norway Square, St Ives TR26 1NA
www.stisa.co.uk

Truro

The enduring popularity of the region with artists over the years has created a wonderful collection of galleries, art schools, artists’ groups and museums in City of Truro.  For convenience we have grouped them together, though each offers a different approach to the art and artists of Cornwall, past and present. 

Royal Cornwall Museum - Truro
A varied programme of exhibitions running throughout the year with many works for sale

Royal Cornwall Museum
River Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2SJ
01872 272205
www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
e-mail: enquiries@royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

Includes The Courtney Library
Cornwall’s oldest historical research centre. The collection includes: medieval documents, maps, parish registers and Cornish books plus an extensive photographic library comprising approximately 50,000 images. Admission is free, feel free to telephone them to see how they can help.

The Courtney Library
Royal Cornwall Museum
River Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2SJ
01872 272205
www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
e-mail: enquiries@royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

Truro – art guide

Avante Garde
Specialising in contemporary designer jewellery
1 Pydar Mews, Truro TR1 2UX
01872 320022
www.avantegardejewellery.co.uk

Glass House Gallery
The oldest art gallery in Truro, offering a varied collection of artworks and ceramics displayed on two floors.
Kenwyn Street Truro TR1 3DJ
01872 262376
www.glasshousegallery.co.uk

Lemon Street Gallery
One of Cornwall’s leading galleries for modern and contemporary works of fine art.
13 Lemon Street, Truro TR1 2LS
01872 275757
www.lemonstreetgallery.co.uk

Lighthouse Gallery
The lighthouse Gallery displays work by many of Cornwall’s leading contemporary and traditional artists.
18 River Street, Truro TR1 2SQ
01872 277001
www.lighthouse-gallery.com

Pyndar Artists’ Studios
Home to a group of working artists. Art lovers are able to watch the artists at work and buy completed pieces.
Peoples Place, Truro TR1 2AZ
07703 326889
www.pyndarartstudios.co.uk

The Guild of Ten
Formed in 1977 as a co-operative venture by a group of designers and makers living in Cornwall to showcase some of the finest contemporary craftwork.
19 Old Bridge Street, Truro TR1 2AH
01872 274681
www.guildof10.co.uk

The Lander gallery
Fine art from four centuries with a rich Cornish flavour. Large and unpredictable selection of original pictures and prints, glass, sculpture, pottery and cards from the eighteenth century to the present day.
Lemon Street Market, Truro TR12 2PN
01872 275578
www.landergallery.co.uk

Truro Art School and Gallery
Truro Arts School is an independent art and craft school offering a wide variety of one day, weekly and holiday courses in a relaxed and friendly environment overlooking the cathedral. Well stocked art shop for all your supplies and a gallery of original artwork.
74-75 Lemon Street, Truro TR1 2LS
01872 274446
www.truroarts.com

Vitreous Contemporary Art
VCA is recognised as a serious contemporary art gallery specialising in modern artists from Cornwall and the South-West. Work is displayed in a wide variety of styles and media not confined to any particuler genre.
7 Mitchell Hill, Truro TR1 1ED
www.vitreous.biz

Theatres and cinemas

Theatres – few and far between but of a very high standard.

Hall for Cornwall
Full and varied programme of entertainment throughout the year, including The English Touring Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, Morrissey, Ken Dodd, Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Vagina Monologues and Fimbles Live – and programmes don’t get much more varied than that!
Back Quay, Truro TR1 2LL
Box Office: 01872 262466
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Minack
Cornwall’s theatre under the stars occupies a dramatic position overlooking the sea. Open throughout the year the varied programme of entertainment caters for all ages. Pre-show picnics are available to order.
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JU
01736 810181 / 810471
www.minack.com

Cinemas – Full listings are available in the West Briton local paper which is published every Thursday.

