As Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, most attractions around Cornwall have reopened. Make sure you plan ahead to avoid disappointment, as you will need to book most places in advance. For more information, click on the title to be taken to their website!
The National Trust
The National Trust have started to open some gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland at reduced capacity, through advance bookings every week. New tickets are released every Friday and they will continue to open additional sites over the coming weeks. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are now open. All houses remain closed for now.
English Heritage
A significant number of English Heritage sites reopened as of the 4th July. These include Tintagel Castle and Pendennis Castle. More sites will open in August including St Mawes Castle, Launceston Castle and Restormel Castle and tickets will go on sale in early July. Visitor numbers will be limited to help keep everyone safe and stick to social distancing measures. You will need to book your visit in advance. If you are an English Heritage member you will still need to book your visit but your ticket will be free.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project has now opened up the biomes and the Core education centre. This will be the first time the public has been able to visit Eden’s indoor spaces since lockdown. All visitors to Eden will need to pre-book through the website, including existing Eden Project Members and Passholders. Timed ticketing is being introduced to stagger entries and help maintain effective social distancing. Eden is welcoming in free of charge anyone who works in the NHS or the care industry plus one guest, but again, they must be pre-booked. Visitor numbers will be limited to a maximin of 1,250 per day.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, Penzance
The gardens are now partially open every Wednesday through to Sunday, 10.30am – 4.30pm. In addition to this, Tremenheere Kitchen is serving a reduced takeaway only menu from their new outdoor hut and Tremenheere Nursery is also open. Please note that all indoor areas, aside from a standalone toilet block, will continue to be closed until lockdown and social distancing measures are eased further. When purchasing tickets at the garden ticket shed a queuing system will be in place to ensure visitors can easily practice social distancing and we ask that everyone pays by contactless card payment where possible – cash payments will temporarily not be accepted.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens reopened on the 10th June. To enable them to open, following COVID-19 guidelines, there will be pre-booked timed tickets to stagger visits throughout the day making social distancing possible. Please note that Heligan Members and Heligan Local Pass holders will also need to pre-book tickets. Some parts of the garden may be closed including the rope bridge.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
Mount Edgcumbe is now open and free to enter, but the House and Earl’s Garden, lower formal gardens, Barrow Centre, Orangery restaurant, Aunt Ems and all the childrens play areas and the toilets remain closed. The Cremyll Ferry from Plymouth starts again on the 16th June.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is only open to visitors who have purchased a ticket in advance of their visit. National Trust members are FREE but will need to book a ticket. It will only be open on certain days, when the tide is low and visitors can walk between the mainland and the island on the ancient cobbled causeway. There will be no public boats. The ticket includes entry on to the island, a walk through the village and harbour, and a timed slot to explore the Garden Terraces. The Castle will not be open until further notice.
Trewidden Garden, Penzance
Trewidden Garden reopened on the 5th June, opening hours 10:30am – 5:30pm with last entrance to the garden at 4:30pm, seven days a week. All purchases MUST be made by contactless card, including tickets, takeaway food and drink and any plant purchases.
Encounter Cornwall
Encounter Cornwall have started kayaking trips on the Fowey. For the moment, each Guided Trip is restricted to six paddlers but where possible they are running additional trips to cater for demand. Kayak, Canoe and SUP hire is also available for up to six kayaking together (experienced paddlers only). Social distancing must be observed unless you’re from the same household. We have adapted the way of work to ensure our staff and clients also observe social distancing. All equipment is cleaned before and after each use and not used again the same day. We hope you can join us. Happy Paddling!
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The sanctuary is open Friday to Sunday, and you must pre-book a time slot for your visit via their website, even if you have a pass.
Trebah
Trebah reopened on June 20th, Saturday to Wednesday inclusive to pre-booked visitors. All members and visitors must reserve a timed arrival slot before visiting, your vehicle registration will be checked on arrival and only those booked for that time slot will be permitted entry. The garden, beach and plant sales are open (contactless payment only). The cafe, shops and boathouse remain closed, as do all children’s play areas. Toilet facilities are only available in the visitor centre.
Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum
The museum is now reopen to visitors. All visitors will need to pre-book timed arrival slots online. This will ensure social distancing guidelines can be maintained. Once you arrive, you can stay as long as you like, within our opening hours.
Carnglaze Caverns
The caverns are now able to reopen for tours from 10am Tuesday 7th July. They are having to limit numbers at present to comply with social distancing requirements and provide a safe environment for you to visit. Therefore all tours will need to be pre-booked and this can be done via the website. The Rum Store concerts and events are currently awaiting full government guidelines but are anticipating that the autumn season of concerts will proceed.