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Updated May 2024
Here’s a confession we’ll admit. We were skeptical about visiting the Minack theatre. After having visited Porthcurno last year in Cornwall, we thought we could rock up and get tickets at the door but of course were politely told tickets were sold out, as with most places now in a post-covid world. However, this year (with a bit more planning) we managed to get our hands on tickets and hoped deep down it would live up to the hype.
We woke up early in the morning and the weather looked like it might rain on our parade whilst exploring the open air theatre. As we entered the Minack theatre, the first thing to take us by surprise was the spectacular view. The theatre is staggered and allows unobstructed views of the ocean and the coastal scenery.
Some time passed and the sun made a welcomed appearance and illuminated the theatre in all its glory. The gardens are covered from head to toe in sensational flowers, succulents and bees. A botanical and wildlife paradise which transports you to a state of bliss. This guide will share our 5 reasons why you should visit the Minack Theatre and why it is worth a visit.
5 reasons to visit the Minack theatre
Panoramic views
As we entered the theatre, the first thing that took our breath away was the sweeping panoramic vistas, the shimmering turquoise water set against the dramatic coastline speckled with a lush carpet of green. The staggered design of the theatre allows you to experience spectacular panoramic views from all angles across the ocean and along the jagged rocky coastline over to Logan Point and on a clear day the Lizard Peninsular and the Isles of Scilly.
History
The place is steeped in history, it was designed and built by Rowena Cade who was a true visionary. She bought the land after the war and hosted her first show in 1929 a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the awe-inspiring open-air stage. Rowena’s theatre was hand-built by herself with the help of her gardener and some others which over the years she added to and continued building into her 80’s - what a woman! That in itself makes it a special place and you will get an appreciation for the hard work, skill and artistry that went into creating such a masterpiece. There is also an exhibition which showcases Rowena’s costume design and photographs from early performances.
Architecture
The theatre was hand built, yes that’s right hand built. No heavy machinery was used to move the heavy granite rock, only hand tools with the occasional help of dynamite. Across the site, you will notice the details within the stone and concrete were mixed with sand. Rowena carried the sand in sacks from the beach nearby up the cliffside to the site. She then etched into the wet concrete to create her designs using an old screwdriver. You will also notice that on a number of the seats, the names of the plays and the years in which they were performed are etched into them.
Gardens
The steep slopes of the theatre are covered in beautiful landscaped gardens. The gardens are a recent addition to the site after building the visitor centre and cafe. The ideal position of the theatre and micro-climate allows plants from South Africa, the Mediterranean and South America to thrive. You will see a variety of gigantic succulents, cacti and flowers. The gardens are full of colour especially during the summer as the flowers bloom with vibrant pinks, yellows and blues. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a Cornish cream tea or ice cream (or both!), available to purchase from the cafe.
Watch a live performance
If you’d like to experience the theatre in action, you can watch a show or live music and even watch a show under the stars! We would love to come back and watch a show as it would be an incredible experience. You can visit the Minack Theatre without watching a live performance from 10 am and stagger entries and may close earlier depending on scheduled performances.
How do I get to the minack theatre?
If you are arriving by car, there is a free car park opposite the entrance for ticket holders visiting the theatre or coming to see a performance. We would advise that you avoid the small narrow roads through St Buryan and keep on the A30 through Sennen and onto Trevescan and there will be visible signs to the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno. If you struggle navigating narrow Cornish roads there are alternative routes to get there by train (the nearest station is Penzance) and get a bus or taxi from there. There are electrical vehicle charging points at the car park.
Where can I get tickets to the Minack theatre?
As with most places now and in a post-COVID world, you will need to pre-book your tickets online and you can visit during the day where you will be given an allocated time to enter and you can stay an hour after the last time entry. You can also purchase tickets for a show and you will need to book in advance. The cost of tickets for visiting the theatre is £10 per adult and £5 per child. Prices for performances will vary. Check online the official Minack Theatre website for current prices and book your tickets.
If you’d like to see our experience of visiting the Minack theatre watch our YouTube video.
What is there to do near the Minack Theatre?
Some of the best beaches are only a stone’s throw away from the Minack. Porthcurno Beach is a family-friendly beach and has easy access. You will see the beach from the Minack theatre which is at the bottom of the hill and has a car park not far from the beach which costs £4.80 for 2 to 4 hours. Porthcurno Beach Cafe and lifeguards on the beach from 15 May to 26th September 10 am to 6 pm. Another spectacular beach is Pedn Vounder, one of our favourite beaches in Cornwall. As with most beaches in Cornwall those that require a bit more adventure to get to are the most rewarding and Pedn Vounder is a true gem.
If hiking is more your thing, then take a hike up from Porthcurno Beach to Logan Rock and if you’ve got the energy go a bit further along to Penberth Cove. Another great hike we would recommend is walking from Porthcurno to Porthgwarra where scenes from the Poldark series were filmed, you might also be lucky to spot a Cornish Chough. You will also pass Porthchapel Beach on your way if you want to dip your toes and look out for St Leven’s Holy Well. For the perfect end to your day watch the sunset from Logan Rock overlooking the local beaches and wild ponies can be spotted grazing in the area.
Porthcurno
Logan Rock
Porthchapel beach
Path to Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra
Where to stay near the Minack theatre?
If you are camping we would recommend Treen campsite which has great facilities including toilets, showers, laundry, a shop and a pitch is £11 per adult during high season, an additional £8 for a camper van. For two adults and in a large campervan it costs £30 total for the night. Unfortunately, campervans and motorhomes bigger than 6.7 meters cannot stay at Treen campsite. There is no online booking system and is organised on a first come first served basis. If you are unable to get into the campsite, there is a car park at the bottom of the road is a great alternative for campervans if you are self-contained and only costs £10 a night for a max of 3 nights.
Treen campsite
