What are the best art attractions in Cornwall?
Cornwall is famous for many things, stunning sea views, wonderful local fish, world-renowned beaches but also great art attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Cornwall is full of talented artists expressing their creativity through plentiful art exhibitions, keep on reading to find out which art attractions you should be visiting whilst at your chosen holiday park in Cornwall.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is always a popular choice for locals and tourists alike and is home to contemporary artwork from internationally renowned artists including James Turrell, David Nash and Richard Long. The gardens are situated in the valley overlooking St Michaels Mount offering panoramic views for all who visit, as Frankie from Meet Me By The Sea explains a little further.
“Personally, I absolutely love Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is located on the outskirts of Penzance. The gardens were owned by the St Michaels Mount monks back in the 1200s before the Armstrong family worked tirelessly to turn them into sculpture gardens. With outstanding views across to St Michael’s Mount, the gardens feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle of peak season, Cornwall.”
Anna who blogs about her life surrounded by stunning Cornish countryside at This Cornish Life, also highly recommended Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens to those visiting the area:
“Hidden in a tropical valley between Marazion and Penzance is the beautiful Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, a 22-acre attraction with landscaped gardens and water features, filled with artworks and sculptures by international artists such as James Turrell RA, David Nash RA, Tim Shaw RA and more. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts and is a great spot for a relaxed stroll, with a cafe on-site too.”
Minack Theatre
Although the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno doesn’t exhibit physical art installations, it is world-famous for its unforgettable performing arts and tours. The ancient site sits above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop.
“The best art attractions to visit in Cornwall are the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno and the Tate St Ives,” comments Rachel Bustin. “The Minack Theatre is a stunning and unique open-air theatre set in the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. It really is an unforgettable experience to watch a show on a warm summer evening. Built by an artist called Rowena Cade by hand and the odd stick of dynamite you can truly see the magic of this theatre. There is nothing like it!”
The theatre has an extensive calendar of events that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy all year round and there is no better location in the summer sun.
The Tate St Ives
Some may not realise that the Tate Modern also has a sister site in St Ives, The Tate St Ives. It exhibits work by modern British artists with links to the local area and is open to the general public. The site sits in the centre of the town and overlooks Porthmeor beach so there is no better location for a family day out before heading to the beach.
Rachel Bustin continued to explain how she also recommends the Tate St Ives to those who may wish to exhibit local modern art: “The Tate St Ives is steeped in artworks with links to the St Ives local history. Situated on Porthmeor Beach, you couldn’t ask for a better location.”
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens are a sister museum to the Tate St Ives and are owned and managed by the same people but the museum offers a glimpse into the life and works of the amazing Barbara Hepworth.
Barbara Hepworth was an English artist and sculptor born in 1903, she was known for her extremely modern art forms for the time that she lived and many of her famous pieces can be seen in her museum.
Terence Coventry Sculpture Park
If you’re walking the local footpath just south of Coverack then you may stumble across the Terence Coventry Sculpture Park, a sculpture garden celebrating the works of Terence Coventry. The park is completely free to visit, as Elizabeth who blogs at Cornish Bird Blog explains: “If I had to choose just one art attraction in Cornwall it would be the Terence Coventry Sculpture Park. This wonderful place is a real surprise, completely free to visit, it is a short walk along the coastal path from the fishing village of Coverack. There you will find around twenty-five monumental works of art dotted around three beautiful clifftop meadows.”
She continues to explain a little more about his life within the local area and what the park has to offer: “Terence Coventry lived in Cornwall for some 50 years and was inspired by the dynamic landscapes and wild environment of the Lizard, his work reflects its extremes. Many of the sculptures are delightfully playful and some even move with the wind, there are benches and lovely sea views, so the park really does make the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peace and a picnic!”
If you’re looking to book your next staycation in a Looe holiday park then why not plan some of these locations into your itinerary and uncover a world of Cornish artists you never knew.
Best art attractions in Cornwall:
- Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
- Minack Theatre in Porthcurno
- The Tate St Ives
- Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens
- Terence Coventry Sculpture Park
