Bucket list experience:
Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
The quality of light and elemental landscapes in Cornwall have long appealed to artists. The first ‘school’ of artists in Newlyn was founded in 1877, with painters working outside, in the Impressionist tradition. The Lamorna group followed, championing a bolder, brighter approach, and then during the Second World War, St Ives became a vital centre of Modernism.
There’s still a thriving art scene here, a large community of artists, and internationally renowned art museums, and galleries. It all makes Cornwall a surprisingly good place to admire and buy art.
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Destination Guide >St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Take an audiovisual walking tour of St Ives, connecting places of high artistic relevance to the Modernist painter Ben Nicholson, one of the most radical artists of the 20th century. Download it free to your iPhone/iPad from the Tate website.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1-3 hours
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
The former home and studio of Barbara Hepworth – one of Britain’s foremost modernist sculptors. Works in wood, bronze and stone, mainly of the abstract human form.
Best for ages: 13+ | £7
Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
This permanent collection contains over 200 works by major British artists including Sir Frank Brangwyn, Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Sir Alfred Munnings, Henry Scott Tuke and Dame Laura Knight. The Gallery also puts on a varied temporary exhibitions programme
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Internationally-renowned contemporary art gallery, an offshoot of London’s Tate, idyllically set overlooking Porthmeor Beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | £11
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
A beautifully chic, beautifully run boutique hotel outside St Ives, with stunning ocean views. No kids under 16.
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Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Lovely country house family hotel, located in the beautiful town of Fowey, with five acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Close to the Eden Project.
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St Mawes, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Elegant, waterfront family hotel offering quiet sophistication in the yacht-filled harbour town of St Mawes. A Cornish, if not world, classic.
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Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
Cliff-top boutique hotel on the isolated Lizard, on the South West Coast Path and close to glorious beaches – great for families.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)
A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.
