Come and enjoy 3 days of nostalgia at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway - a trip down memory lane.
Steam trains, military vehicles, evacuees, re-enactment battles, air raid sirens.
Cornish Steam Jazz Band on Saturday evening at General Station and on the trains
An 18 piece Big Band in the atmospheric Public Rooms on Sunday evening.

A fun weekend with something for everybody

A very special night of traditional Jazz at the Minack featuring ' the fabulous Shirtlifters' has been arranged to celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.

All the profits from the night will go to the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum education programme.

The second night of our Jazz weekend features the Helston School Jazz Orchestra.

Winners of a silver medal at the National Band Contest Finals in Gateshead in 2007, the 'big band' sound comes to Minack under the baton of Clive King.

A contemporary production.
Credited with making Shakespeare 'cool' and 'wicked' by teenagers across the South West, Westcountry Theatre Company (WTC) are delighted to be returning to The Minack bringing their particular brand of clarity and energy to create a perfect evening of open-air theatre.

Safety at Sea
Join us for an RNLI themed week, with an awareness film showing in the lecture theatre, various demonstrations of life saving equipment and quizzes.

May Day! May Day!
Use our Morse code kit to impress your friends with your new communication skills

Historic breeches buoy rescue!
12.30 and 2pm
Hear the fascinating story of Cornishman Henry Trengrouse and his amazing rocket-line and breeches buoy invention. Take part in the ‘rescue’ of a puppet sailor and see a water powered rocket

Mini Rescue Rockets
12-4pm
Make your own mini rescue rocket and see if you can fire a safety line to our shipwrecked crew!

Wreck and Rescue Family Activity trail
Explore the museum’s galleries to find out about real Cornish wrecks and rescues.

Based on the musical film of the same name, this show is aimed squarely at a family audience re-telling the classic fairytale of Cinderella.

A musical - the story is reminiscent of, but not the source of, the more well-known musical Guys and Dolls (which was based on DamonRunyon's short story, "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown.")
 

Twin brothers have lost their way, a wife has lost her mind and the locals have lost their marbles: celebrate Shakespeare’s brilliant plot twists and turns - while getting in on the erroneousness!
 

This is a play with tigers, turtles, an orangutan and some meercats, an Indian backdrop, a seven-month story of survival and one boy.
 

Forget Disney. Collodi’s wickedly hilarious satire is about an evil puppet who learns slowly and painfully how best to live in a dangerous world.
 

Nothing can stop Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece – not even a dodgy oracle. It takes more than a bad weather forecast, threats from dysfunctional gods or sirens with halitosis to put off the Argonauts.  But when it comes to love, Jason is completely overwhelmed. He is no match for the sorceress Medea.
 

In this farcical comedy, three rogues set up a quack’s practice in an abandoned house.
 

"Under Milk Wood" evokes the Wales of Dylan Thomas’ life and recollections exuding warmth, humour and pathos in equal measure. The play deals with life, love and loss and conjures the intimate dreams and desires of the colourful inhabitants of a fictional seaside town.

The opera, based on the play that is thought to have been written by Shakespeare at the express request of Queen Elizabeth I, was composed by Otto Nicolai. Its revival by Surrey Opera, in a brand-new English translation written especially for this production, turns it back into a very English entertainment. It will be performed with full chorus and orchestra in a specially commissioned arrangement for Minack.
 

Open-air theatre sponsored by Sky

Carnon Downs Drama Group presents Kenneth Grahame's classic (partly inspired by the Fowey River)

An early start at 5am and running through until 8:30am. Help prepare breakfast for some the animals and don't miss this fantastic opportunity to join the keepers on their first food round of the day. This is a special time of day to be at the zoo and watch the sunrise over the sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Finish the morning with breakfast on the patio. Booking Essential.

The Tower Theatre Company’s production features all the best-loved moments of Lewis Carroll’s two “Alice” books. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, The Queen of Hearts’ croquet match, Tweedledum and Tweedledee and Jabberwocky are all there: over forty characters in total.

Open-air theatre sponsored by Sky

Theatre workshop presents Louisa May Alcott's much-loved story of 19th-century New England life.

Open air theatre sponsored by Sky

Theatre Workshop presents Thomas Hardy's classic tragedy of rural life.

Charley Wyckham and Jack Chesney pressure fellow student Fancourt Babberly to pose as Charley’s Brazilian Aunt Donna Lucia - their purpose is to have a chaperone for their amorous visits with Amy and Kitty, niece and ward of crusty Stephen Spettigue. Complications begin when Fancourt, in drag,becomes the love object of old Spettigue and Sir Francis Chesney.

Come to meet and greet owls of the Screech Owl Sanctuary.  Free to all to come and stroke and learn more about these fascinating birds. 

The owls will be on show on Mount Folly Square in front of Shire Hall from 10am until 4pm.  If wet, the owls will be inside the Shire Hall. 

