Cornwall is known for its beautiful landscape, with bountiful beaches and stunning scenery, but there’s more to this colourful county than meets the eye. With a rich history in mining, fishing and farming, generations of Cornish men and women have built a county that’s stood the test of time.  

Whether you’re a regular visitor or it’s your first time here, take the chance to learn all about Cornwall’s heritage at various museums across the county. Perfect for a rainy-day activity, a trip to the museum can also be enjoyed when the weather is nicer and you’ll likely have a quieter experience.  

Take a look at our handy list of top museums to visit in Cornwall... 

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro

Located in Truro, Cornwall’s vibrant city, the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is home to over one million artefacts, making it Cornwall’s largest museum. Following a £2.3 million refurbishment in 2025, the museum has been modernised, creating a more engaging experience with many interactive elements. Perfect for the whole family, you’ll journey through time and place, learning about the geological significance and the people of Cornwall. You’ll also get to discover beyond this small corner of the world, with exhibitions about Ancient Egypt, featuring the museum’s famous mummy.  

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Puffins is a stunning waterside retreat on the outskirts of Truro, sleeping six and boasting river views, a woodburner, parking and an outside area. 

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth 

Situated by the water’s edge in Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall celebrates Cornwall’s relationship with the sea. In a purpose-built building on Discovery Quay, the museum explores the influence of the sea on the history and culture of Cornwall and further afield. Featuring 15 galleries situated over five floors, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions, there’s so much to discover. You’ll be amazed by the vast boat hall, and kids will love the boat pool, complete with remote control sail boats! 

To experience the vibrant seaside town of Falmouth, stay at Slipway Loft, a stunning loft apartment (sleeps 4) overlooking the busy harbour! 

PK Porthcurno – Museum of Global Communications, Porthcurno 

For a fascinating insight into communications of the past, present and future, visit PK Porthcurno. Here you’ll learn how a small village nestled in the rugged south coast of Cornwall impacted global communications. When the first undersea telegraph cable was brought ashore at Porthcurno over 150 years ago, it changed the course of this hidden valley’s future.  Once the largest telegraph station in the world, the museum takes you on a journey through its history, including into the WWII underground bunkers to learn how the war impacted the station and the people who worked there.  

Just a short stroll from PK Porthcurno, Half Deck (sleeps 2) is perfectly positioned for exploring the village of Porthcurno. 

Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Penzance

Set amid subtropical gardens in the heart of Penzance, Penlee House Gallery and Museum was established in 1839 to preserve the history and culture of west Cornwall. Now a thriving space for learners of all ages, the museum offers a varied program of exhibitions and events, with something for all ages. Whether you’re visiting to observe the artwork and collections, or attending one of the kids’ workshops, it’s a wonderful space to reflect on the heritage of Cornwall. Be sure to visit The Orangery Cafe for a delightful lunch of homemade cake! 

Discover the historic market town of Penzance for yourself with a stay at Pz 360 (sleeps 4), a stunning modern apartment offering 360-degree views across Penzance and the bay. 

Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

Journey through two centuries of crime and punishment in Cornwall’s iconic Bodmin Jail. Looming over the town, the austere county jail housed inmates for everything from petty theft to murder, and a total of 55 executions took place here from 1802 to 1909. More than just a museum, Bodmin Jail’s history has been brought to life in an immersive cinematic and spine-chilling experience that combines cutting edge technology with theatrical effects. Step back in time to Cornwall’s murky past and experience history like never before. 

Enjoy a countryside escape at Woodland View, Pelyn Barn Farm, a peaceful holiday home sleeping four, just a fifteen-minute drive from Bodmin.

Discovering 42, Bodmin

Cornwall’s Award-Winning art, sustainability and science museum, Discovering 42 in Bodmin is a hands-on interactive experience, perfect for the whole family. Unlike a traditional museum, visitors are encouraged to get stuck in to learn about the wonders of physics, chemistry, engineering and environmental issues in an immersive way. The ever-evolving exhibition space has been creatively crafted using upcycled materials, showing what’s possible when art, sustainability and science come together.  

Stay at The Farmhouse in Wadebridge, a twenty-minute drive from Bodmin, for a truly relaxing break. Sleeping six and set in extensive grounds, it's a peaceful retreat for the whole family. 

The Story of Emily, Liskeard

Cornwall’s latest immersive historical experience, aptly named The Story of Emily, honours Emily Hobhouse, a fearless humanitarian born in Cornwall in 1860, whose story had, until now, been left to fade away. Refusing to be silenced, and defying the expectations of her time, she fought the British Empire, determined to bring about change for women and children living in concentration camps in the Anglo-Boer War. After exploring Emily’s childhood home, carefully reconstructed to represent the year 1875, visitors cross the immaculate lawn to enter the War Rooms. This unforgettable experience is unlike any other. State of the art technology blends with history to bring to life Emily’s story. You’ll be blown away by this element of the attraction. While visiting, why not also sample some South African cuisine at the on-site restaurant?  

