Land’s End is the far south-westerly point of the UK. Situated in Cornwall, Land’s End is literally where the land ends in Britain and as such, it is a very popular tourist spot. Not only does it boast some of the most gorgeous views in the whole of England, it is also a fun, family day out with many attractions and shops to enjoy.
Admission to Land’s End itself is free. If you are looking for a budget friendly trip, this is a good option because while you have to pay if you want to enter some of the main attractions, the majority of the things to do don’t cost a thing.
Land’s EndFree Attractions
Before heading to the biggest attraction – namely the most southern point of the UK – just a short walk from the main complex is Greeb Farm. It’s only small but it homes many animals including rabbits, pigs and miniature ponies. At numerous points during the day there are opportunities to feed and pet the animals there. This provides much enjoyment to children and adults alike.
Greeb Farm has been in existence for more than two hundred years, and all the buildings you will see there have been restored so they still look very much like the originals. What used to be a barn has been converted into a selection of craft shops, home to some beautiful handmade products.
When you enter the craft workshops, don’t be surprised to find the artists hard at work. They are there to sell their creations, but they continue to produce their wares as you look around so you get a feel for how the things in the shops were made.
There are paintings, pottery, handmade jewellery, glasses, leather crafts and wood crafts to choose from and anything from these shops would make a lovely Land’s End souvenir.
Be sure to take in the view as you walk back up to the main site – it’s too beautiful to ignore!
There are several more shops when you return to the main site. There you can look at the Land’s End Clothing Company, Taste of the West which provides locally produced food and drink, Penwith House where you can buy nautical gifts and finally the First and Last House. The First and Last House was built in the nineteenth century and is so named because it is the first and last house in the UK – depending which direction you are walking. Now a gift shop, it holds First and Last branded souvenirs and delicious Cornish ice creams.
The End too End story is one of the larger free attractions available. It give visitors information about the people who have trekked the epic journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats (considered the most northern part of the British Isles).These journeys are often completed as walks or bike rides and are usually done to raise money for charity.
Land’s EndPaid Attractions
The Curse of Skull Rock
The biggest Land’s End attraction of the moment the showing of an animated movie called The Curse of Skull Rock. This film is shown in 4D to make the movie really come to life. Some of the effects you can expect to experience are 3D imagery, moving seats, aroma, water spray and even bubbles! This will surely keep the children entertained and give them an experience to remember.
Coast is an educational attraction, so if you feel the need to do some learning on your day trip, check it out. Coast is an interactive exhibition featuring unique artefacts from all around Britain. The main attraction is a huge interactive UK map, with special focus on Cornwall. There is even a a view over the edge of Land’s End provided by a Cliff-cam!
The walk to Land’s End
The walk towards the end point of Land’s End is absolutely magnificent. You might think that a simple view of endless open sea might be quite boring, but when you realise you have literally reached the lowest point of the country, the feeling is breathtaking.
On the journey, there is a well known signpost where many tourists like to have their photo taken. The sign gives the number of miles to New York, Isles of Scilly, John O Groats and at the bottom is a place for your town and distance to be entered. The biggest problem with the signpost is that it is not free. You have to pay to have your town and distance from it entered, and while the exact price is not detailed on the website, from memory it was very expensive for a simple photo. Of course, if you have travelled a really long way and want a cool reminder of being at Land’s End, it’s well worth it.
When you finally reach the tip of the cliff tops it is quite an exciting feeling, knowing that there is nothing else for many, many miles. It’s easy to become mesmerised by the waves and the rocks out to sea.
Land’s End is a fabulous day out, suitable for all the family and if you feel hungry after the fun you can grab a bite to eat at the site or head out to the First and Last Inn, which you will probably have noticed as you drove in!