Aha me hearties! Make your own pirate hat and eye-patch, ‘compass rose’ badge and treasure map. Please don’t scare the rest of our visitors! All great Pirate Captains have the fiercest of ships. Design your own to take home or add it to the rigging on the Museum’s pirate ship. Skull and cross bones will be supplied…

We’ll give you the bait, line and bucket, expert help and a safe and friendly place to test your crabbing skills – we’ll even do the messy bits!

Led by local historian Peter Davies, the guided walk around the historic town of Bodmin will be preceeded by a slide show in the Shire Hall, giving a flavour of Bodmin's past.  Free but donations to Bodmin Town Museum.  Meet at the Shire Hall on Mount Folly Square, Bodmin  at 7pm.  To book a plce contact Bodmin Visitor Information Centre on  01208 76616. 

Looking for somewhere to take the children? Every Wednesday in August the zoo will stay open until 7:30pm with special animal encounters, talks and games based around our Madagascan animals. Enjoy an evening barbecue plus other tasty food selections in the relaxing sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Please note that food is not included in the entry price. Last entry 7:30pm and the zoo closes at 8:30pm. Open late on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

"Drop in" workshop between 11am & 1pm, £2 per child to include all material and a fantastic kite to fly in the garden. Normal entry rates apply.

Written in 1790, "Wild Oats" is a rip-roaring, fast paced comedy telling the story of Jack Rover.

The play tells the story of how Rover, the star in a travelling troupe of actors,is persuaded to undertake the role of his friend Harry Thunder, in order to present himself as suitor to Harry’s cousin Amaranth, and how, by doing so, he sets in motion a whole series of mistaken identities and ingenious intrigues.
 

Your challenge is to use 5 items from our recycled ‘scrap-heap’ to make a boat that is strong and buoyant enough to race across our boat pool.

Nothing to do with your smelly socks but a chance to discover which way the wind is blowing with your own aerodynamically designed windsock.

Looking for somewhere to take the children? Every Wednesday in August the zoo will stay open until 7:30pm with special animal encounters, talks and games based around our Madagascan animals. Enjoy an evening barbecue plus other tasty food selections in the relaxing sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Please note that food is not included in the entry price. Last entry 7:30pm and the zoo closes at 8:30pm. Open late on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

Leaving his wife and children at home, Dr. Lemuel Gulliver  embarks on an incredible adventure that leads him to the very limits of his understanding. From an empire of tiny Lilliputians we are transported to a world of giants, then flown to an island in the sky and finally immersed in a paradise where horses rule… What did he learn along the way and will his travels ever return him home?
 

Vikings were fierce warriors and brilliant shipbuilders, with names as nasty as Olaf Hairybreeches and Eric the Boneless…

Make your own personally designed Viking helmet and decorative brooch.

Imagine yourself as a scary Viking and add your portrait to our shield design. Take it home or attach to the side of our Viking ship - before it sets sail for battle!

Hunt down the full scale Viking dragon head and help create its fierce face by adding your own dragon scale.

Led by local historian Peter Davies, the guided walk around the historic town of Bodmin will be preceeded by a slide show in the Shire Hall, giving a flavour of Bodmin's past.  Free but donations to Bodmin Town Museum.  Meet at the Shire Hall on Mount Folly Square, Bodmin  at 7pm.  To book a plce contact Bodmin Visitor Information Centre on  01208 76616. 

Looking for somewhere to take the children? Every Wednesday in August the zoo will stay open until 7:30pm with special animal encounters, talks and games based around our Madagascan animals. Enjoy an evening barbecue plus other tasty food selections in the relaxing sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Please note that food is not included in the entry price. Last entry 7:30pm and the zoo closes at 8:30pm. Open late on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

Come to meet and greet owls of the Screech Owl Sanctuary.  Free to all to come and stroke and learn more about these fascinating birds. 

The owls will be on show on Mount Folly Square in front of Shire Hall from 10am until 4pm.  If wet, the owls will be inside the Shire Hall. 

Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Centenary Production tells the interwoven stories swiftly and vigorously. Shakespeare’s language used to its most powerful effect makes clear the force of his ideas and the individuality of the characters. Presented traditionally, the play is aimed at hearts and minds to capture a past age and show how true it is to our life nowadays.

Aha me hearties! Make your own pirate hat and eye-patch, ‘compass rose’ badge and treasure map. Please don’t scare the rest of our visitors! All great Pirate Captains have the fiercest of ships. Design your own to take home or add it to the rigging on the Museum’s pirate ship. Skull and cross bones will be supplied…

Looking for somewhere to take the children? Every Wednesday in August the zoo will stay open until 7:30pm with special animal encounters, talks and games based around our Madagascan animals. Enjoy an evening barbecue plus other tasty food selections in the relaxing sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Please note that food is not included in the entry price. Last entry 7:30pm and the zoo closes at 8:30pm. Open late on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

Hertfordshire Players bring this musical masterpiece to Cornwall with a live band, amazing light show and a large ensemble cast.
An unofficial production, under licence to Jeff Wayne Music. The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one… but still they come.
 

Vikings were fierce warriors and brilliant shipbuilders, with names as nasty as Olaf Hairybreeches and Eric the Boneless…

Make your own personally designed Viking helmet and decorative brooch.

