5 Great Places to Visit in Cornwall

Cornwall is arguably one of the UK's best places to visit, especially in the summer months when the weather is often very warm and sunny. It is well known for its fabulous beaches and for towns such as the surfer's paradise Newquay and the picturesque St Ives. This, however, is not all that Cornwall has to offer. There are many things to see and do here from historic sites to museums and gardens, it really is a place that offers something for everyone. Even though there are hundreds of tourist attractions to visit and towns to explore, this article will outline 5 of Cornwall's greatest places to visit to give you an introduction into what Cornwall has to offer.

The first place of interest is one of Cornwall's most popular tourist attractions. It is the internationally renowned Eden Project in St Austell. Eden is a huge global garden housed in tropical biomes, the size of 30 football pitches. With the sights and smells of the rainforest, tropical plants and simulated environments of tropical destinations all over the world, The Eden Project is a very fun and educational way for children and adults alike to learn about the environment, you certainly need a day here to fully appreciate it.

The second great place to visit in Cornwall is the Carnglaze Slate Caverns in Liskeard. These caverns are centuries old and were created by local slate miners. The caverns house a huge subterranean lake whos clear blue-green waters are a sight to behold. The site also offers woodland walks and gardens, an underground theatre and an impressive collection of minerals. You would need at least half a day to explore everything this mystical attraction has to offer.

Number three is Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and lets you explore themed displays of the huge variety of creatures that inhabit the ocean. Here you can also listen to informative talks, watch feeding demonstrations, learn about conservation or walk through a tunnel in the centre of a tropical tank, coming face to face with sharks and fish. The aquarium has received many tourism awards and it is advised that you spend a day here to make sure you get the most of all it has to offer.

The fourth of our great places to visit in Cornwall is the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. This museum celebrates everything to do with the sea and allows you to explore boats and submarines, teaches about the history of diving and allows you to view the waves from below the water's surface. There is a live boat restoration zone and a 29 metre tower offering breathtaking views over the water. Children will love all the hands on interactive activities so be sure to allow a whole day so as not to rush curious kids!

Last but not least is Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. This grand fortress is 450 years old and provides hours of interest for all the family. Explore the castle's history at the Discovery Centre with interactive activities for visitors of all ages. Take a guided tour through an underground air raid shelter, visit a Tudor gun deck and enter real life restored Victorian defences complete with sounds and smells.

Whichever of these attractions you choose to visit, they all provide hours of fun for explorers young and old and truly make up 5 of the great places to visit in Cornwall.

Richard Parks is a UK based travel writer who specialises in providing information about better ways to enjoy holidays in Britain for families. To find out more about the types of holiday available, visit the website at http://www.haven.com/holidays/summer.aspx