Rainy days....

Sometimes rainy days happen in Cornwall! Below are some visits that are under cover and give you plenty to do. 

​Historic Houses 

Trereife House, Near Newlyn, Penzance - 5 to 10 minutes by car. 
A beautiful Manor House with stunning parterre garden designed by Lyn Le Grice. There is also an on site cafe serving home made snacks and refreshments. The house has guided tours. Tel 01736 362750 

Museums and historic artefacts
Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Penzance - 2 minutes walk from The Summer House.
This is the only Cornish public gallery specialising in displaying work from the artists Newlyn School (c.1880 to 1940), including Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley, Harold Harvey and Laura Knight. Set in an elegant Victorian house and Park, Penlee museum also exhibits the area's archaeology and social history.  An excellent cafe and shop are also on site.
​
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum -10 to 15 minutes by car 
The Telegraph Station was once the largest telegraph station in the world. Extensive exhibition of how this station led the communication revolution. There are also sub tropical gardens and WW2 tunnels to explore. Tel 01736 810966

Wayside Museum and Trewey Mill, Zennor 15 -20 minutes by car 
A unique collection of over 5,000 artefacts established over 75 years; set within gardens and buildings of a 16th Century Millers cottage and watermill. The mill continues to produce flour today and brings to life how people have lived and worked in and around the ancient and beautiful landscape of Zennor . Tel 01736 796945 

Poldark Mine, Near Helston - 30 minutes by car 
Part of the Cornwall Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, that features guided tours through ancient tin mining workings, a museum of industrial heritage, mining equipment and Cornish social history. Tel 01326 573173

King Edward Mine Museum, Troon, Camborne - 40 minutes by car 
This museum has won several awards. There is a working mill and guides talk visitors through the tin making process, displaying the original historic equipment used in Edwardian times. Tel 01209 614681


Pendennis Castle, Near Falmouth  - 50 minutes by car 
Built by Henry VIII to help defend England against a possible attack by France and Spain, Pendennis Castle offers an interactive exhibition and tea room. 

The arts & galleries 

Open Studios, Cornwall 
An annual event "Open Studios" encompasses over 300 artist studios across Cornwall and many of those located in West Cornwall. This allows guests the opportunity to visit local artists' studios - and Kirsten's studio at The Summer House can be visited.

Penzance - on the door step  

The Exchange   (Shop and Cafe)  Public gallery 
In the centre of Penzance, The Exchange has a wide and varied exhibition programme, presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists.
Time : Allow around 1 hour 

Penlee House    (Shop and Cafe) Public gallery 
Is a beautiful art gallery and museum set within sub- tropical gardens. The gallery is the perfect place to discover the works of the Newlyn School and Lamorna artists including Norman Garstins famous “The Rain It Raineth Every Day”   
Time: Allow 1 hour +
Open: Until 31st October Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
1st November to 31st March Monday to Saturday  10am to 4.30pm


The Lighthouse Gallery
A commercial gallery with a reputation for showing some of the finest paintings by contemporary artists inspired by Cornwall. Paintings, glass, sculpture and Ceramics
Open:Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm & Saturday 10am to 4pm

Cornwall Contemporary 
At the top of Chapel Street this commercial gallery is a good size set over 3 floors, with frequently changing exhibitions of Paintings, ceramics and sculpture

Chapel Street 
Has a wealth of fascinating independent art and antique shops which are well worth an explore  

Newlyn (15 minutes walk from Penzance)

The Newlyn Art Gallery  (Shop and Cafe) - Public gallery
Between Penzance and Newlyn the Newlyn Arty Gallery has a wide and varied exhibition programme, presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists.
17th October 2020 to 2nd January 2020 the high profile Grayson Perry- The Vanity of Small Differences exhibition can be seen

Jupiter Gallery
In the heart of Newlyn, this new gallery holds exhibitions set over two floors, from local established and emerging artists.

Artist exhibitions -throughout October and November

Coddiwomple
A new addition to Newlyn, this commercial gallery reflects the owners eclectic taste with collectables, mosaics, paintings and drawings.

