Can I see Minack Theatre without paying? But, everywhere you look there is something gorgeous to see. While youre nearby I recommend taking a walk down to Porthcurno cove which is one of the best beaches in Cornwall, in my opinion. I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices if youre needing to pick up a car here. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The idea for the theatre was born when Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack House at the top of the cliff, decided to create a place for local drama enthusiasts to perform Shakespeare's The Tempest. Click now to minack.com to snag this discounts. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. For more informationclick here. But, you can see hundreds of them around here. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Minack Theatre Trust CIO Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. Rowena Cade moved to Cornwall with her mother after the First World War and bought the rocky headland at Minack (from meynek, meaning rocky place in Cornish) for 100 to, In 1944, the theatre was used as a location for, The site includes lots of steep steps. While this work is underway step free access to the Minack is unavailable during visiting times. Next time, I shall choose a play! Having visited here quite a few years ago I wanted to show my children. Mostly Shakespearean productions! I suggest you email theatre direct. Its a labour of love and lifes work of the wonder woman Rowena Cade who built this entirely by hand. You will need to pre book a ticket or you won't be allowed to enter or park. Rowena Cade (18931983) was the creator of the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall, UK. The setting is amazing, the theatre is unique and you will really enjoy it. Minack Theatre is perched high on the cliffs of Porthcurno in Cornwall. Cade was born in Spondon near Derby on 2 August 1893. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Improve on their customer care and service. Then there's the small but inspiring exhibition centre telling the story of the amazing woman who built it almost single handedly. Huacachina Oasis & Mini-Galapagos! Nearby is also the site of St Levans Holy Well. Things to do in Cornwall in the rain: 20 ideas for when its wet! Top sights in Triglav National Park 14 must-see places! Wear good walking shoes walking around this theatre is quite a challenge, trying to navigate in high heels would be almost impossible. This landmark has been attracting tourists for nearly 400 years! We hope our visitors will feel that this is a valuable use of their admission payment. 03833428 - VAT 744570719, Registered office: Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU. No idea if allocated or not. The best way to arrive is by car and theres plenty of car parking spaces should you need them. . Its a gorgeous beach and the village of Porthcurno is also worth visiting. Porthcurno had one of the largest telegraph stations in England. With the latest news, promotions and events! This large roadwork project is scheduled to continue for the rest of 2023. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Staff have been fab responding to confirm but are there any local message boards where anyone might have tickets they can't use or might swap for the Friday does anyone know? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. So much already been said about this breathtaking theatre and . You could help the environment and make new friends at the same time! So, Rowena Cade decided to buy Minack headland for 100 in 1920. February Half Term breaks in Cornwall family friendly things to do (2023). The beach is set just below the Minack Theatre, which can be accessed from the beach via the steep steps or by car via the road through the village. Accessibility How can we help you with access needs Travel and parking How to find us and where to park Be prepared! Do be aware that its a fairly steep climb back up and if youre at all like me (i.e. In any season, there is something amazing to see blooming on the cove. Staff have been fab responding to confirm but are there any local message boards where anyone might have tickets they can't use or might swap for the Friday does anyone know? How to get to the Church of St. Primo and Felicijan? ROADWORKS If you are travelling to us from Mid or East Cornwall, via the A30, please be aware that there are likely to be significant traffic delays around Truro, due to A30 dualling project. As well as being a theatre thats open for performances throughout the summer, its also a major tourist attraction. not in the best shape!) What time can we come to park up and can we look around the gardens before. She then built Minack House that you can still see today. My only negative is that this cost us around 27 for 2 adults and 2 children (one who is autistic) and we were there barely an hour as the cafe was full, so it is quite expensive for how little time we spent there. With an average discount of 41% off, consumers can enjoy awesome offers up to 70% off. Our 3 day Cornwall itinerary includes this attraction and might give you some ideas for other things to do in the area. The gardens are really nice to wander around too with lots of sub tropical plants to see. With the latest news, promotions and events! The Minack Open Air Theatre was originally constructed in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, who lived in the house just behind the theatre. Allow plenty of time to get up the very narrow road to the theater and to walk to (and through) it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm a UK-based solo female travel blogger. Second time seeing a show here. We have booked an 8pm show end of August. It must be a magical feeling to watch a show under the stars with the twilight coast in the background! