Little Cottage

August 2019

Minack theatre

Brilliant, a must, the play was excellent

Mr Riemann June 2019

Best open-air theatre ever

I came here back in the 1970's and was fascinated. I came again now and nothing has changed. Where can you say that? Unique place, great artists (we enjoyed Shakespeare), incredible atmosphere. Out of this world! But take warm clothes, it can be cold later!

Mrs Potts September 2018

Amazing place !

We had booked to see a performance months ago as a friend recommended it. We were not disappointed. This is an amazing place.

Mr Hawkins August 2018

A wonder to see

£5 each to view a theatre seems steep but when you go through the doors and see the view on a sunny day its well worth it. One of the best views Ive ever seen in Cornwall.

Mr Halliday August 2017

Beautiful

Stunning views, gardens, ammenities and the actual theatre itself is worth the trip down alone. Recommended to anyone visiting Cornwall, add the MinackTheatre to your itinerary.

Mrs Mason October 2016

An Absolute Must!

The views from this magical place are gorgeous and all the gardens that are painstakingly laid out between the seats are a real pleasure to see,but the theatre itself is so spectacular that it almost takes your breath away.We have been to Cornwall lots of times and have always promised ourselves a visit to the Minack but this was the first time that we had made it.I have to say that having been once we will certainly be returning.Thank you Rowena Cade for starting this truly magical place!

Miss Heather September 2015

An absolute must!

June 2013

Worth a visit. Wonderful views, sea birds amazing to watch. Warm welcome good cafe, great cakes!

Mr Harris June 2013

A unique experience!

What can one say? This was my second trip to The Minack, but my partners first. She was utterly enthralled - the production of "Mack & Mabel" was fabulous! But, let's be honest, the real star of the show is the theatre itself - absolutely tranquil setting, looking out over the sea and Porthcurno Beach while the production unfurls before you (there is something truly magical about the sound of the sea drifting in during the quiet parts of the show). Really - if you do one thing whilst in Cornwall, please make it a trip to see a play at The Minack Theatre. You surely will not regret it - and it's outstanding value for money too (less than a tenner for a seat)!

Mrs Gage November 2012

Minack Theatre – Spectacular

The story about how the theatre was created is fascinating.

The views from inside the theatre and out to sea are stunning.

Once you have visited the theatre either walk down the footpath or go to the car back at The Telegraph Museum and walk down to Porthcurno Beach. What a way to spend a day.

Anne Gage

Mrs Lincoln September 2012

Amazing

Have wanted to visit Minack for ages & it lived up to expectations, fantastic views & what an amazing story.

Mrs Hubbard August 2012

Wonderful evening at the Minack Theatre

Wonderful evening at the Minack Theatre performance of David Copperfield. The weather on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon had been appalling - pouring rain- but we received text updates from the Minack, and in line with the BBC weather forecast the rain stopped in time for the show and later on the moon shone over the sea. The play was very well done and we all enjoyed it, even the teenage boys. We wrapped up warmly and invested in hire of the Minack padded seat cushions with backs. This year we had stone seats with backs which were much more comfortable than sitting on the grass terraces. I booked the seats online about a month in advance, and I believe they were sold out for the week's run of the play.

August 2012

Squashbox Theatre - Craig

If Squashbox repeats in 2013 ...you must go and see it. Morning shows for children - but equally enthralling for Adults.
Craig is a fantastic performer and you get the chance to see the Minack.

But you will need to book - performances in August are usually sold out a few days in advance.

Miss AGM July 2012

Amazing and great value

I rang the theatre to ask for advice and they were incredibly helpful.Unfortunately the weather was rubbish - but the show went on and we enjoyed a great play in an amazing location - even the weather couldnt ruin the evening. Well worth a visit and good value for money.

Mr Stockdale June 2012

Worth every penny - the history about how the theatre was created is fascinating; the views from inside the theatre and out to sea are stunning.

Mr Lewis May 2012

Excellent attraction with fantastic views.

We tried to book tickets online prior to our visit, but the theatre was fully booked. However, when we visited during the day, we found that the booking office had received some cancellations and we were delighted to be able to get tickets for two days later . Worth checking with the booking office when you visit!

Mr Anderson May 2012

MINACK THEATRE

This is truly uplifting, the story about it is amazing ,the views are simply wonderful. No plays on when we visited but truly a great place to spend some time, free car-park!! decent reasonably priced cafe, friendly staff.