Plaza Cinema – Truro
69 Lemon Street, Falmouth
01872 272894

Falmouth Arts Cinema
24 Church Street, Falmouth
01326 314566

St Austell Film Centre
Chandos Place, St Austell
01726 73750

Gardens

Eden Project
The world’s largest greenhouse is just part of a thirty acre global garden. Changing all the time the Eden Project never disappoints, at any time of year.
The Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell PL24 2SG
01726 811972 / 811911
www.edenproject.com

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Probably one of the better known gardens in the area. Lost until 1990 and now rediscovered, the BBC’s Gardeners’ World programme described it as ‘The Nation’s favourite Garden’. Open all year round and with plenty to do and see.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN
01726 845100
www.heligan.com

Trelissick
This large estate at the head of Carrick Roads, the deep water estuary of the Fal, offers a wide variety of different gardens with year-round appeal. From rare and exotic plants, camelias and rare hydrangeas to park, woodland and riverside walks Trelissick has something for every visitor. The converted Georgian stable block is now a gallery displaying the best of local art and crafts. Trelissick also plays host to a year long programme of events, including theatre and music.
Feock, nr Truro TR3 6QL
01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
For a special day out visit Trelissick by river, for more details visit www.falriverlinks.co.uk

Glendurgan
A sub-tropical valley garden running down to the Helford River. This lush and sheltered valley with carpets of native wild flowers, fine trees and rare and exotic plants was created by the Fox family in the 1820s. In addition to the beautiful gardens, the valley leads down to Durgan hamlet and beach on the banks of the Helford estuary; has a foot ferry link to and from Helford village on the other side; and for children there’s the chance to go airbourne on the Giant’s Stride and get lost in the famous laurel maze.
Mawnan Smith, nr Falmouth TR11 5JZ
01326 250906 (opening hous only) or 01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Trevarno
‘The best excuse anyone could possibly want to go to Cornwall’ is the way The Times described Trevarno. Tracing its history back to 1246 the Trevarno estate comprises: magnificent gardens, grounds and woodland walks; the remarkable National Museum of Gardening; a 2km estate walk; extensive play area for children; a fascinating Soap Museum alongside their range of organic Travarno skin care products; a Honey Bee Information Centre (about bees, not for bees, obviously) and Vintage Toy Museum. So… Mum, check. Dad, check. Children, check. Grandparents, check. Yes, there’s something for everyone, just need a people carrier and some plastic. Perhaps you can believe everything you read in the papers.
Trevarno, Crowntown, nr Helston TR13 0RU
01326 574274
www.trevarno.co.uk

Godolphin – privately owned, but if you are walking the National Trust estate, you are welcome to use their facilities
Discover the beauty of Godolphin House and gardens, which offer over 700 years of Cornish history. The privately owned Grade I mansion of c1475, complete with its Elizabethan stables, lies surrounded by very early formal gardens (1500 and earlier) and lovely grounds. Lots to see and do including a display of farm wagons; an exhibition of the restoration work to-date; American tipi, games and storytelling for the children; and an informal restaurant and shop with unusual Cornish produce. Plus, anyone who offers their facilities (loo) free to people walking the National Trust estate, is fine by us.
Godolphin Cross, Helston TR13 9RE
01736 763194
www.godolphinhouse.com

St Michael’s Mount
Described as a ‘magical rocky island crowned with medieval castle and church’ this iconic island castle is still home to the St Aubyn family and the small community that live on the island. The island has a unique and extraordinary maritime garden created in terraces just above the sea, which includes ‘sub-tropical’ species. Guided tours of the gardens by arrangement. You can walk to the island via the causeway during low tide or take a motor launch when the tide comes in.
Marzion, Penzance TR17 0EF
01736 710507
Tide information: 01736 710265
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Historic houses, castles and mines

Before we start, all of the following are run by the The National Trust or English Heritage, so we love ’em. For overseas visitors the reason we love them is that they: generally offer something for everyone; are well presented and maintained; offer sensible parking; consistent quality of café fayre (where applicable) and good loos.

Local sites first

St Mawes Castle
Facing Pendennis, its sister castle, St Mawes is considered to be one of Henry VIII’s most beautiful coastal fortresses. A free audio tour brings the castle back to life, putting you on the battlements over 450 years ago.
01326 270526
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Trelissick
This large estate at the head of Carrick Roads, the deep water estuary of the Fal, offers a wide variety of different gardens with year-round appeal. From rare and exotic plants, camelias and rare hydrangeas to park, woodland and riverside walks Trelissick has something for every visitor. The converted Georgian stable block is now a gallery displaying the best of local art and crafts. Trelissick also plays host to a year long programme of events, including theatre and music.
Feock, nr Truro TR3 6QL
01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
For a special day out visit Trelissick by river, for more details visit www.falriverlinks.co.uk

