Cornwall’s natural beauty has long inspired painters, sculptors, novelists, and poets. It also attracts musicians, actors, and filmmakers, making it a county rich in creativity. Culture in Cornwall is everywhere.
If you want to explore Cornwall’s cultural side, there are plenty of places to visit less than an hour from Hendra Holiday Park, just outside Newquay. Whether you’d like to experience the unique light that artists rave about in St Ives and visit the Tate, or explore Bodmin Moor and the Jamaica Inn from Daphne Du Maurier’s novels. Perhaps you would like to visit one of Cornwall’s many film and TV locations? There is something for every culture lover here in Cornwall.
Read on to discover the must-visit places for arts and culture in Cornwall.
Literary Connections in Cornwall
Daphne Du Maurier’s works are deeply entwined with Cornwall’s wild, moody, and romantic landscapes, and are also often laced with mystery and the supernatural. Her novels conjure an autumnal mood, making this season a wonderful time to explore the places that inspired her writing.
Daphne Du Maurier Works and Cornwall
- Rebecca – Du Maurier’s most famous novel begins with the iconic line: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” The fictional Manderley estate was inspired by her Cornish home, Menabilly, on the south coast. Today, you can explore the same dramatic coastline with its green cliffs, calm waters, and hidden creeks. Fowey is a particularly charming town to visit, full of history, shops, and eateries, while nearby Polkerris boasts one of Cornwall’s best sandy beaches.
- Jamaica Inn – Set in the real Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, this tale of smuggling and intrigue captures the inn’s genuine history.
- Frenchman’s Creek – Inspired by the real Frenchman’s Creek on the Helford River, this secluded spot is known for its tranquil beauty and secret beaches.
- My Cousin Rachel – Also linked to Du Maurier’s home, this story was adapted into a 2017 film starring Rachel Weisz. Visitors can even follow a “My Cousin Rachel Walk” around Fowey.
Other literary figures connected to Cornwall include:
- William Golding, author of Lord of the Flies, who was born in Newquay and later lived near Truro.
- Virginia Woolf, who spent childhood holidays in St Ives. To the Lighthouse was inspired by Godrevy Lighthouse.
- Sir John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, lived in Trebetherick near the Camel Estuary.
- Patrick Gale, a contemporary novelist living near Land’s End. He is known for works such as Rough Music and Notes on an Exhibition.
Get Arty in Cornwall
Cornwall’s art scene is thriving. Shaped by its dramatic coastlines and quality of light. St Ives is most famous for its artistic heritage and is home to Tate St Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in the UK. Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, the gallery showcases work by artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Naum Gabo, Patrick Heron, and Marlow Moss.
St Ives is also home to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Celebrating the renowned sculptor who, alongside her husband Ben Nicholson and others, helped establish the town as an artists’ hub. The St Ives Society of Artists, founded in 1927, continues to exhibit contemporary work today.
Beyond St Ives, almost every Cornish town has a vibrant art scene. Falmouth, with its Arts University and College, is another major centre for creativity.
Seen on Screen
Small Screen
- Poldark – This hit drama follows Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner. Filmed across Cornwall’s beaches, moors, and mines. Fans can retrace filming locations for their own Poldark adventure.
- Doc Martin – Starring Martin Clunes, this comedy-drama is set in the fictional village of Portwenn. It is filmed in the real fishing village of Port Isaac on Cornwall’s north coast.
- Playing Nice – A 2025 thriller starring James Norton about two babies chillingly swapped at birth. There are scenes filmed around Mawgan Porth.
Big Screen
- Fisherman’s Friends – Based on the true story of the Port Isaac sea shanty group, these two films (Fisherman’s Friends and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All) were filmed in and around the village.
- The Witches – The 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic was partly filmed at the Headland Hotel in Newquay.
- James Bond: Die Another Day – Scenes from this Pierce Brosnan film were shot at the Eden Project and Holywell Bay.
- The Salt Path – Released in 2025, this film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s memoir follows a couple’s journey along the South West Coast Path. It stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
Other Cornwall Cultural Highlights
- Hall for Cornwall – A major venue in Truro, recently refurbished, hosting everything from award-winning musicals and comedy to dance and drama.
- The Minack Theatre – Perched above Porthcurno, this open-air theatre is one of the most scenic in the world. Built into the cliffs by Rowena Cade, it still stages a full programme of performances each season.
Get Your Dose of Cornwall Culture This Autumn
Book a break at Hendra Holiday Park and explore Cornwall’s cultural treasures without the crowds. Soak up the autumn scenery, read a Daphne Du Maurier novel, watch some Poldark, and immerse yourself in Cornwall’s wild beauty.
Hendra offers a range of accommodation perfect for couples, from budget homes and comfortable classics to premium lodges. Our Pitch and Pause offer even provides an adults-only camping area for couples who want a peaceful base in the heart of Cornwall.