Mr Jones April 2012

Mesmerising

We got tickets to see Titanic The Musical which was being performed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking. Adult tickets were a very reasonable £8 for the upper terraces, which gave a decent view. We all wrapped up warm with blankets and foam sit mats (essential) and thoroughly enjoyed the show. The backdrop of the sea and cliffs on the opposite side of the bay gave this show special significance. The real water gushing down the steps and the marine distress flare illuminating the sea made this a truly emotional and memorable experience.
Go to the Minack Theatre - you won't be disappointed

Graham & Judy October 2011

Spectacular!

Read the story of Minack Theatre before visiting and then marvel at what you see there!

Ms Savage October 2011

Worth Going

Saw Pirates of Penzance in Sept and was fab. Do take warm clothes even if the weather seems mild and totally exposed to elements! My partner nearly had frost bite on his ears so had to buy a silly hat! Some people who were not dressed for cold weather left at the interval.

Mrs Nash September 2011

Wonderful - everyone should visit this place, truly amazing.

August 2011

A wonderful place to visit, for all the family. Attended chidren's storytelling session on a Tuesday morning (on Tues. & Thurs. morning during summer holidays), which was a great hit with both children and adults. Enjoyed some delicious Cornish pasties in the cafe on site before heading down to Porthcurno beach below - a great day out!Superb views when the weather is fine.

Mrs Hamilton July 2011

Fantastic. Super setting for The Death of Sherlock Holmes which was funny and very entertaining. Wrap up warm, even on a summer's evening, and take cushions to sit on. Plenty of opportunity in the break to wander round and explore,taking photographs, up and down the steps. We bought fish'n'chips in Sennen to eat there which were lovely rather than have the hassle of carrying a picnic round all day.

Tourist July 2011

Great Evening

A superb location, made even better by a great performance.
Will return.

Mrs Weiner June 2011

Marvellous Minack

We loved the Minack: the turquoise sea as a backdrop to the action on the stage. We were there for a matinee on a hot September day in 2010. A traditional production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikardo by actors from Cambridge University. Many years ago, a friend had performed in this at the Minack.

Words of warning: the tiers are very steep, and the sun can be very hot: not a venue for the very elderly (who were there when we were, but a couple were overcome by heat). Recommend the canvas seat covers which make the narrow tiered seats, cut from the rock, more comfy.

Mr Powell June 2011

The Minack Theatre

A wonderful venue. Attending at least one event is a must. Take plenty of warm clothing along with a picnic and something hot to drink because you really are exposed to the elements. Early booking is essential for many events. If you love the theatre then a visit to the Minack is not to be missed. Plenty of easy access parking.

March 2010

A stunning location for this original open air theatre. Fantastic views with the possibility of fabulous sunsets. If you are lucky you may also see dolphins. Book early for the summer time plays as it is very popular and remember to take a picnic and lots of warm clothing!

Jean Speake

October 2008

Minack Theatre

Open air theatre built by Rowena Cade in the most stunning cliff top setting near Penzance at Porthcurno.
Whether you attend a performance or simply visit the site (there's the Rowena Cade visitors' centre and a cafe), you'll find the setting utterly breathtaking. I'm still in awe of the determination of Rowena Cade to create this utterly unique theatre where a great variety of imaginative performances take place. The weather is important, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before you book.

- J Wallwork

Ms Nicholas July 2008

This must be the most dramatic setting for an open air theatre in Britain. Book early if you want to go to a performance.

Mr Gray July 2008

Wow is not enough

To say that it has 'wow' factor is not enough. No photograph does it justice. People walk in through the gates for the first time and their jaws hit the floor. Daytime visitors can enjoy the exhibition about Rowena Cade, the single lady who built the theatre with her own hands, and take refreshments in what must be the most spectacularly appointed coffee shop in the country. But it's even better to come on a summer evening when there is a show on. No trip to Penwith is complete without experiencing this unique and wonderful theatre.

Mrs Townend August 2013

A must

Been going to the beach restaurant/terrace for the past 4 years, staff are always friendly, nothing is too much trouble, food inside the restaurant is truly beautiful, sourced locally, I would suggest you book. Pizza on the terrace with a nice cold drink, watching the sun going down is great you could be anywhere.

Miss AGM July 2012

Good food and amazing views

We went for lunch and then dinner. Lunch on the outside terrace with the sun shining overlooking the beach was fantastic (which is why we booked for the last evening). The quality of the food is excellent and I think the portions were good - however service isn't the best (infact for the standard of food and prices you pay its rubbish). It was better in the day for lunch but was severely lacking in the evening. My advice - go for lunch and enjoy the fantastic views

Richard and Brenda Norris August 2011

Owned by Phil Shannon MBE, second coxswain of the lifeboat, The Beach brings fine dining to the Cove. Its menu and wine list are very sensibly priced and would not be out of place in a London restaurant. The service is friendly, and the ambiance is relaxed. With the Atlantic rollers and sea air for company if you sit outside, what's not to like?

