Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Artistic Attractions
From Penzance, a 2-mile promenade
leads to the fishing village of
Newlyn
. Stanhope and Elizabeth
Forbes founded an art school here in
1899, and the village has been an art-
ists' colony ever since.
Newlyn Art Gal-
lery
(
&
01736/363715;
www.newlynart
gallery.co.uk) displays the works of
contemporary artists. There are two
spaces: One at New Road, Newlyn, and
the other at The Exchange, Princes
Street. Penzance is also home to
Penlee House Gallery and Museum
(
&
01736/363625;
www.penleehouse.
org.uk), which displays works by
Newlyn artists. There are also several
galleries in Mousehole and at St. Just in
Penwith. An
Art Pass
(available from
Newlyn Art Gallery, Penlee House, Tate
St. Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum,
and Leach Pottery) allows unlimited
access to these galleries for 7 days
for £15.
Cade, an arts enthusiast who began creating the theatre in 1931. An exhibition hall
on the premises showcases her life and accomplishments.
Up to 750 visitors at a time can sit directly on grass- or rock-covered ledges, watch-
ing performances with sweeping views of the sea as a backdrop. Performances are
likely to include everything from Shakespeare (the Minack's first production was
The
Tempest
) to Gilbert and Sullivan, from opera to ballet.
Insider tip:
Make sure you
bring a raincoat with a hood, in case it rains.
Porthcurno.
&
01736/810181.
www.minack.com. Theatre tickets £8-£9.50 adults, £4-£5 children 15
and under; tour tickets £4 adults, £3 seniors, £2 children 12-15, free children 11 and under. Day visits
Apr-late Sept daily 9:30am-5pm; Oct daily 10am-4:30pm; Nov-late Mar daily 10am-3:30pm. Perfor-
mances late Apr-late Sept. From Penzance, take the A30 heading toward Land's End; after 3 miles, bear
left onto the B3283 and follow the signs to Porthcurno.
St. Michael's Mount
CASTLE Two thousand years ago, the rocky islet of St.
Michael's Mount was an important tin trading post. It became a place of pilgrimage
in the 6th century, and a Benedictine monastery was built here in the 12th century.
Its strategic position became evident in 1588, when beacons were lit to warn of the
advancing Spanish Armada, and during the Civil War, the islet was heavily fortified
by Royalist forces. Today you can visit the castle, home to the St. Aubyn family since
the 17th century, and explore the terraced gardens where exotic plants thrive. If the
tide is out, you can walk across the causeway from Marazion in a few minutes; if the
tide's in then boats run regularly from Marazion (weather allowing). The steps up to
the castle are steep and rough, so wear sturdy shoes. To avoid disappointment, call
the number listed below to check on the tides—and never try to beat the tide. Allow
3 hours for a visit.
St. Michael's Mount, Mount's Bay.
&
01736/710507.
www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk. Admission castle £7
adults, £3.50 children 5-15, free children 4 and under, £18 family ticket; admission gardens £3.50 adults,
£1.50 children 5-15, free children 4 and under; combined tickets £8.75 adults, £4.25 children 5-15, free
children 4 and under, £22 family ticket. Free to National Trust members. Castle late Mar-Oct Sun-Fri
10:30am-5pm, Nov-late Mar guided tours Tues and Fri 11am and 2pm. Gardens mid Apr-late Jun Mon-Fri
10:30am-5pm; July-Aug Thurs-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm; Sept Thurs-Fri 10:30am-5pm; closed Oct-mid Apr.
Trengwainton Garden
GARDEN First laid out in the 19th century, these
sheltered gardens display a fine collection of camellias, magnolias, and rhododen-
drons, as well as banana palms and a stream lined with feathery bamboos and
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