North Cornwall's history is packed with interest and events - and you don't have to delve into history books to get at it. Just visit one of the fine museums and you'll be walking into a showcase of life in times past.
The Bodmin Town Museum will take you on a guided tour of the town from its prehistoric beginnings up to World War II. Along the way you can see what's cooking in the Cornish kitchen.
A short way across town at the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry Regimental Museum, you'll be shouldering arms with one of the most famous regiments of the south west, and inspecting the impressive collection of small arms and machine guns.
At Camelford, you can step into life in old Cornwall in the North Cornwall Museum and Gallery, which also has changing exhibitions of crafts and paintings throughout the season.
At the Bude-Stratton Museum, on Bude's canal side, you can see how you measure up to Anthony Payne, the Cornish giant, and then embark on a voyage through the town's maritime and shipwreck heritage.
Launceston has a fine museum in the splendid Georgian Lawrence House, where, after admiring the costume displays and exploring the Local History Room, you can stroll around the Victorian garden.
There's a strong whiff of sea air in the Padstow Museum. After you've come face-to-face with the famous 'Obby' Oss, you'll be amazed at the heroism of Padstow's lifeboatmen, and the skill of its ship-builders.
Places of Historical
Interest Open to the Public:Bude Town Trail. Trail leaflet available from the Bude TIC and museum.
Stratton Town Trail. Trail leaflets available from the Bude TIC.
Camelford Town Trail. Leaflets available from the Camelford TIC. Tel: 01840 212954.
Other Town Trails available from Heritage Coast Visitor Centres. (Launceston, Padstow, Bodmin and Wadebridge).
Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur, 12th Century castle and island community. English Heritage.
Phone: 01840 770328.The Old Post Office, Tintagel. 14th Century building. National Trust.
Prideaux Place, 16th Century Elizabethan mansion house. Padstow. Tel: 01841 532411.
Pencarrow House. Georgian mansion house and licensed tea rooms, Washaway, Bodmin: 01208 841 369.
North Cornwall 2002 - Atlantic Heritage Coast