Local Attractions
Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Less than 10 minutes drive from Cornish Chalet Holidays, set in 14 acres of garden, Paradise Park was founded in 1973 with the principal aim to house and breed rare and endangered birds. The Park houses over 1000 birds, specialising in endangered parrots, rare birds and other mammals such as otters, red pandas, red squirrels and a fun farm for children.
The Jungle Barn is perfect for children to burn off some energy, as well as the outside play area and vast gardens.
There is an on site cafe for snacks and drinks, as well as the Bird in Hand pub just outside the front doors for a more substantial meal.
The park is home to the World Parrot Trust charity, which has so far helped with the survival of over 70 species in 43 countries. They are also involved in many other worthwhile conservation projects. To find out more about these projects, follow this link Paradise Park Conservation Projects & Campaigns.
There are usually plenty of online deals for entry into the park.
St Ives
Across the bay from Hayle, St Ives is a hive of activity, full of galleries of local arts and crafts, including the Tate Gallery, as well as an abundance of restaurants and ice cream shops (be careful of the seagulls!).
The harbour also has its own lovely sandy beach at low tide
Parking is tricky, so plan before you go. There are good public transport links from Hayle, either by train or bus.
Polgoon Vinyard and Orchard
Situated in Penzance only a 15 minute drive from Riviere Towans, Polgoon Vinyard and Orchard produce a wide range of award-winning sparkling and still wines and well as ciders and juices.
Their shop is also stocked full of local Cornish products. T
They offer tours and tastings on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2pm from April – October.
Trebah Gardens
A beautiful Cornish garden, Trebah Garden set in a valley with over 4 miles of footpath with canopies bursting with exotic blooms and tunnels of colour cascading down to a secluded beach on the Helford River.
There is café on site and a snack shop on the beach. This is a truly beautiful garden.
See the link for more information and directions.
Porthleven
A pretty harbour built in Napoleonic times and finished in 1825. It is an active fishing harbour whose catches are mainly used in the local restaurants.
Home of the Porthleven Food and Music Festival every April and witness to some amazing storms.
The Wave Gallery is must if you visit Porthleven https://www.wavesgallery.co.uk/, as well as the Kota Kai restaurant (see pubs and restaurants page).
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is a unique outside theatre built on cliff’s overlooking the sea by Rowena Cade in about 1932 with the assistance of her gardener.
It is open all year round to explore and discover its amazing story and to watch their full program of dramas, musicals and operas every summer.
Select the link for more information about this amazing theatre. For a sneak peek, see this link for their webcam
St Michaels Mount
Only 20 minutes drive is St Michael's Mount, a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall which is managed by the National Trust. Linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, if you catch the tide right it is possible to walk to the Mount via the causeway. A shuttle boat is available for a nominal fee when the tide is in. With beautiful gardens and interesting history, it is definitely worth a visit.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is one of the must see visitor attractions in Cornwall and is a fantastic day out.
The project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit now laid out to beautiful gardens, located 2 km from the town of St Blazey and 5 km from the larger town of St Austell.
As well as the beautiful gardens, there are also the two biomes to explore; The Rainforest Biome includes an amazing canopy walk with waterfalls and tropical plants. Look out for the Roul Roul Partridges that wander around the rainforest biome and, for the adults, try the Rum Bar. The Mediterranean Biome includes beautiful sculptures, scented gardens, an amazing fruit and vegetable garden and al fresco dining.