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We advise you instead to keep on the A30 through Sennen, then straight onto Trevescan (do not follow satnav) where you should follow the brown tourist signs for The Minack Theatre and Porthcurno. We request that youremove yourcar from the car park immediately after your visit to enable us to accommodate other visitors. As the cliffs are so close to the cliffs, you can spot so much wildlife here. I always recommend people take travel insurance even when travelling domestically! Porthcurno lies on the west coast and getting here can be quite a challenge with small track roads and infrequent bus service. If you are visiting the Minack by then you are free to use the on site car park. The Eden Project: This large-scale indoor rainforest and botanical garden is just a short drive from Minack and is well worth a visit. There is a small gift kiosk at the entrance and a cafe on site. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I love writing about the weird, wonderful, bookish, magical, and historical on my blog. The Minack Theatre in Cornwall had long been on my bucket list of things to do and we happened upon a perfect day to visit. It isnt clear on the website that you have to book in advance and what the cost is. The theatre is exposed the theatre is open air and is exposed on the coast. Despite its position against the wild sea, they really thrive. Minack overlooks the popular Porthcurno Beach and you can explore the historic village which used to be a famous hub of international communication. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled. more. 94% of travellers recommend this experience. It lies off the west coast, just above the spectacular Porthcurno Beach, and overlooks the Lizard peninsula in the distance. The theatre is open for visitors throughout the rest of the year. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. $$ - $$$ Cafe Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Cornwall was at risk of invasion and so the coastline, including the theatre was covered in barbed wire, pill boxes and defenses. Recommended accommodation providers for Cornwall? We left it too late as we werent sure we could take a holiday this year. Recommended Taxi Take a taxi from Penzance, Bus Station to Minack Theatre 15 min 23 - 28 Drive An afternoon of rain, sun and Shakespeare. A place like no other, the world-famous Minack theatre is a must-see for visitors to Cornwall. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Years ago, before it became the whopping place it is now, there were no handles or rails to hold on to. The Route. Is it usually more expensive to book a grass seat? Prices vary depending on the show and seating plan. There is plenty to see including the full story, the theatre, the caf, and the shop. It is amazing and the views are breathtaking! An outdoor theatre like this one requires a nice day to get the best of it, but it doesnt need to be blazing hot. Or, head to the Lizard to see the most southerly point of England! Minack Theatre is by far one of the most amazing stages to perform on in the entire world! 100% of travellers recommend this experience. One other nice thing to note is that its also dog-friendly (although not during performances or their storytelling sessions) so if youre on holiday with your dog and looking for something to do then Minack Theatre definitely fits the bill. More details How far is it from Par to Minack Theatre? There is access for wheelchairs and disabled visitors to the top levels, toilets and a balcony with great views over the theatre and the bay. Sorry. You can soak up the gorgeous view and imagine what it would be like to enjoy that view while being entertained by a play or a concert! For apartments and cottages check out VRBO. Do I need insurance for travelling to Cornwall? Is it worth paying 8 to visit the Minack Theatre? On balance yes. As Minack Theatre is right in the heart of the West coast of Cornwall, there are a number of gorgeous beaches, coves, villages, and attractions nearby to enjoy. The stage itself took six months to create. Nice to be able to spend the time waiting in one's seat eating one's own food. The Minack Theatre Ltd. Company No. How do you get down to Porthcurno beach? You can book tickets for a show or visit the theatre when there is no show running. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure to dress warmly if there is a breeze. We visited last year, expecting it to just be an over hyped tourist village and quite honestly we were blown away, Read More 11 Things to do in Port Isaac (plus more nearby) 2023 guideContinue, Situated bang in the centre of Cornwall and with the main road, the A30, passing alongside, Bodmin is a great place to visit no matter where your holiday accommodation is. There is access for wheelchairs and disabled visitors to the top levels, toilets and a balcony with great views over the theatre and the bay. Copyright Third Eye Traveller 2023 | Disclosure & Privacy Policy. Theres also a visitors shop to pick some Cornish gifts and treats as well. The Rowena Cade Exhibition is also open (this is an indoor space where social distancing will apply). There are endless angles you can capture. Instead of a show we decided to book to tour the theatre (just walking about in our own- no guide). There is a tunnel that has been carved out of the cliff to give easy access to the beach and here you can swim in the clear waters. No idea if allocated or not. It has appeared in a listing of the world's . Wow! The play we saw was a bit too short (Shake It Up) considering it was the same price as a full length show. It is definitely worth visiting. In 1955, the first dressing rooms were built. Rowena loved to perform and she was part of the Shakespearean society in the area. