St. Ives Museums

(St. Ives, Cornwall, England, UK)

A handful of museums are available in St. Ives, being full of history and interest. Based within the old fishing quarter and next to the beachfront, the St. Ives Museum is particularly popular and offers numerous well-thought out displays about the town's bygone era, while close by, the Porthgwidden Beach Cafe is a good place for lunch or afternoon tea following your visit.

Nearby, the Wayside Folk Museum resides within the neighbouring village of Zennor, just under 5 miles / 8 km to the west of the town centre, where it is best reached via the B3306 and offers a further insight into the area's past. Also worth considering if you are in Zennor is the adjacent Trewey Mill, and perhaps the Tinners Arms, an especially historic public house dating back to the latter part of the 13th century.

St. Ives Museum

Address: Wheal Dream, St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1PR, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1736 796 005
Full of local interest and artefacts, the St. Ives Museum is known for its extensive maritime collection, which features many exhibits relating to historic shipwrecks and the town's fishing industry. Also onsite are relics relating to mining, blacksmiths, farming and even old toys. There are always a number of volunteers on-hand to answer any questions that you may have regarding the objects on display.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00; April to October, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Wayside Folk Museum

Address: Zennor Street, Zennor, Cornwall, TR26 3DA, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1736 796 945
A particularly old, private museum, the history of the nearby village of Zennor and surrounding areas, from 3000 BC onwards, is celebrated here. The Wayside Folk Museum is home to more than 5,000 different displays, which are clearly divided into 12 zoned areas.

Amongst the main exhibits here are reconstructions of rooms in a typical miller's cottage and a blacksmiths. There are also lots of exhibits relating to local farming, mining and even archaeology. A well-laid out quiz trail adds an extra dimension and is especially appealing to children, while the gift shop is the perfect place to pick up an inexpensive memory of your day out here.
Open hours: daily, April and October - 10:00 to 17:00; May to September - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children