Riverbank  Gallery
A commercial gallery, featuring work from local artists, including pottery, paintings and jewellery.

7, The Strand
A commercial gallery, with pottery and paintings.

Mousehole (45 minutes walk along the coast line or 10 minutes car / bus journey)

TG Gallery
A commercial gallery that specilises in art by modern and contemporary artists - its a real local gem. Pottery, paintings and sculpture with a strong Cornish influence with regular artists Jill Eiselle, John Piper & Michael Praed

The Little Picture Gallery
​A commercial gallery featuring typical Cornish scenes. 


Marazion (75 minutes sea shore walk / 10 mins car & bus)
The Summerhouse Gallery
A beautiful commercial gallery, show casing some of the very best Cornish Art. Established to the young and up and coming artists are represented -exhibiting paintings, sculpture, jewellery and glass.

Avalon Art
A small commercial gallery selling paintings, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture
Marazion has many independent art and local craft retail outlets, highly worth a visit)

St. Just (15 minutes by car / 24 minutes by bus)
Jackson Foundation Gallery Public gallery 
This is an impressive and unique gallery that displays work by highly acclaimed local artists, Kurt Jackson. With seasonal exhibitions of Kurt’s work there is always something new for the return visitor
Time: Allow 40 minutes +

Open: check before you go for opening days that are normally Wednesday to Saturday

The Makers' Emporium
A cooperative gallery with local art and crafts, rich in choice.

St.Just has a strong community artists and the independent retail feel of the town is one to visit and explore antique, craft and art shops

St. Ives (20 minutes by car or 35 minutes stunning scenery rail journey)

Tate St.Ives  (Shop and Cafe)
Tate St Ives is an inspirational art centre with exhibitions throughout the year representing local, national and international artists. 
Time: Allow 1 hour +
Open: Check web site for on the day opening hours 

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens
This centre offers a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. Sculptures in bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with painting, drawings and archive material
Time: Allow 1 hour
Open; Check web site for on the day opening hours 

Leach Pottery
Founded in 1920, this pottery centre is amongst the most respected and influential potteries in the world. Today it offers visitors a museum, gallery and retail area
Open
Until end of October Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm & Sunday 11am to 4pm
November to February Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm

Brocantes, Collectables and Antique hunting 
Penzance - on the door step
Chapel Street has some great “brocante style” collectable, vintage and antique outlets to browse. Local pottery, nautical artefacts, books, historic, retro and nostalgic items can be found over some 8 outlets. You will find some amazing pieces at prices to suit all budgets.
Cash Your Clutter, Boathouse Antiques, Daphne’s Antiques, Rosevean Antiques, Treasure, Antiques Arcade Chapel Street, Stekfensters quirky retro, Curios Collectables and Antiques - Causeway Head, Kits Corner

Newlyn - 15 minutes walk 
Newlyn Place - collectables
Coddiwomple - A new addition to Newlyn, curious collectibles reflect the owners eclectic taste with some unique pieces of furniture and collectables.   

Marazion - 75 minutes sea shore walk / 10 mins car & bus) 
Marazion Square Antiques and Collectibles

Crowlas - 10 minutes by car 
Shiver Me Timbers - extensive reclamation centre

Goldsithney (11 minutes by car / 25 minutes by bus)
J Antiques - restored french furniture 

St Buryan - 12 minutes by car
Boat House Antiques

St.Just -(15 minutes by car / 24 minutes by bus)
Cape Cornwall Arts and Antiques - some real nautical and sea faring treasures found here


Hayle - (17 minutes by car / 11 minutes by bus)
Foundry Antiques and Art Centre
Emily Nixon - Jewellery
Hayle Emporium

Breage (Near Helston)  (19 minutes by car / 33 minutes by bus)
 S&H Antiques - restored furniture

Camborne -(26 minutes by car / 19 minutes by train)
Mollys Team room and Antiques - a quirky walk back in time where vintage and antique piece inspiration comes to you over cream teas and cake choices










​