Imagine yourself as a scary Viking and add your portrait to our shield design. Take it home or attach to the side of our Viking ship - before it sets sail for battle!

Hunt down the full scale Viking dragon head and help create its fierce face by adding your own dragon scale.

A multi-sensory session designed especially for Under 5’s, including a creative activity, storytelling and a magical journey to discover treasure.

In the darkness before the dawn of an autumn day, the long arms of chance and coincidence reach out to a group of people from different walks of life, who suddenly find themselves in an unknown place. In the emerging light they arrive at the walls of a strange city, which offers a way of life unlike anything they have known before. . . . . . . .

Whilst many people enjoy Yeomen because of its ever-changing emotional balance of joy and despair, love and sacrifice, it is certainly the most serious of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

The opera ends with a broken-hearted main character and at least two reluctant engagements, rather than the usual armful of marriages. However, there are also plenty of topsy-turvy plot complications, and many believe that the score is Sullivan’s finest.

Bring your flags, hooters and whistles and join in the fun.

The traditional 'last night of the proms' atmosphere makes a great end to the season.

 

Slither your way to the zoo for this fascinating glimpse of all things scaly and cold-blooded. For more details please call or check the zoo website nearer the time. From 7pm to 9:30pm.Booking Essential.

With artist Janet Judge, 10,11,12 October in the Vinery Room and Garden. Escape into Art on a relaxed three day course. Course fee of £100 for three days, limited places, booking essential. Telephone: 01326 250448 for details.

Foil Fish and Porthole Pictures

Inspired by the shoals of fish which visit our underwater Tidal Zone, make your very own silver foil fish to add to our giant sculpture. Or how about delving into our treasure chest of scrap materials and making your very own under the sea porthole picture.

Living history with Pastpresent.

See how the Elizabethan Arundell household would have reacted to the ongoing threat from Spain after the Armada.

Spend a fun-filled afternoon at the museum with our Movie Magic family film programme. Each session starts at 11.30am with the film showing at 2.00pm and includes a hands-on activity, treasure trail and this month Free Willy.

Three and a half tons of best friend; family adventure doesn’t get any bigger!  Willy, the orca whale, is befriended by 12-year-old street kid Jesse who risks all to set him free.

Create designs, patterns and pictures inspired by the Elizabethan needlework technique know as blackwork.

Prepare to be scared on this night of ghouls, mummies and skeletons. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the zoo in the dark. Take on challenges to earn points to win a prize! Best dressed competitions and a tasty barbecue is included in the price. From 6:30pm to 10pm. Booking Essential.

The Maritime Museum has come over all spooky this Halloween with a host of ghostly activities to give you a scare!
 
We’re offering free entry all day to children in fancy dress and there are free party packs when you spend over £10 in our café or shop.

Try and find our freaky pumpkins on our creepy Halloween trail and between 12-3.30pm there’s your chance to frighten your friends with your very own Halloween shadow puppet.

Join us for a special screening of Ben Stiller’s hilarious box–office hit Night at the Museum and a spooky torch–lit tour around the Museum… watch out for those dark nooks and crannies and any unexpected “visitors”!

Father Christmas is visiting Lappa Valley this December!

• Atmospheric steam train ride
• Magical Santa's Grotto
• Quality present for each child
• Mince pie and mulled wine for adults
• Rides on two more minature railways
• Sparkling outdoor Christmas lights
• Christmas music including live performances
• Wide range of gifts for sale

Santa Specials departing at 11.30 am, 1.00 pm & 2.30 pm.

The only Tudor puppet show in the country.

You will love the tales being told, while seated in The Great Chamber.

Festive craft activity using willow and other natural materials

Come and see a real Tudor Father Christmas and find out why he is wearing green and white!

Come and make a Christmas Tree or a beautiful orange pommander using cloves.

Performances in the Great Hall all about midwinter, its rituals and hardships.

Seasonal medieval music performed by the acclaimed local duo in the Great Hall.

Please call 01637 875404 for performace times

come and see a real Tudor Father Christmas and find out why he is wearing green and white!

The annual stock takes place this weekend at Blue Reef with our very own ‘fishy census!’ During the weekend, Blue Reef is inviting you to volunteer to help spot and record the number of certain species including seahorses, sharks, octopus and lionfish. The experts at Blue Reef will then do an official check and the child who most accurately reports the population of each of the above animals will win a year’s free membership for them and their family.

In celebration of the amazing octopus, join us for Suckers Week.  discover how these fascinating creatures have adapted to survive in our oceans and enjoy close encounters with members of the cephalopod family from the giant pacific octopus to the pre-historic nautilus.

All details to be arranged but will consist on a children's workshop with our resident entertainer Dellie Dewdrop

Details to be confirmed

Deatils to be confirmed.  Sponsored dog walk where dogs and owners can choose either to do the longer estate walk or just around the garden.  Dogs must remain on leads at all times.  Some competitions in the afternoon where a small entry charge is required.