Pumpkins and ghoulish costumes abound during Halloween half-term at the Eden Project. Explore foreboding forests to play Halloween games and listen to scary stories, before trying the spooky ice rink - guaranteed to send chills down your spine!
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
The Eden Project near St Austell, east Cornwall, has a 45-acre "global garden" and the world's largest geodesic domes. The aim of this Charitable Trust is to improve relations between "plants, people and resources, for a sustainable future for all".
Available :
Daily
The 400-year-old Heligan Estate fell into ruin in the early years of the 20th century. In the 1990s, overgrowth was hacked back, decaying structures repaired and gardens replanted. A highlight is the magical warren of Victorian walled fruit and vegetable gardens.
Available :
Daily
The Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre takes you through 300 years of maritime history, including the story of the "unsinkable" Titanic. You can also read between the lines of Admiral Lord Nelson's letter, written just before the Battle of Trafalgar.
Available :
Mar - Oct 2013 (annual)
The Keay Theatre, aka the "big green copper box", is an intimate contemporary performing space in the grounds of St Austell's Cornwall College. The annual season includes everything from hip-hop and Cornish-language punk to cutting-edge dance and traditional pantomime.
Available :
Daily
The Visitor Centre at the family-run St Austell Brewery divulges the secrets of over 150 years of real ales and the families who have brewed them. Complete your education with some sampling at Hicks Bar.
Available :
Daily
Held at a dedicated showground outside Wadebridge, the Royal Cornwall Show has roots that date back to 1793. Local produce is available in abundance, there's a colourful flower show and the steam fair includes traction engines and traditional fairground attractions.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
The enormous 19th-century Caerhays Castle was built by London architect John Nash in a sheltered Gorran valley overlooking Porthluney Cove. Visit the house and 100-acre gardens with magnolia collection in spring, or secluded Porthluney Beach throughout the year.
Available :
Feb - May 2013 (annual)
The widely anticipated Endellion Summer Music Festival invites classical musicians from around the world to perform at the Collegiate Church of St Endelienta, St Endellion. Relax and enjoy trumpet concertos, string quartets and choral singing in a beautiful and calming setting.
Available :
Jul - Aug 2013 (annual)
Prepare yourself for a strange tradition that's said to aid fertility! Padstow town centre's 'Obby 'Oss Celebrations see two black-clothed hobby horses make a bee-line for every woman they pass, drawing them under their cloaks and daubing them with coal.
Available :
May 2013 (annual)
Dairyland Farm World in Newquay provides a hands-on farm experience for children and their parents that aims to promote a better understanding between town and country.
Available :
Daily
The Flora Day celebrates the arrival of spring and takes place around the streets of Helston in Cornwall. Highlights include the Early Morning Dance, Hal-an-Tow, the Children's Dance, the Ancient Furry Dance and Evening Dance.
Available :
May 2013 (annual)
Dubbed "Glastonbury for books", the Port Eliot Festival in St Germans has everything from cabaret performances, film screenings and art showings to poetry slams, engaging literary discussions, artistic workshops and a host of fun activities to amuse the kids.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
Trerice is a charming Elizabethan manor house in Kestle Mill, near Newquay, renowned for its barrel-roofed Great Chamber. Explore its fine period rooms, flowering gardens and old Cornish apple orchard.
Available :
Daily; not Fri
The Lappa Valley Steam Railway runs from Newquay to East Wheal Rose on one of the oldest trackbeds in Cornwall. Trains run daily during opening season. Please check the railway's website for details of reduced April and October services.
Available :
Apr - Nov 2013 (annual)
The Relentless Boardmasters Festival takes place in Newquay's Watergate Bay alongside the annual Boardmasters Championships. The Men's World Qualifying Series surfing event is the highlight on the water, while famous musicians provide the festival atmosphere.
Available :
Aug 2013 (annual)
Set within the exotic gardens of Trenance Park, Newquay Zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Fascinating talks, feeding times and daily animal encounters give visitors the chance to get closer to the creatures.
Available :
Daily
Trenance Gardens is a 26-acre park and one of Newquay's most popular family attractions. It is home to Newquay Zoo, a 25-metre swimming pool, a kids pool, fitness centre, boating lake, mini railway and, of course, the lush landscaped gardens.
Available :
Daily
The calm green waters of Newquay harbour make a tempting spot for Cornwall's local wild grey seal population. One-hour boat trips travel across the bay to see local marine life as well as Newquay from a new angle.
Available :
Daily
Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium features local marine life, hundreds of tropical species in an ocean display, and an underwater tunnel. Take the kids to see the amazing octopus, which can even open jam jars to get at its food.
Available :
Daily
Construction works on this majestic building started in 1880 on the site of the 16th century St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, and were completed in 1910. Dr Benson, the Bishop at the time, appointed architect John Pearson to create something quite spectacular and yet different from the styles of other cathedrals in England.
Available :
Daily
Cornwall's premier arts venue is right at the heart of Truro's cultural scene. Drama, dance and music are all on the menu here.
Available :
Daily
The Cornwall Food And Drink Festival returns to Lemon Quay with a feast of cooking tips and demonstrations. Visitors can learn how to make tasty dishes using local produce and watch top chefs in action. Best of all - it's free!
Available :
Sep 2013 (annual)
Located in the heart of Truro, the Royal Cornwall Museum features permanent displays on the county's history as well as a diverse range of temporary exhibitions.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
The tranquil Trelissick Gardens are home to a superb collection of exotic plant species and, thanks to their prime location at the head of the Fal estuary, offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Available :
Daily
Smeaton's Tower in Plymouth is a triumph of 18th-century engineering and was initially built on the treacherous Eddystone Rocks, 14 miles out at sea. Moved by the Victorians to Plymouth Hoe, it has now been restored to its original glory.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
Every year Plymouth City Council organises a bonfire and fireworks display that attracts a large crowd. The event at Plymouth Hoe also includes games and entertainment from local radio stations, fairground rides and food stalls.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
The Plymouth City Museum and Fine Art Gallery houses a wide variety of collections covering the fine and decorative arts, natural history and human history. Special displays include fine examples of Plymouth porcelain, Joshua Reynolds paintings and the precious 18th-century Cottonian collection of Old Masters, rare prints and books.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
The Merchants House in Plymouth takes visitors on a journey back in time. A historic building in one of the city's oldest streets, today this 16th/17th-century residence is a mini museum crammed with artefacts, curiosities and photographs.
Available :
Mar - Oct 2013; not Mon or Sun (annual)
England's oldest working distillery is still turning out fine Plymouth Gin and is happy to let you in on the secret of how it's made with a tour of the production process.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Plymouth's Christmas lights are switched on from the Guildhall City Square every year by a local celebrity, attracting a large crowd. The event signals the beginning of late-night shopping on Thursdays and there is plenty of family entertainment too.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
On the first Wednesday of every month, Plymouth's Barbican Theatre B Bar hosts The Comedy Club, a stand-up night featuring up-and-coming and renowned comedians from the UK and overseas.
Available :
Feb 2013 (monthly)
The Plymouth Mayflower is an interactive visitor attraction located close to the Mayflower steps, from where the Pilgrim Fathers left for the "New World" on the Mayflower ship.
Available :
Daily
A genuine Tudor sea captain's home, the Elizabethan House in Plymouth contains period furniture and fabrics, sloping oak floors and beams and a winding staircase. The kitchen and garden have also recently been restored.
Available :
Mar - Oct 2013 (annual)
08457 76 76 76
