Heritage and Genealogy

Delve into the region’s history and discover what life was like working in mines or strolling down a street in Victorian times.

Explore family ancestry at the archive centre, tour the local towns on foot with an experienced guide or grab a hammer and some goggles to chip away at Jurassic rocks in search of your very own piece of history.

Accommodation

From Tudor manor houses to grant Victorian hotels, accommodation in Cornwall and Devon often has a history of its own. For full listings see the downloadable experiences and Trade Directory.

Food and Drink

The region is renowned for its fantastic local produce and there are good quality eateries around every corner. For full listings see the downloadable experiences and Trade Directory.

Attractions

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Cornwall Family History Association

Delve into your Cornish ancestry with a visit to this research library in Truro. All records are also held online so your research can continue post visit too.

Geevor Tin Mine

Whilst not used in the filming of Poldark, Geevor is a must-see. As the largest preserved tin mining site in Europe, visitors are able to take underground tours and get hands on in the interactive Hard Rock Museum.

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Lanhydrock House

Lanhydrock is a magnificent late Victorian country house, complete with servant's quarters, extensive gardens and a wooded estate.

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St. Michael's Mount

Steeped in myth and legend, home to a medieval church and a sub-tropical garden, this fascinating rocky island boats over a thousand years of history.

Tintagel

The ruins of Tintagel Castle date back to Norman times and if legend is to be believed, they are inextricably linked with King Arthur. The town is also home to a 14th Century Post Office and a Roman milestone.

Truro

The UK's most southerly city, Truro is a vibrant centre of shopping, culture and impressive architecture. Most notably is the Cathedral, which soars above the rooftops and is one of only three in the UK with three spires.

Wheal Martyn

The UK's only China Clay mining museum, Wheal Martyn is a fully preserved Victorian China Clay mine complete with machinery and equipment exhibitions including Cornwall's largest working waterwheel.

Buckfast Abbey

An active Benedictine monastery dating back to 1018, its grounds are renown for having a sense of peace, whisking visitors away from busy modern day life.

Castle Drogo

The last castle to be built in England, this dramatic castle overlooks the tranquil Teign Valley, an ancient gorge teeming with wildlife.

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Coldharbour Mill Working Museum

This site of one of the oldest woollen textile mills in the world is now a museum, dedicated to preserving the rich heritage and bringing the past to life.

Exeter Cathedral

At 900 years of age, this impressive medieval cathedral has lost none of its grandeur and featuring two Norman tours and the longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world, visitors are awed by the impressive architecture.

Kents Cavern

One of Europe's most important and best prehistoric cave sites, take a tour and surround yourself by 400 million year old rocks.

Knightshayes Court

A grand, gothic country estate, Knighthayes boats acre of gardens which are home to over 1200 plant species.

South Devon Steam Railway

The longest established steam railway in the south west, and multi-award winning, this line was built in 1872 and runs seven miles through the River Dart valley.

Experiences

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St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre

An exciting and interactive experience, touring guests around the historic family brewery and revealing the secrets and stories behind their beers, culminating in a sampling session.

Select SW Tours

Take the day off and let a local professional driver guide you around the area. Explore hidden gems, stunning scenery and meet the people who are lucky enough to call this part of the world home.

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Town Walking Tours

Discover more about the Cornish towns with a walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide who will impart lesser known facts, histories and local stories.

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Excursions by Train to St. Ives, Penzance, Looe and Falmouth

Cornwall is home to some of the most scenic railways in Britain so head to the local train station and soak up the scenery from the comfort of your carriage.

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Royal Albert Memorial Museum - Exeter

One of Britain's finest regional museums visitors here are treated to world-class collections that tell the story of Exeter, Devon and 18th Century global exploration.

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Beer Quarry Caves

These man-made limestone under ground caves have a 2000-year history and the Beer stones have been used in Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

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Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast at Beer

There is no greater joy than being rewarded with a fossil in hand having spent a few hours head down rummaging and digging for these precious artefacts.

Unique Devon Tours

Let this award-winning touring company guide you on your family history research quest using their extensive local knowledge and first hand experience.

Planning Your Visit

Explore More

Extend your stay and spend some time exploring the wider West Country area, where attractions, beauty and history are aplenty.

Plymouth

Mayflower 400 provides an opportunity for group visits, FITs and international tours to England.

Travel Trade Itineraries

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Plymouth

Rain or shine, Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City is home to breath-taking views, plenty to see and do and lots of fresh, sea air. Explore the waterfront, shop ‘til you drop or experience world-class events.

Visit Plymouth

Visit Somerset

Think of Somerset and what comes to mind – stunning views across open countryside, sandy beaches, superb strawberries, Cheddar cheese and cider? World-wide, our county is famous for its Glastonbury Festival, illuminated carnivals, Mulberry handbags and Arthurian Legends. There is more! Much more.

Visit Somerset