Eleven years ago this place was a barren, exhausted china clay pit. Now its massive Biomes (one of which is the biggest greenhouse in the world) and millions of plants bear witness to what can be achieved by a can-do attitude and the tenacity of the human spirit.

Eden is as potent a symbol of hope for the future as you could find anywhere on earth. That’s the big stuff…simple pleasures await you here too: imaginative children’s play areas, impromptu storytelling, workshops for all ages, a wide choice of delicious food, a shop full of amazing stuff from all over the world – and just sniffing the flowers of course!

www.edenproject.com

The Falmouth National Martime Museum makes a fun and affordable day out for all of the family, housed on Falmouth harbour-side the museum has something for everyone from seafaring enthusiasts to families. There are a large selection of exhibits covering a range of nautical subjects including ‘The Curiousity Shop’ showing all things weird and wonderful, and ‘The Survival Zone’ telling amazing stories of survival. There are also fun and educational workshops for kids with lots of opportunities for kids to interact as well as nautical themed play areas.

www.nmmc.co.uk

Stroll across the causeway where a legendary giant once walked. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims. Boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical paradise and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of a fortress, a priory, a harbour and a home. Stray from the mainland on foot or by boat and get up close to the beguiling beauty of the castle-topped isle standing proud in Mount’s Bay. Come ashore for a family outing, a tour of the castle or a garden visit.

www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

The Sanctuary started in the winter of 1958 when a baby seal, only a few hours old, was washed up on the beach at St Agnes. Ken Jones lived with his wife just one hundred yards from the beach, he picked up the pup and took it back to his small garden. For many years he ran a rescue centre for seals and oiled birds. News of his work spread, and he received more and more calls about injured seals. Today the Sanctuary has nursery pools, convalescence, and resident pools, and a specially designed hospital. The hospital over the years has been extended to include isolation pools, as well as treatment and preparation areas.

www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

Heligan was recently dubbed ‘The Nation’s Favourite Garden’ by BBC Gardeners’ World viewers after the award-winning restoration of its productive gardens, but this is just one of many features that make this a fantastic year-round destination.

The 22-acre ‘jungle’ was created as a horticultural playground to indulge the passion for sub-tropical plants that swept the country over a hundred years ago. Now some of the most lush vegetation in the country can be found in this steep-sided valley garden, including the largest collection of tree ferns in Europe, thickets of bamboo and a banana plantation.

www.heligan.com

The Minack Open Air Theatre in one of the most beautiful settings one can find anywhere in the World. Perched high on the Cliffs , with the stunning blue sea of the Atlantic Ocean, and the wonderful coastal vista of Porthcurno Bay with Logan Rock as a backdrop. Many visitors arrive at the Minack imagining it was built by invading Romans, but the real truth is even more remarkable. From 1931 until she died in 1983 the Minack Theatre was planned, built and financed by one determined woman. This is a ‘must visit’ for everyone!

www.minack.com

Crealy offers maximum fun, inside and out, with fantastic rides, animal encounters and parkland. An award winning family attraction and an unforgettable day packed with magic, fun, adventure and relaxation for the whole family; go wild on the Thunder Falls Log Flume, Raging Rivers Water Slide, Viking Warrior Pirate Ship, and in the huge indoor play areas. Ride, feed, or cuddle the animals in ‘Animal Realm’. Relax and unwind around the lake. Enjoy the Sunflower Maze, plus great restaurants and cafés and a fantastic gift shop.

www.crealy.co.uk

Tate St Ives presents modern and contemporary art, often created in or associated with Cornwall. Its location in St Ives, with dramatic views across the town and harbour to the east and Porthmeor Beach to the north, provides a unique opportunity to view work in the surroundings in which, in many cases, it was actually created. Tate St Ives opened in 1993 and occupies a spectacular site overlooking Porthmeor Beach close to the home of Alfred Wallis and to the studios used by many of the artists whose works are exhibited. It is designed to show works of art in the surroundings and atmosphere in which they were created.

www.tate.org.uk

Have you ever fancied gig rowing, but never given it a go? Now is your chance with Nankersey Rowing Club in Flushing. Join other beginners and experienced rowers on the waters of the Carrick Roads. New members are welcome every Saturday and Sunday morning and every Wednesday evening at Mylor Harbour to row Circe, their Cornish Pilot Gig. If you are visiting on holiday you can join the club for a row. £5 for adults or £3.50 for 12 to 16 year olds for an hour. Call 01326 376922 or visit their website.

www.nankerseyrowingclub.com