Rest of Cornwall

Cornish mines and engines
Including the Industrial Discovery Centre and two mighty beam engines,  this attraction offers three sites in one. Michell’s Engine and Taylor’s Engine – housed in its own three-storey building - are both working engines and visitors are encourage to ‘get-up-close’ with walks through the old flue tunnel and dizzying views up the 120ft chimney stack.
Pool, nr Redruth TR15 3NP
01209 315027
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Godolphin – privately owned, but if you are walking the National Trust estate, you are welcome to use their facilities
Discover the beauty of Godolphin House and gardens, which offer over 700 years of Cornish history. The privately owned Grade I mansion of c1475, complete with its Elizabethan stables, lies surrounded by very early formal gardens (1500 and earlier) and lovely grounds. Lots to see and do including a displays of farm wagon; an exhibition of the restoration work to-date; American tipi, games and storytelling for the children; and an informal restaurant and shop with unusual Cornish produce. Plus, anyone who offers their facilities (loo) free to people walking the National Trust estate, is fine by us.
Godolphin Cross, Helston TR13 9RE
01736 763194
www.godolphinhouse.com

Glendurgan
A sub-tropical valley garden running down to the Helford River. This lush and sheltered valley with carpets of native wild flowers, fine trees and rare and exotic plants was created by the Fox family in the 1820s. In addition to the beautiful gardens, the valley leads down to Durgan hamlet and beach on the banks of the Helford estuary; has a foot ferry link to and from Helford village on the other side; and for children there’s the chance to go airbourne on the Giant’s Stride and getting lost in the famous laurel maze.
Mawnan Smith, nr Falmouth TR11 5JZ
01326 250906 (opening hous only) or 01872 862090
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Lanhydrock
This magnificent late Victorian country house was the atmospheric home of the Agar-Robartes family. With fifty rooms to explore including the great kitchen, evocative nursery and 17c Long Gallery with plaster ceiling depicting biblical scenes, the house provides a unique insight into the workings of a wealthy well-run household of the time. Surrounded by formal gardens within a parkland setting, Lanhydrock offers many miles of walks through woods and along the river.
Nr Bodmin PL30 5AD
01208 265950
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Levant Mine and Beam Engine
A bit of a hike but well worth it to see the only steam-powered beam engine in Cornwall. Forming part of this historic mine on the cliff edge your visit could include a trip down into the underground tunnels (dry) used by the miners.
Trewelland, Pendeen, nr St Just TR19 7SX
01736786156
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Pendennis Castle
Journey back through 450 years of history at Pendennis, from tudor times to World War II. New for 2006: Interactive exhibition in the Royal barracks provides the perfect introduction to the history of Pendennis plus the new tea room for a Cornish cream tea.
01326 316594
www.english-heritage.org.uk

St Antony’s Lighthouse
This prominent lighthouse was built in 1835 and is still operating today. The lighthouse is well worth a visit and whilst you’re there why not  explore the Old Gunnery or view sea birds from the bird hide.

St Michael’s Mount
Described as a ‘magical rocky island crowned with medieval castle and church’ this iconic island castle is still home to the St Aubyn family and the small community that live on the island. The island has a unique and extraordinary maritime garden created in terraces just above the sea, which includes ‘sub-tropical’ species. Guided tours of the gardens by arrangement. You can walk to the island via the causeway during low tide or take a motor launch when the tide comes in.
Marzion, Penzance TR17 0EF
01736 710507
Tide information: 01736 710265
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Trerice
Described as a ‘small and lovely architectural gem’ this beautiful Elizabethan manor house built by the famed Arundell family in 1572, offers a wealth of history both in the house and the surrounding gardens. Home of the Royalist Cival War hero, John ‘for the King’ Arundell, the manor is a wonderful example of Elizabethan architecture and includes ornate fireplaces and plaster ceilings; a 576-pane Great Hall window and decorative Dutch gables. ‘Secluded and intimate’ the manor is just a stone’s throw from the modern world yet miles away in spirit.
Kestle Mill, nr Newquay TR8 4PG
01637 875404
www.nationaltrust.org.uk