What cracking timing for International Museum Day  – we hope all our friends in museums across Cornwall had a wonderful day yesterday welcoming guests back inside to see their treasures and enjoy their stories.

We’re very lucky down here,  in Cornwall you’re never more than 8 miles from a museum. They come in all shapes and sizes and with over 70 to choose from you’ll find all sorts on offer.  You can get an overview of everything that’s on offer from Cornwall Museums website – and here are some of our favourites:

Porthcurno (Museum of Global Communications)

Take a day trip down west where you can combine a visit to Porthcurno museum with a visit to the cliff top theatre The Minack and get sandy toes at one of the most beautiful beaches around. The museum is a wonder for all ages, exploring global communications in the place where it all started and marvel at the secret WWII tunnels … there’s a great little cafe too!

The Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

This is a proper treasure trove of Cornish memories and curiosities in the heart of the beautiful market town of Helston. Combine your trip here with a visit to the boating lake, a trip to neighbouring harbour town Porthleven or take a stroll in the National Trust Penrose Estate

National Maritime Museum Cornwall & Falmouth Art Gallery

A quick hop from the hotel into Falmouth and there are 2 wonderful, and very different, museums. The National Maritime Museum explores our connection to the sea, in it, on it, around it. The current Monsters of the Deep exhibition really is a corker, our favourites are the marvellous creatures displayed in all their glory. With great views across the harbour, easy access and a wonderful ‘underwater window’ it’s a great visit. At the other end of the town you’ll find Falmouth Art Gallery nestled above the library Falmouth Art Gallery, it’s free to visit but you do still need to book.

Wheal Martyn Clay Works Wheal Martyn Trust

On your way down to us, or perhaps on your way home, why not drop into Wheal Martyn. This is one of our favourites … a Victorian China clay works set in large outdoor grounds. Expect original Victorian buildings, nature walks, a huge working water wheel, an impressive collection of vehicles and stories that get under the skin of what it was like to live and work in this area. There’s also a brilliant lookout spot where you can see an active working open pit, it’s huge. Dog friendly too!

Of course, as things are you’ll need to get in touch with venues and pre-book your visits.  Do let us know if you visit any and Happy International Museums Day!