Mrs Weiner June 2011

Lovely service!

The Beach Restaurant is service with a smile and so friendly to us who demanded gluten free/dairy free cake - and were served their delicious Polenta Orange Cake. Nice coffee, too. Gorgeous venue to watch activities on the beach- surfing, family games, the changing clouds and the wonderfully coloured sea.

The Beach also serves meals - we must try one of those next time!

Ms Nicholas August 2008

This friendly restaurant on Sennen Beach has an outside area for drinks and light meals (including cooked breakfast) and a smart inside area with good food for the evening. Perfect.

Mrs Penney July 2008

The Beach, Sennen

Excellent food and excellent location. Nothing better than a hot chocolate on a stormy day in the winter or an organic ginger beer and sandwich in the summer(Please note restaurant closed for one month each January)

Mrs Johnson August 2015

Try to hold out on too much shopping until Tuesday 9am when The Sennen Farmer's Market opens. You really can get everything you need (except wine/beer). The locally baked bread was superb, huge outdoor selection of fruit and veg, fresh fish, fresh meat, cooked meat products and cheese. Plus treats such as fudge, cakes, jams, chutney and plenty of craft stalls.

Mrs Hubbard August 2012

Really good range of local food

We visited the farmers' market on the last Tuesday in August, having read reviews on this site. We weren't disappointed. Apart from the delicious cakes, bread, ewes' milk yoghurt and fresh vegetables I also bought a Turkish meze meal for £5. Not cheap for one portion, but absolutely amazing flavours and all vegetarian. I ate this for my lunch on Porth Chapel beach - wow, what a change from ham rolls! My partner bought a large Greek salad and chose to eat this with a couple of freshly-made lamb samosas which he thoroughly enjoyed.

We also bought, but have not yet tested, some nail scissors, a nail file and mini bottle-brushes. I'm not quite sure why, but they were a bargain!

Miss AGM July 2012

Well worth visiting

Great range of good quality produce and very friendly atmosphere. Well worth a visit, plus prices were very reasonable (which they often aren't at farmers markets).

November 2011

Sticky Buns!

The cinnamon and pecan sticky buns in the October 2009 review are made by Hope's Bread.........and you can still buy them in Sennen every Tuesday morning.

Mrs Weiner June 2011

Highly Recommended!

We loved the Sennen Farmers Market and bought lots of lovely fresh food - bread (including Spelt), cheese, and meat. The fish stall was very attractive (but you had to gut the fish!!) And the locals very friendly. Nice to see the 'real' Sennen - not just the tourist part.

Mr Gray October 2009

I'd give it 6 stars if I could

I just wrote a 5-star review for Pendeen Farmers' Market, which is superb. But having just visited Sennen Farmers' market yesterday I think it's even better. AND it's clearly signposted from the A30. AND it's on every week. Heaven!

Where to begin? Your first challenge is to get past the baker just inside the door without spending all your money on fluffy, chunky bread, olive-and-pepper focaccia so loaded it looks like a pizza, and cinnamon-pecan buns you could just elope with. Then you have to run the gauntlet of at least 2 cake stalls before you reach Crabby Jacks, selling whole cooked crabs, crab meat and the most delicious crab pate (all local). Local butchers sell fat sirloin steaks, fantastic bacon and sausages, and seriously hefty meat pies, while a lamb-farmer offers joints, chops - and even rugs. (You know you're talking to a real farmer when she can remember precisely which animal a particular rug came from and what its temperament was.) Vegetables - have you ever seen swedes bigger than your head? No? Then this is the place to buy them, along with intriguingly sweet kale, sprouts on the stalk, and potatoes with Cornish earth still clinging to them. Deliciously creamy cheese is stacked up in piles and being sold by the man who has made it with his own hands. And yes, everything is cheaper than it is Tesco's.

When you've finished browsing through hand-made soaps, photographic cards, curios, plants, even MORE cakes, the local play-group's fundraising table, you can grab a cafetiere of fresh coffee, gossip with the locals (and everyone in the village seems to be there) and tuck into those cinnamon-pecan buns which, let's face it, never were going to survive the few yards back home.

