Top virtual attractions in Cornwall
With the UK in another lockdown, it means that streets are emptier than ever before and attractions are shut for the foreseeable future.
We are all hoping that the lockdown will end soon so we can enjoy caravan holidays in Cornwall once more and visit new places again.
Something that makes Cornwall such a popular holiday destination is its range of attractions and while these are currently shut, you can still experience them during the lockdown from the comfort of your own home as many have created virtual and immersive experiences online.
Claire from Tin Box Traveller told us that she loves the concept behind Cornish attractions offering virtual experiences during the lockdown.
“I think it’s brilliant that Cornwall-based attractions have been able to adapt to the pandemic in this way. Families like ours, who are not used to sitting at home as much as we have in the past year, really appreciate the chance to discover and rediscover beautiful places that are not accessible to us at the moment. We very much look forward to our next visit to Cornwall.”
The best virtual attractions to experience in Cornwall
•Eden Project
•Bodmin Jail
•Trebah Garden
•Geevor Tin Mine
•Newquay Zoo
Eden Project
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The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions and is dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by many. The tropical biomes which are home to plants from all over the world are currently closed to the public as a result of the latest lockdown restrictions, but you can still enjoy this fascinating attraction.
The Rainforest Biome is the world’s largest greenhouse and a place where you can discover tropical plants and learn about how these are used to produce everyday products. The Mediterranean Biome is home to lemon trees, gnarled vines and lots more.
You can experience both biomes virtually through this lockdown and while it might not be the same as visiting the place in person, it is a great way to see the highlights and to entertain adults and children alike. You can visit the virtual Rainforest Biome here and the Mediterranean Biome here.
Hayley Newman, the writer behind the Downs Side Up blog, lives in Cornwall with her family and she told us how she misses family days out to some of the county’s attractions such as the Eden Project but that the option of experiencing them virtually was great.
“I have often reflected on how blessed we are to live in Cornwall during the lockdown. My children and I are able to blow the cobwebs away on a beautiful beach or stomp through a fir wood with our dogs, getting the much-needed exercise and mindfulness that keeps us going.
“Now that I am homeschooling once again though, I sorely miss the options being able to take the family for a swim, go on a boat ride down the Fal River, learn about the animals at Newquay Zoo, practice our Dancing on Ice moves at the Eden rink or head to the cinema or Hall for Cornwall for a fun film or show. I think the option of virtual experiences bring some educational variety to our week, as well as being a relatively easy option for we parents who are juggling more balls in the air than we ever thought possible!”
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail underwent a major redevelopment recently, but that has now been completed and people from across the country were hoping to immerse themselves in Cornwall’s dark history at the new ‘Dark Walk’, which has state-of-the-art theatrical effects that bring shocking stories to life.
However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and due to the latest lockdown, Bodmin Jail has had to close its doors to the public. This has meant people cannot discover what life was like behind bars as an 18th-century prisoner in the heart of Cornwall in person, but fortunately, you can explore the prison via their Instagram account.
Their Instagram account shares photographs and videos from the attraction which means that throughout lockdown people can still enjoy the different exhibits that are at the jail.
Trebah Garden
Cornwall is famous for its spectacular gardens and arguably the most famous of them all is the sub-tropical Trebah Garden.
With the above virtual video, you can now enjoy the gardens from the comfort of your own home and follow the four miles of footpaths that wind through the exotic plants.
As well as the gardens and the plants, Trebah Garden has its own private beach and hidden areas that make the attraction the perfect escape for people. When the attraction re-opens after the lockdown, visitors can enjoy performances at the outdoor theatre and, if you are with the whole family, then there are a variety of attractions for the children too.
Talking about how great the attraction is for families, Let’s Go With The Children, says: “Have a great time at this delightful venue in Cornwall. Enjoy the subtropical valley garden with a coastal backdrop.
“There is always lots of fun to be had at this wonderful garden.”
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine is located along the stunning coastline around Pendeen, which was once the heart of the Cornish tin and copper mining industry.
The tin mine offers you the chance to discover the story of tin and copper mining in the county as you can explore the mine buildings that were used around 200 years ago.
Although the mine is currently closed as a result of the national lockdown, the above video allows you to experience Geevor Tin Mine in a 360˚ VR. You and your family can learn about how the mines were once worked by exploring inside one of the mines at the attraction and enjoy listening to a host of fascinating details by the guide.
In an article on the Mummy Travels blog, award-winning travel writer Cathy talks about the tin mine and she highly recommends a visit.
“One of the largest preserved mine sites in the country, it’s the perfect place to understand Cornwall’s mining history including an 18th-century underground tour and the chance to pan for gems, as well as family activities.
“Poldark fans might recognise a few familiar spots along the way too. There’s also a new VR tour using an Oculus headset, to give access to the mine workings.”
Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo is Cornwall’s biggest zoo and it is one of the Duchy’s most popular attractions with visitors able to meet animals big and small, including lions, otters, meerkats and penguins.
On top of the unusual species, there is a village farm located at the zoo with your familiar farm animals and a Tropical House, which is an atmospheric exhibit that houses everything from sloths and poison dart frogs.
With the zoo being closed because of the pandemic, people can still enjoy some of their favourite animals at home through webcams that are streaming live footage via the Newquay Zoo website.
You can watch the Meerkat Webcam here.
The zoo is also sharing educational videos through their YouTube channel and these range from facts about insects and animals that live at the zoo to online lessons about habitats.
These are some of Cornwall’s great attractions that you can enjoy at home during the latest lockdown. By viewing the virtual attractions from home, you can plan to visit them during your next holiday to our Looe caravan park when the lockdown ends.