The Minack Theatre is a very popular destination.
To avoid disappointment, ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL during school holidays for all visits, tours and events and is highly recommended at all other times times.
Opening hours
The theatre is open for visits daily from 10am. However, last admission may vary, depending on performance schedule.
From the start of November we will be CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter months (except for 30 and 31 December).
The Theatre will also be closed for Christmas from 23 - 26 December, inclusive.
Always check opening times before you visit.
Please book in advance
Admission to the Minack is by timed entry only. Advance booking for visits is essential during holiday periods and we strongly advise that you book your visit in advance at all other times to avoid disappointment. You can book online or by phone (01736 810181).
Once inside the theatre you are welcome to spend as long here as you like – but please check our closing times, as we sometimes close early for performances.
Come and see us again!
Your ticket includes free readmission to the theatre for 12 months from the date of first entry. To activate free readmission, book a free 'Readmission Voucher' on the booking system for the date and time you wish to visit. You will also need to bring proof of your original, paid ticket with you when you visit.
About the Minack site
Entry to the Minack Theatre is at your own risk. The site is steep and includes many steps. It is open to the elements and surfaces may be slippery in wet weather. Due to the terrain, there is no disabled access to the stage or the lower levels of the auditorium. See our Accessibility page or phone us for more information.
Things to see and do at the Minack
The Minack is a working theatre. Your visit ticket includes access to the auditorium and garden. At some times you may also have access to the stage or else you might catch a rehearsal or other activity taking place on stage. Don't miss the Rowena Cade Exhibition, situated at the top of the theatre near the cafe.
A great garden
The upper levels of the Minack have been landscaped and planted to form a remarkable sub-tropical garden, full of exotic species you'd expect to see in South Africa or Australia and are rarely found outdoors in mainland Britain.
Book a guided tour
If you'd like an indepth tour of the theatre or garden, book tickets on one of our small group guided tours on selected days (places limited). Our tours have various formats and content. Find out what tours are available.
Meet Billy Rawlings
Look out for actor Mark Harandon as Billy Rawlings, Rowena Cade's gardener and helper, to tell the story of how the Minack was built. Meet Billy Rawlings takes place on selected days only during the winter. Listed on booking slot information.
Audio tour
Access our online audio tour on your phone to guide you round the theatre at your own pace.
Activities and workshops
We offer a range of activities for children and adults. Many of these take place at weekends, including our popular Play in a Day workshops. You can also book interactive tours which enable you to explore the theatre in a different way. Find out what activities are currently available here.
Storytelling
During school holidays we run storytelling events for young children and families on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These are not included in your visit, you'll need to book tickets for the performance. Find our more about Storytelling events here.
Food and drink
Our Cafe serves light refreshments including hot and cold drinks, ice creams, homemade cakes and sandwiches, cream teas and light snacks. You can also purchase takeaway drinks and snacks from The Terrace coffee shop and in the summer months there is a takeaway kiosk in the car park.
Got a question? Find out more below
What time does the Minack car park open?
The Minack car park opens 15 minutes before the first visiting time. Unless there is a morning performance, ticket holders for the first visiting slot will be able to access the car park from 9.45am.
Daytime visitors: you can park her from 30mins before your visit slot time.
Showgoers: the car park is available 90 mins before the start time of the performance.
Our car park space is limited, so please don't arrive early for your visit, as we may not be able to admit you.
Do I have to book in advance or can I just turn up?
Admission is by timed booking slot only. Advance booking is essential in all holiday periods and strongly advised at all other times. If you are a few minutes late arriving, don’t worry, you can be admitted to the theatre within 30 minutes after the time on your ticket. (If you arrive outside this time interval we cannot guarantee admittance.)
Once inside the theatre you are welcome to spend as long here as you like – but do check our closing times, as there are performances on some days which mean we will close early.
Why are there no morning or afternoon visiting slots on some days?
If there are no visiting slots available then it means there is a performance on stage during the morning or afternoon.
What time does the theatre close?
The last entry time for visitors varies depending on whether there is a performance taking place in the afternoon. The final entry time period commences 1 hour before the theatre closes. Check entry times here VISITING TIMES
What if I miss my arrival time, can I still get in?
You can arrive at any time during the 30 minute slot you have booked.
If you have made an advance booking but arrive outside the 30 minute time slot, admission will be at the discretion of the team managing the theatre capacity.
What if I book an advance ticket but am unable to visit on the day?
If you have a valid admission ticket but have been unable to use it, you will still be eligible for free readmission within 12 months (subject to booking another time slot in advance).
Can I make a group booking?
Due to ongoing traffic issues within Porthcurno and the surrounding area, we are unable to accommodate large visiting groups. Bookings for up to 10 people can be purchased online or by calling the box office. Groups must be booked in advance to guarantee admission. Please note there is no designated coach parking at the Minack or in Porthcurno.
Can I bring a pram, buggy or car seat into the theatre?
The theatre has steep narrow paths and lots of steps. We are sorry, prams, buggies and car seats are not permitted in the theatre.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on short leads are welcome during visiting hours, but we regret that no dogs other than guide dogs will be admitted to performances. Please note, there is no shaded parking available onsite.
Can I fly my drone over the Minack?
Drones are not allowed on or above any part of our property except by prior agreement. Private individuals are not permitted to fly drones from or over the Minack at any time. Commercial drone use is only permitted as part of a media contract with the Minack.
Can I put my name on a waiting list for a ticket?
We regret that there are no waiting lists for visitor or performance tickets.
Does the Minack have a Cafe and do I need to buy a ticket to access it?
Our Cafe serves light refreshments or you can purchase takeaway drinks and snacks from The Terrace coffee shop and in the summer months there is a takeaway kiosk in the car park. The Cafe and Terrace are for the use of our visitors and audiences only.