As we look forward to re-opening our holiday cottages in the not-too-distant future, life in Cornwall is slowly returning to some kind of normality. Restaurants are offering takeaway services, gardens are welcoming visitors and non-essential retailers will be opening their doors again this week.
If you're one of the many planning to visit our county over the summer, you'll find that we're doing things a bit differently this year as part of the national effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. You'll find that some attractions are still closed or that you have to book tickets in advance for others. Cafes and restaurants may only be offering takeaway services or the option to dine outside.
There are plenty of others that are open but these are among our favourites. We'll be adding to and updating the list regularly as the situation develops but make sure you check each venue's website and social media for the latest information to avoid disappointment.
Last updated October 29th
FOOD & DRINK
Most venues have websites but in our experience you'll usually find more up-to-date information such as opening hours and weekly menus on Instagram or Facebook. Please be aware that some only operate at weekends and some are pre-order only.
Tremenheere Kitchen, Gulval
The restaurant is open from 10-3pm. Booking is strongly recommended. Takeaway Sunday roasts are available for pre-order.
The Packet, Rosudgeon
Chef Ben Tunnicliffe's latest venture - just a 20-minute walk from Middle Colenso. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday.
https://thepacketinn.co.uk
The Peppercorn Cafe, Perranuthnoe
Outdoor seating only.
The Cabin Beach Cafe, Perranuthnoe
Open but with outdoor seating only.Click and collect available.
The Victoria Inn, Perranuthnoe
Open for food and drinks. It's a popular venue at any time. Booking recommended.
The Mexico Inn, Longrock
Open but with limited seating. Regular events include Chippy Tuesday and all-day Sunday roasts.
The Square, Porthleven
Open from Tuesday to Saturday.
New Yard Restaurant and Pantry, Trelowarren
The Pantry is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 3pm. The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
The Cornish Hen Delicatessen, Penzance
Open daily but with limited hours.
Totti Pizza, Penzance
Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza. Open Monday to Saturday.
Jubilee Pool Cafe, Penzance
Open as an outdoor seating venue only. Open on Thursday to Saturday evenings for tacos, burgers and pizzas both for takeaway and dining on the terrace.
Clubhouse, The Artist's Residence, Penzance
Restaurant, smokehouse and bar on historic Chapel Street.
The Shore, Penzance
The restaurant is open but with limited places. Booking is essential. Chef Bruce Rennie is also offering takeaway meal kits https://theshorerestaurant.uk
Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar, Newlyn
Open everyday for takeaway and in-house dining. Please note that the cafe does not take bookings.
Jelbert's, Newlyn
Iconic ice cream shop selling its own special Cornish vanilla ice cream.
Rockpool Cafe, Mousehole
Thursday to Sunday 11am to 5.30pm. No need to book.
2 Fore Street, Mousehole
Offering socially distanced tables inside and out. Takeaway available.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole
Open daily for lunch, supper and drinks. Booking essential.
The Old Forge, Lelant
Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serves excellent pizza and Italian dishes.
Talay Thai Kitchen, St Ives
Open daily from 12pm until late. Takeaway menu available daily.
Hub, St Ives
Open daily serving burgers and hand-crafted drinks.
The Gurnard's Head, Zennor
Restaurant now open but booking essential.
Lula, Hayle
New beachside shack restaurant on North Quay serving Cornish seafood and ribs. Open daily. No need to book.
GARDENS & ATTRACTIONS
St Michael’s Mount
Closed now for the winter.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Open Wednesday to Sunday. No need to pre-book.
Trengwainton
Advanced bookings only.
Godolphin
Garden only open. Book in advance.
Glendurgan
Open but the maze and gates to Durgan village closed. Book online.
Trebah
Pre-booked visits only.
The Eden Project
Outdoor areas are open but the biomes remain closed. Online booking only.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Pre-booked tickets only.
Botallack
Explore the ruined Crown Engine Houses perched on the edge of the cliff. The nearby Levant Mine and Beam Engine is currently closed.
Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Timed tickets required.
Kurt Jackson Foundation Gallery, St Just
Kurt's latest exhibition, A Prehistoric Cornwall runs from August 29th to November 27th. Check the website for opening times.
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Open to visitors with pre-booked tickets only. The cafe is closed.
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Pre-book timed arrival slots. The current exhibition is Monsters of The Deep.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
Pre-book tickets online.
Paradise Park, Hayle
The wildlife sanctuary is open but the jungle barn play area is closed. Book in advance.
Flambards Theme Park, Helston
Operating with reduced capacity. Pre-booking essential and face masks to be worn indoors.
The Leach Pottery
The shop is open and an asbsolute must if you like studio pottery. If you'd like to visit you need to book an appointment in advance. The museum is re-opening soon.
SHOPPING
Throughout the pandemic we've tried to support local businesses as much as possible. These three local shops have been brilliant throughout.
The Stores, Goldsithney
Trevelyan Farm Shop, A394 at Rosudgeon
St Hilary veg stall. (On the right hand side as you drive out of Goldsithney towards St Hilary)
Baker Tom’s
The Penzance-based branch has been open throughout but there's also a mobile bread van visiting Goldsithney and Marazion on Fridays.
Some of our favourite independent shops are re-opening in Penzance this but with social distancing measures in place. They include:
No 56
Considered homeware and objects.
The Planted House
Fantastic selection of indoor plants and pots
The Edge of the World Bookshop
Fabulous independent bookshop
Barton Books
Another great indie selling mainly art books. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays.
ACTIVITIES
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
Re-opening soon. Check the website for details.
Sennen Surfing Centre
Small groups and private lessons only.
Global Boarders
Private lessons and small group surfing tuition at Praa Sands or Gwithian depending on conditions.
Ocean High, Long Rock
Stand up paddle board and kite surfing lessons in Mount's Bay. Book in advance.
Land's End Cycle Hire, Long Rock
Open for hire by arrangement only