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Penjerrick Gardens
Spread over 15 acres, Penjerrick Gardens is divided into the Upper Garden and the Valley Garden. Camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and some beautiful trees and shrubs feature in the Upper Garden while the Valley Garden lends a jungle-like ambience. Here you'll find gunnera, giant tree ferns and ponds in abundant profusion amidst a woodland setting. First planted in the mid-nineteenth century. Penjerrick Gardens also boasts "Penjerrick Cream?, a beautiful rhododendron which was hybridised here.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The gardens of Heligan were lost in WWI when local men disappeared to fight in the Great War. Neglected, the carefully tended 18th century garden soon disappeared as ivy and bramble competed for territory. For decades, the Lost Gardens of Heligan served as local jungle for Mevagissey children until a restoration programme began in 1991. Their works revealed vines, peach and orchid houses, a range of horticultural buildings and a pineapple pit. The Lost Gardens of Heligan lie on the Tremayne estate, a seat which the family held for over 400 years.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are spread over 57 acres surrounded by 100 acres of woodlands. On your tour, you'll see the Italian and New Zealand Gardens, a Crystal Grotto, wishing well, and the Victorian Kitchen Garden " the only working 19th century garden of its kind in Britain. Other attractions at the Lost Gardens of Heligan include the Jungle or subtropical garden and the Horsemoor Hide with its visitor-controlled cameras unobtrusively directed at local wildlife. In the main carpark, you can also visit Lobbs Farm Shop and Visitor Centre.
Newquay Zoo
Just a 10 minute walk from Newquay Town Centre, Newquay Zoo is the only attraction of its kind in Cornwall. An award-winning attraction your kids are bound to love, Newquay Zoo also offers adults the opportunity to become a zoo keeper for a day. Open since 1969, Newquay Zoo specialises in breeding endangered species and places an emphasis on conservation and education as well as entertainment. Visit the Tropical House and you'll see monkeys, birds, bats, iguanas, tropical fish, parrots, turtles Mouse Deer and the Marmoset Monkey, the smallest monkey in the world. Other exotic animals you can expect to see at Newquay Zoo are penguins, African Lions, zebras, Red Pandas, Kinkajous, Raccoons and Marmots. The only problem with Newquay Zoo is that your kids will never want to leave!
Blue Reef Aquarium
Situated in Newquay's town centre on Towan Beach, the Blue Reef Aquarium is your chance to experience the underwater world without even having to wet your feet. Passing through an underwater tunnel, you'll see hundreds of tropical fish and a diverse range of local marine life. On your visit, you'll see various turtle species, octopus, jelly fish, seahorses, hermit crabs, ancient lobsters, pipe fish and 'walking' gurnard.