As with Pendeen Farmer's Market, my advice is to do yourself a favour and do your weekly supermarket trawl AFTERWARDS - if you still need anything. If you go BEFORE coming here, I promise you you'll kick yourself.

Mr Riemann June 2019

If you want to have it quiter than Land's End ...

... go to Cape Cornwall, walk up the hill, sit down, look around, see the Scilly Islands and imagine that behind these islands there is only the ocean - until America. Go late and you can have the sunset too.

Mrs Walker October 2015

A birthday treat

My birthday morning, 8.00 am, glorious weather, sea, serene and peaceful. A special memory on a special day

Mr Stockdale June 2012

The walk from St Just to Cape Cornwall on a bright day is fantastic - the views out to sea are just breath-taking.

Mr Anderson May 2012

beautiful views

Played golf on this - at first sight, easy course, but the howling gale proved difficult. Try it on a calm day the views of the ocean from virtually all holes are fantastic.

Dr Williams April 2012

Titanic - The Musical

First trip to the Minack and an excellent experience despite wind and drizzle, also very reasonably priced seating.

Mr Frost March 2012

Stunning scenery

Great walks from Cape Cornwall to the Geever tin mine along the coastal path or alongside the easier track overlooking the sea and farmland - both stunning walks looking out to sea and also good birdwatching country. You can feel history as you walk!

Mrs Holden October 2011

fabulous walks

Walked from St Just out to Cape Cornwall - stunning views. Fabulous cream tea at the little kiosk on the car park and wonderful coves to escape to on the way back to St Just. We loved it and so did our doggie.

Ms Roberts September 2011

Fabulous alternative to Lands End

If you want to say you have seen Lands End, but don't want to pay to visit and run the gauntlet of the 'amusements', Cape Cornwall is your best bet. Park in the NT car park, get a nice cup of tea (in a proper mug for £1) from the van in the carpark, walk out to the monument and admire the view of Lands End in the distance. Lovely.

September 2011

Breathtaking views and great walks. Make sure to call into the Coastguard station, friendly staff (all volunteers) with great stories and a wealth of local information.

August 2019

Another must visit

Fabulous but get there between 9-10 as it gets very very busy...also check website to see when garden is open!

Mr Riemann June 2019

Very special

A crazy place. Copy of Normandy but different. A museum but people still live there. Garden is also spectacular. Short trip by boat is nice.

Mrs Bruderer April 2016

Perfect also for children

Ms Gonzalez August 2015

A MUST TO VISIT....

St Michael's Mount is a truly unique and magical place and was the highlight of our stay. Check the tides on the website; you need to walk the Causeway one way and get the boat in the other as the tide will come in/out while you are there. I would advise going early during the high season. That way you will park easily in the National Trust Car Park on the beach and will avoid the worst of the crowds. Both National Trust Cafes on the Mount do amazing food, often sourced from local producers, and they have spectacular views of the mainland. The Crab Rarebit will linger in my memory...mmm!

The warnings of uneven ground should be heeded; you do need to wear supportive footwear...no flip-flops! The cobbled, steep paths up to the Mount are poorly maintained and have great gaps in between the cobbles. One section known as 'The Pilgrim Steps' dates from mediaeval times and are now little more than tumbledown boulders that have to be scrambled up. Buggies are better left behind or you will end up carrying them (and the kids)!

However, it is SO worth the climb for the amazing views from the top and to look around the house and Church. What a history! Medieval Abbey, to Civil War fortress, and now a private residence. Stunning!

Mitcy Dupres August 2015

Be prepared to hike

Whether you walk across the causeway or get the ferry (likelihood is you'll do both), at some point you will have to walk. The walk from quay to either the gardens or the castle is a bit of a trek, with the latter needing the visitor to scramble up steep cobbled steps and pathways. Once you reach either the strenuous walk is immediately forgotten as you are left agog at the stunning views, both natural and man made.
The top of the castle commands spectacular views across Mount Bay, with Newlyn, Penzance and Marazion all within a perfect vista. If you're brave enough you can peer over the ramparts and spy the fabulous gardens from on high.
Children are easily entertained by the castle quiz and they get a prize at the end, adults can simply wonder at the artefacts on display and the fabulous architecture.

October 2012

Well worth a visit

October 2012

Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to St Michael's mount. The castle was delightful and there was much more to it than we had expected. Would recommend a walking stick/pole for the ascent to the castle.

Boho68 September 2012

Perfect day out

We love St Michael's Mount. If the tide is right you can walk across to the mount and then get a boat ride back. The house and surrounding area are very atmospheric and if you are fortunate enough you will get to see the Basking Sharks. A great day out and well worth a visit.

