Straddling the north and south coasts of West Cornwall and sandwiched between the seaside towns of St. Ives, Hayle and Penzance, Ludgvan is centrally placed if you wish to visit the many tourist attractions and fabulous beaches in the area and is surrounded by fine examples of Cornwall’s heritage, history and natural beauty. The parish itself is criss-crossed with many footpaths, including the St Michael’s Way, a map of the paths can be accessed here.
| The St Michael’s Way is a 12.5 mile walking route between Lelant, near St Ives, and St Michael’s Mount, near Penzance. Due to its historical significance St Michael’s Way is the only footpath in Britain that is part of a designated European Cultural Route. [Click] |
| St Michael’s Mount, stroll across the causeway where a legendary giant once walked. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims. Boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical paradise and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of a fortress, a priory, a harbour and a home. [Click] |
| The beautiful scenery of Land’s End has made it one of Britain’s favourite destinations for days out. At the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain, you can appreciate fully how the relationship between land and sea is constantly changing. [Click] |
| The South West Coast Path National Trail is one of the top walks in the world, a spectacular section of the walk can be found in West Cornwall. [Click] |
| The RSPB reserve at Marazion Marshes overlooks the beautiful St Michael’s Mount and boasts Cornwall’s largest reedbed. More than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species have been recorded here and bitterns are now regular winter visitors (although patience is required to see them). [Click} |
| The RSPB reserve at Hayle Estuary has seen, in cold winters, as many as 18,000 birds here, because this most south westerly estuary in the UK never freezes. During spring and autumn, it is an ideal place to see migrant wading birds, gulls and terns. In summer, if you are lucky, you may catch sight of an osprey. The reserve is good for walking, with pushchair-friendly paths. [Click] |
| Baker’s Pit Nature Reserve is a large area of heathland with some areas of pasture that are managed by local farmers. The site’s history of china clay working has left its mark and in addition to the buildings, habitats have been created such as open water in the large flooded clay pit. [Click] |
| Geevor Tin Mine is over 2 acres, so there’s a lot to see. Start in the colourful and interactive Hard Rock Museum, which will introduce you to the rest of the site. Then explore over twenty mine buildings which all add a little bit more to the Geevor story. Go underground, and wander along the cliff path and see what mining did to the wildlife on the edge. [Click] |
| Botallack Mine & Engine House was voted as one of the BBC’s favourite seven man-made wonders. Botallack stands defiant above the Atlantic on Cape Cornwall, and its old workings are the most recognised symbol of Cornwall’s proud mining heritage. [Click] |
| Situated on a cliff edge 5 miles from Land’s End, Levant Mine & Beam Engine is the oldest beam engine in Cornwall is being driven once more by steam thanks to an extensive programme of restoration and rebuilding by the National Trust and members of the Trevithick Society. [Click] |
| The Tate Gallery in St Ives does not hold a permanent collection of work in the gallery but presents special exhibitions which change three times a year. An expansion programme is currently underway. [Click] |
| The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a unique experience that offers a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. [Click] |
| The Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre. The SUMMER SEASON of theatre runs from May to September presenting drama, musicals and opera in this most dramatic of settings. [Click] |
| Porthcurno occupies a unique position in history as the most strategically important communications site in mainland Britain. From the first undersea cable that was laid in 1870, Porthcurno grew to house the world’s largest and busiest submarine telegraph station. [Click] |
| Penlee House Gallery & Museum is the only Cornish public gallery specialising in the Newlyn School artists (c.1880 – c.1940) including Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Frank Bramley, Walter Langley and Laura Knight. Set in an elegant Victorian house and park, Penlee House also covers West Cornwall’s archaeology and social history. [Click] |
| Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, with two venues they are able to offer a wide and varied programme across the two sites, showcasing the very best of national and international contemporary art, as well as work by some of the best artists currently working in the region. [Click] |
| Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is a major new attraction in West Cornwall which opened mid September 2012. In a beautiful sheltered valley, the woods, stream and dramatic vistas provide a perfect setting for large scale exotic and sub-tropical planting. Interwoven with this there is also an evolving programme of high quality contemporary art installations. Inspirational… contemplative… a joy to visit [Click] |