Spring reopening for Cornish attractions as restrictions are eased

Many of Cornwall’s top outdoor tourist attractions will be reopening to visitors from Monday (12 April), offering the county’s residents the chance to visit much-loved places and experience the beauty of Cornwall after the winter lockdown. 

The government’s roadmap out of lockdown means Cornish tourist attractions will have varied reopening dates – with some of those offering outdoor experiences already open for local exercise, and many others able to reopen from Monday 12 April. Most indoor attractions will be able to reopen fully at the next stage of easing restrictions, planned for 17 May.

The reopening of many of our outdoor visitor attractions this month - alongside the opening of self-contained accommodation - brings hopes for recover for the Cornish visitor economy. It also offers Cornish residents the opportunity to return to their favourite attractions and make new memories as the UK takes steps towards normality.

Jon Cummins, Chair of the Board of Directors at Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions, said: “We’re delighted to see some of our visitor attractions opening their doors again to visitors, and we really hope this signals the start of a turnaround for our tourism businesses and a busy year ahead alongside the strong demand for accommodation in Cornwall this year.

“We know how important accessing green space and being outdoors is for everyone. We can’t wait to welcome both locals and visitors alike back to our attractions over the coming months but please do plan your visit in advance to avoid disappointment. You will need to pre-book for many Cornish attractions this year to help us maintain safe numbers and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable visit.”

Cornish visitor attractions reopening on Monday 12 April, or that have already been able to open their doors, are:

• Cornwall Football Golf
• Cornish Seal Sanctuary
• English Heritage – Tintagel Castle - reopening outdoor only
• English Heritage – Pendennis Castle - reopening outdoor only
• Flambards
• Hangloose Adventure
• Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm – reopening outdoor only
• Jamaica Inn – reopening outdoor hospitality only
• Jubilee Pool
• Lands’ End – reopening outdoor elements of the attraction only
• Lappa Valley
• Minack Theatre – for visits and guided tours only
• National Trust in Cornwall – reopening outdoor spaces only
• Newquay Zoo
• Paradise Park
• Pencarrow House and Gardens - reopening outdoor spaces only
• Pinetum Gardens
• Screech Owl Sanctuary
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Trebah Garden
• Wheal Martyn Clay Works – reopening outdoor only

Industry chiefs within Cornwall were quick to voice their support for the planned reopening.

Malcolm Bell, CEO at Visit Cornwall, said: “It been a year that none of us will forget - and a very long winter. It is great to see the next step on the roadmap from 12 April, where outdoor attractions and self contained accommodation will reopen.

“It will be wonderful to see both day visitors from within Cornwall as well as staying visitors enjoying great times in our amazing attractions and to see staff back to work after a long period of furlough.”

Kim Conchie, CEO at Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said:” Cornwall offers so much to the quality of life – the great outdoors, healthy work/life balance and a multitude of places to enjoy oneself. Nothing sums up this sense of enjoyment better than the world-leading CATA venues.  

“They are essential to Cornish people’s sense of place, the leading attractions provide sought after employment, training and, as they are all run by professionals, can open safely and responsibly so will help to put the hospitality industry back on its feet quickly as we emerge from the pandemic.” 

Visitors to Cornwall’s top attractions reopening from 12 April can be reassured that COVID-19 safety measures will remain in place, and all attractions will follow recommended government guidelines. Many attractions will be asking visitors to pre-book tickets in advance to ensure safe numbers and an enjoyable day out for everyone. Additional sanitising and cleaning checks will be in place, one-way systems where appropriate, social distancing and use of face masks by our teams where appropriate will all be in place.

Many attractions will have take-away or outdoor food options available with socially distanced outdoor seating.

Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions (CATA) was formed in 1974 to create and promote top-quality visitor experiences in the region. Today, the association comprises 40 of the best attractions in Cornwall, with a supportive network encouraging knowledge sharing and collective action.