Discover the area where Emily grew up with a stay at Valley View, Pelyn Barn Farm. A beautiful retreat for four set amid the Cornish countryside. 

National Trust properties 

Cornwall is home to several grand houses which once belonged to the wealthiest families in the county. Due to the extortionate costs of running such homes, over the years, many have been gifted to the National Trust. Whilst not exactly museums, the following properties have been fashioned to replicate an earlier period, such as the Tudor or Victorian era so that visitors get can experience the lives once lived by the Cornish gentry.  

Lanhydrock  

Once home to the wealthiest families in the southwest, Lanhydrock is an incredible country house and estate near Bodmin. Refurbished in high-Victorian style, visitors can step back in time to marvel at the indulgence of the period while learning about the history of the area. 

Trerice 

Not far from Newquay, tucked away down a quiet winding lane is the delightful Elizabethan house, Trerice. Small but mighty, this beautiful property has changed little over time, and retains original ceilings, fireplaces, furniture and more. Set amid tranquil grounds, it’s a truly peaceful county property.  

St Michael’s Mount 

Perched atop the inspiring mount in the sea, the castle at St Michael’s Mount is a must-visit. After climbing the rocky path to the castle’s entrance, you’ll be blown away by the views from inside, as well as the fascinating history and items you’ll learn about inside.  

Cotehele 

Discover Cotehele, the atmospheric Tudor house with medieval roots, along with its Victorian Mill and historic quay near Saltash. Inside you can view tapestries, arms and armour, and original oak furniture. Be sure to explore the formal terraces, valley gardens and apple and cherry orchards.  

Mining museums 

By the turn of the 19th Century, Cornwall dominated the global mining industry and thus contributed significantly to the Industrial Revolution. With a unique geology rich in mineral deposits, including copper, tin and slate, the region thrived... until foreign competition brought about the demise of Cornish mining. Without the success of mining, Cornwall wouldn’t be the place it is today, so why not visit a mining site and take the chance to learn more about how this industry shaped the county?  

Geevor Tin Mine 

Step back in time at Geevor Tin Mine, where little has changed since mining ceased in 1990. The largest preserved mining site in the country, Geevor Tin Mine is the perfect place to learn about the history of mining in Cornwall! 

Cornwall Gold  

Whilst not a museum as such, Cornwall Gold in Redruth is home to Cornwall’s last working tin mill and even creates jewellery from tin ore recovered from the stream and smelted on site. Discover the large exhibition on site which celebrates Cornwall’s rich milling history, featuring interactive displays, historical artefacts and a dressup corner.  

Wheal Martyn  

For mining of a different kind, visit Wheal Martyn Clay Works in St Austell to learn all about the secret ingredient that is in so many everyday items used around the world – china clay! During your visit you can explore the interactive Discovery Centre, woodland walks, and views of a modern working clay pit.  

Village and community museums  

One thing that Cornwall is famous for is its quaint villages scattered across the county, from coastal fishing communities to pretty cobbled towns. For generations Cornish men and women have called these places home, and proud of their hometown and identity, wish to share this with the world. In several small villages and towns across Cornwall, you’ll find community museums showcasing everything about that place, often for free or just a small donation.  

Below you’ll find a list of some of the smaller, but still fascinating, museums in Cornwall, dedicated to their hometown.  

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston  

Discover thousands of everyday and extraordinary objects curated by local communities at The Museum of Cornish Life in the ancient market town of Helston.

Mevagissey Museum 

Collections at the Mevagissey Museum include a focus on fishing, boat building and Pears’ Soap (Andrew Pears was born just outside of Mevagissey).  

Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing 

Offering a fascinating insight into the history of fishing and smuggling in the quaint seaside town, the collection at Polperro Harbour Museum includes photos and model ships.  

St Ives Museum 

Displaying over 100 years’ worth of collections from locals and enthusiasts in and around St Ives, expect educational, interesting and quirky displays at St Ives Museum.  

St Agnes Museum 

Celebrating the history of St Agnes, explore artefacts relating to mining, maritime history, farming, folklore and archaeology at St Agnes Museum.

Padstow Museum 

Formed in 1971, the museum in Padstow focuses on local folklore, history and characters.  

Perranzabuloe Museum 

Offering an insight into the rich history of the Parish of Perranzabuloe, learn about the vibrant past of Perranporth and the surrounding areas at Perranzabuloe Museum.

Liskeard and District Museum 

Nestled in the market town,Liskeard and District Museum is undergoing refurbishments and will reopen in early 2026. 

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Tags: History | Museum |