A centre of world communication
Did you know our tiny village, Porthcurno, was once the hub of international communications? The largest telegraph station in the world was situated in the valley below the theatre. Many of the Minack’s early performers and stage crew were members of their staff. You can find out all about their amazing story at the PK Porthcurno, next to the beach car park.
An ancient Cornish chapel
The beautiful little church of St Levan is only a short walk beyond the theatre and is well worth visiting. An ancient building, some of the carved pew ends date back to the 12th century. Rowena Cade embroidered some of the altar cloths that are still used today. See if you can spot St Levan’s Stone, near the South Porch. There are several stories connected to it, including a prophesy that when a pack pony can ride through the split in the stone, the world will end. So you might want to bring a tape measure! The church is open during daylight hours.
Time to unwind
The area boasts several beautiful beaches with soft golden sand. Porthcurno beach, just below the theatre, is popular, but be aware that both the beach and the valley car park can get very crowded, especially in the summer holidays. Why not explore a little further and find your own special place to relax? From tiny coves like Lamorna and Porthgwarra, to the spacious bays at Marazion or Sennen, there’s a spot on the sand to suit everyone. (Only the larger beaches are staffed by RNLI Lifeguards, and they are present in the summer months only so always take care in the water. There can be hidden rocks and strong currents in the most idyllic bays.)
For a break from sun and sand, chill out at the welcoming Porthcurno Beach Café or relax with a drink or a hot meal at the family friendly Cable Station Inn, opposite the car park.
See Cornwall differently
Coast Boat Trips give their guests an unforgettable experience that showcases the UK's most exposed and beautiful coast line, open seas and serene places of paradise. West Cornwall is an area with varying environments, each with their own breathtaking characteristics. The unique convergence of 3 bodies of water, the Atlantic, the Celtic Sea and the English Channel gives us the richest marine biodiversity anywhere in the UK. Not only that, the changing of our coastal geology from granite to slate means our cliffs are incredibly diverse in their flora and fauna. The Cornish coastline is also rich in history and heritage. With sites like the Longships Lighthouse, the Minack Theatre, Botallack Mines and St Michael's Mount to name just a few. From its natural environments and wildlife to human history and impact, you can enjoy a complete sensory experience including some of the world's biggest tides, adverse weather and sea conditions, interactions with incredible wildlife and breathtaking views and locations.
Learn to surf at Sennen
Sennen Cove is a great centre for surfing and watersports, whether you’re a king of the waves or an absolute beginner. There are two surf schools, Sennen Surf Centre and Smart Surf School, while the village has plenty of eating places, gifts shops and galleries. Take a look round the lifeboat house where you can see the working lifeboat up close and find out about the many wrecks and rescues that have happened on these shores.
To the ends of the earth
Only four miles from the Minack, Land’s End is a very popular tourist attraction, with plenty of activities for all the family, but nothing beats standing on the headland looking out at the jagged line of the Longships rocks and the great Atlantic rollers crashing around them. On a clear day you can even make out the dark line of The Isles of Scilly on the horizon.
A mine of information
The cliffs of West Cornwall have a hidden past. Beneath your feet there may be deep tunnels reaching out far under the ocean floor. Our mining heritage is a story full of courage, ambition and terrible disasters. Visit Geevor Tin Mine to discover Cornwall's underground past. See how the miners lived and worked, walk through the actual tunnels of the eighteen century Wheal Mexico mine and learn about the difficult and dangerous process of cutting precious metals out of the rock. You can even try your hand at panning for 'gold'.
To find out more about these and many other attractions and activities you might enjoy, visit Best Days Out Cornwall.