The Minack Theatre, near Penzance, is one of Cornwall’s best known attractions, and one with an incredible story behind it. If you’re wondering about what it is, how it was made, and how to get to the Minack Theatre, read on for all the information you could need.
Of course, during the COVID-19 crisis the Minack Theatre is closed to visitors but why not plan your next visit for future holidays?
What is the Minack Theatre?
The Minack Theatre is an amazing Cornish landmark, an open-air cliffside theatre built into the granite cliffs at Porthcurno, 4 miles away from Land’s End. Though it may look like some ancient amphitheatre or well-funded infrastructure project, it was actually built over the course of 40 years, conceived of by theatre-lover Rowena Cade, who was assisted in its construction by her gardener, Billy Rawlings.
Construction began in the 1930s, and – though used as a lookout post instead during WWII – the Minack Theatre was added to and improved over the next 4 decades, as live plays were put on against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean (the first performance being, appropriately enough, The Tempest).
Nowadays the Minack Theatre is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its usual schedule seeing a season of 20 plays acted out in this inspiring and romantic setting. Even when there are no performances on, it’s still worth a visit to see it for yourself.
How to Get to the Minack Theatre in Penzance
The attraction’s postcode is TR19 6JU, but if travelling to the Minack Theatre from Penzance, beware the directions of the sat nav! You’re likely to find yourself being directed along the B3283 through the village of St Buryan, but the narrow sections of the roads here are often clogged with tourists during the summer.
A better route is instead to remain on the A30 until you pass through the village of Sennen, after which there are brown tourist signs leading from the hamlet of Trevescan to the village of Porthcurno and the Minack. Not only will you avoid congestion this way, but you’ll get to make use of wider roads rather than having to cautiously navigate the narrow lanes found in some parts of Cornwall.
If you’re wondering how to get to the Minack Theatre by bus, a special service is often available if you’re attending an evening show there, which runs from St Ives via St Erth and Penzance. This service often sells out, so if you need it, be sure to reserve your space when you book your show tickets.
If your show isn’t an evening performance or you just want to get to the Minack Theatre to take a look around, the Kernow bus company’s A1 route, which runs from Penzance to Land’s End, stops in Porthcurno, which is a 10 minute walk from the Minack Theatre. The timetable can be viewed here.
Free parking is available at the Minack Theatre for those attending a performance or just paying a visit, and there are two 7kw 32amp car charging points available for those with electric vehicles or hybrids.