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our, We have booked an 8pm show end of August. Thank you, It wont take long to look around. Minack Theatre is dog friendly During visiting hours, dogs are allowed here on a lead. Please note: There is no parking for coaches at the theatre or in Porthcurno. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Minack Theatre: Minack Theatre, Penzance: Address, Phone Number, Minack Theatre Reviews: 5/5. Heres a complete guide for the Minack Theatre Cornwall and why you must visit! The Minack is one of the most amazing theatres I've ever had the privilege to visit. Minack Theatre is in the village of Porthcurno at the southern tip of the county. Theyre refurbishing their cafe when we went , but hot drinks were available. Many people know the name Bodmin due to the moor and perhaps also the legend of the beast of Bodmin moor, but there are a, Read More 9 fun things to do in Bodmin (that arent just the moor)Continue, Its one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall and thats because there are a lot of great things to do in Newquay that attract visitors year round to the town. The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre in Cornwall that has been carved out of the granite cliff tops over a gully. Get quick answers from Minack Theatre staff and past visitors. Perhaps youll be inspired to revisit and take in one of the many plays too. When they were looking for another location for their next play, a lady called Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack House, thought that the cliffs nearby her house would be perfect. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Click here to read my detailed Pendower Cottage Porthgwarra review. Read our. The postcode for SatNavs is TR19 6JU. In 1929, the production was The Tempest and the artists wanted to perform the show by the sea. The Minack is a not-for-profit organisation run by a charitable trust. All members of staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming. From all over the amphitheatre you can get views of mouths in the jagged cliffs, the pretty coves on the shoreline with turquoise waters, and the Lizard peninsula, the most southerly point in England! You can book online or by phone (01736 810181). Coming from Penzance, Sat Navs will direct you via the B3283 through the village of St.Buryan. Do study how it came to be. Many thanks Booking is done by your time and due to covid they ask you're not too early / late. You could venture out on the South West Coast Path on foot, or plan a road trip hitting up a number of beauty spots in the area. When the Minack Theatre is open, tour tickets prices are; So, is the Minack Theatre worth visiting? What's the best way to see Minack Theatre? Just wandering around the extraordinary theatre area is quite an experience and you can almost hear some long gone actor declaiming on the stage. Minack Theatre See all things to do Minack Theatre 5 5,554 reviews #2 of 72 things to do in Penzance Theatres Visit website Call Email Write a review About This open-air theatre is dramatically situated on the cliffs at Porthcumo, near Land's End, and hosts a season of plays and musicals from March to November. It is amazing and the views are breathtaking! Access to the beach via a sandy path and steep steps. This place is right beside the Porthcurno Beach which provides the audience with a surreal view. If youre visiting Porthchapel beach, theres a car park next to St Levan Church, 400 metres past the Minack. Wow! England. Imagine the amount of work and toil it took to create such a place on the cliffs. NOTE: when there is a matinee performance on the last entry to the theatre is from 11.30am. Once you have selected your price area, you do not have any choice as to where you actually sit, and I found that I was very near the musicians. Click here for more information about this secret cove. If you are visiting Cornwall then this is well worth a visit! Thats why Padstow is probably one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall. More things to do in St. Buryan . The quickest way to get from Par to Minack Theatre is to drive which costs 13 - 21 and takes 1h 13m. Land's End Coaster service links Penzance and Lands End and stops in Porthcurno, a ten minute walk from the Theatre. Yes, I believe that tickets are timed. Knowing the full story and how this place was built, as soon as you stand from the top of the cliffs, it will blow your mind. Own or manage this property? The idea for the theatre by the sea came about due to the local dramatic society putting on a play, Midsummer Nights Dream, nearby in 1929. However, it might not be a worthwhile expense if you just want to look around. What is the open-air theatre in Cornwall called? Minack Theatre Bus: The nearest train station is Penzance. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I loved the connection with her and the fact that it was such a small scale endeavour with such lasting effects. They have done a good job of making this part of the site accessible. Lovely spot with amazing view. We saw Twelfth Night on a beautiful sunny evening in July 2023. Required fields are marked *. Must see when visiting Cornwall. In 1944, the theatre was used as a location for the Gainsborough Studios film Love Story, starring Stewart Granger and Margaret Lockwood but inclement weather forced them to retreat to a studio mock-up. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you are a few minutes late arriving, don't worry, you can be admitted to the theatre within 30 minutes after the time on your ticket. But, it is also possible with public transport during the day and there are some evening services on performance evenings too. There are now 3 promo code, 6 deal, and 0 free delivery offer. From the heights of summer where people spill onto the roads around the harbour to the more, Read More 14 of the best things to do in Padstow (plus more nearby! Breathtaking setting, and thanks for the warning to bring a cushion! Its also shot to fame recently for being a Poldark filming location! This open-air theatre is dramatically situated on the cliffs at Porthcumo, near Land's End, and hosts a season of plays and musicals from March to November. In fact, less than a century ago it was a rough gully of gorse and heather dropping dizzily down to the sea. Newquay is the nearest town where I live and so I visit it regularly and Im always surprised how much I enjoy, Read More 14 Fun and exciting things to do in NewquayContinue, Your email address will not be published. Loved seeing what was behind the stage and accessing all areas. Is South Korea safe for female Travellers? Car park space is fairly limited with a tarmac area close to the entrance and a larger grass overflow area. On a clear day you can even make out the dark line of The Isles of . There isnt a garden - you take on the view of theatre as you walk to your seat x, Hello - I'm trying to get hold of 2 adult + 1 child ticket to Piskie in the Garden Mon or Weds in May 2023 half term. We booked an evening performance. It all started with The Tempest in 1929. 2023 Lost In Cornwall - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Our car park space is limited. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When you first arrive theres a really interesting exhibition that shows how the theatre was built and the history of the place with lots of pictures. As well as visiting during the day, the theatre is open for evening performances too. If no arrival slots are available then there are are no further visits possible today. And so it was. Here are all the reasons why you should visit the Minack Theatre. The Cades moved to Cheltenham when Rowena's father retired in 1906. You can make a phone call at the end of England, send a postcard stamped at Lands End, have the most southerly Cornish pasty, take a photo with the Lands End sign and go on the wealth of pretty walks around the area. 14 of the best things to do in Padstow (plus more nearby! By Kirsty February 3, 2022 If you're looking for a unique and quirky attraction when visiting Cornwall then you'll find what you want in this open air theatre overlooking the sea! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Due to the terrain, there is no disabled access to the stage or the lower levels of the auditorium. Nowadays, its a whole complex that you can visit. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. You can enquire with the staff about accessibility options. The First and Last Inn is also worth a look in to see some of the old smuggling tunnels! And it was a delight, during the interval, next to me,to see a two year old celebrating her birthday with a Colin the Caterpillar cake. Our postcode is TR19 6JU. CouponAnnie can help you save big thanks to the 9 active offers regarding Minack Theatre. You are the free to look around the theatre and gardens. Thank you, It wont take long to look around. After a long drive we where told on arrival that it was 10 per person to visit the inside of the theatre. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is quite difficult to see anything just from the parking space. OMG what a day! The views are spectacular from the grounds and it really feels like, Read More Visiting Trerice House and Gardens near Newquay: a National Trust day outContinue, Sea shanties, gorgeous harbour views and that quaint Cornish village feel awaits you when you visit. It still puts on performances every year! Be sure to dress warmly if there is a breeze. The Minack theatre opens daily from 9:30am and closes to visitors at 11:30am for matinees and 6:30pm for evening performances. This is a popular spot for snorkelling and rock pooling, plus you can see many seals in the surf around here who come to say hello. The car park is small so you are asked not to arrive before your ticket time and to leave promptly when you return to your car so someone else can have the parking space. The audience take their seats to see Cyrano De Bergerac presented by Shattered Windscreen Theatre Company at the . 03833428 - VAT 744570719 Entertainment in those days being a do-it-yourself affair, family and friends put on follies and plays to entertain one another. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We hope to return in the future to see a show. Click on ' Read More ' for future dates. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Local taxi firms will bring you to The Minack and collect you after a performance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there - I'm Kirsty and like many people I fell in love with Cornwall on various childhood holidays. But, there are some exceptions when there is matine performance or storytelling show is going on. Yes, it is! I would only not recommend driving there if you don't have excellent driving skills. Its recommended if you have a larger vehicle or are nervous about travelling the roads, to take the A30 road almost all the way to Lands End and then follow the signs to Porthcurno and the theatre otherwise your sat nav may take you through some smaller villages with very small lanes. We didnt book so got told we couldnt visit that day despite there being hardly anyone in the car park. Rowena Cade was born in 1893 in Derbyshire. Hi Sarah - sorry, I dont know the answer to that question.