Mrs Ingleson August 2012

Good day out for all the family

Took the ferry as it was high tide. A long queue but with several ferries we didn't have to wait long. Kids enjoyed the ferry ride and the interesting things in the castle. Quite a steep climb on cobbles up to the castle so wished I had worn more sensible shoes but worth the climb. Cafe's were good and also places to picnic. Lovely views from the castle. Spent several hours on St Michael's Mount.

Mr Lewis May 2012

A truly worthwhile visit and highly recommended. But you do need to be physically fit and able to cope with steep uphills on cobbled paths! Not for the elderly or infirm!

Mrs Harding April 2012

Lovely day out

We got there on a small boat. Had a nice scone in the cafe and waked around the house. Lovely day out

Ms Roberts September 2011

Fabulous views on the mount !

The views are amazing and the castle is full of history. A bonus is the castle is still inhabited as a family home, which gives it a nice lived in feel. Gardens look fantastic from the ramparts, but are not open every day. Phone up before you visit to check tide times. We went out by boat, then walked back across the causeway.
The NT cafe is lovely, and you can have an above average waitress served meal.

September 2011

I would recommend everyone to make the walk across to the Mount, it is magical but do watch the tides!

Mrs Hamilton July 2011

ST M's Mount

Well worth being a member of the National Trust to be able to enjoy this treasure. Great afternoon's outing for family - we had our 2 older teenage kids who were very happy to go round the castle. Lovely place to sit and relax too enjoying an ice cream after you've viewed the property. Keep your eye on the tide though - it comes in very quickly but it adds to the fun to have to wade back through thigh-high water!

Mrs Guest June 2011

The view from Sunnyside over St Michael's Mount is magical and a trip there doesn't disappoint. We were impatient for the tide to recede and so began our visit by paddling over the causeway, an adventure in itself. The walk up to the house was an exciting scramble, but not for the infirm. At the top the views were tremendous and the property quite as wacky as the octagonal dairy on the way up suggested it would be. Lunch in the tea shop was one of the best we had during our stay. All in all, a delight. Brilliant for anyone with children. Best not paddle over the causeway if you're taking the buggy though.

Mrs Penney January 2009

Wonderful St Michael's Mount

When in the area there is nothing nicer to do, whatever the weather, than walk or take a boat to the Mount (depending on the tide). At low tide you can meander up the causeway the to the Mount where a nice NT cafe awaits and a steep walk up to the castle (passing over the giant's heart on the way), here the views across the Mount's gardens are second to none. A magestic place.

January 2009

Check the tide times before you leave, as it's great to walk over to the mount. If you have small children it is better to walk or bring a baby carrier as pushing a buggy on the cobbles is really hard work. It's a magical place, nothing quite like it, it's amazing how the access to the mount suddenly appears and then disappears later in the day. There is also a fab outside play area for children with plenty to do for small tots and children up to about 12 years.

January 2009

Sub tropical gardens

Great attraction to visit if you haven't already been. The castle is worth the climb, and the gardens are wonderful - many sub tropical species there which can only be found in this part of England. Well worth a visit.

January 2009

Set out from a beautiful beach, this is a great place for a day out. If the tide is in you can get a boat across to the Mount which is great fun. There are lovely gardens as well as the Mount to explore.

Mrs Pascoe September 2008

A trip to St Michael's Mount is a wonderful way of spending a sunny summer's afternoon or even a beautiful autumn one, if you want to avoid the crowds! The view of the castle in the bay is so well known, it is lovely to get another perspective of the coastline by looking back from the island to Marazion beach and the sweep of the bay to Penzance. To get the full experience you need to walk across the causeway at low tide (there are often puddles!!) but the walk up to the castle itself is very steep, so not a day for heels! The restaurant is nice, and there is also a tea-room/cafe, but we like to buy pasties in Philps at Marazion and sit round the island's harbour to eat them. On your ascent to the castle don't forget to look out for the heart of Cormoran the Giant, now turned to stone...

Mr and Mrs Hurst July 2008

Wonderful five minute trip by sea or if the tide is low, you can walk across the causeway to this fairy tale castle which dominates Mounts Bay. Steep walk up to the castle itself which is not for the faint hearted! Those who would rather not can wander round the little harbour. Good coffee and pasties at the Cafe or there is the Sail Loft Restaurant. N.T. shop. There is plenty to see in the Castle and the views from it are stunning.