Everyone has seen the stunning photos on Instagram and Facebook, maybe you’ve heard about the Minack Theatre from friends? Maybe you love the theatre and are passionate about the performing arts and need to visit the Minack Theatre? Maybe you’ve seen the jaw dropping photos of the view of the Minack Theatre online and need to see it for yourself? Or maybe you have never heard of the Minack Theatre and are wondering what I’m going on about?! Either way, I can assure you that it is a day well spent.
First things first. What is the Minack Theatre? From a visitors’ perspective, it is a stunning and architecturally pleasing amphitheatre carved precariously out of the cliff in Cornwall near Porthcurno Beach. With a unique position overlooking the sea, you swing from being mesmerised by the performance or the ever changing sea-scape. The Minack Theatre is open air so takes the full brunt of the Cornish weather from blisteringly hot sunny days to gale force winds and hammering rain. The Minack Theatre gets it all.
Minack comes from the old Cornish word “meynek” meaning rocky place and it was on this rocky outlook that Rowena Cade started her journey of building the Minack Theatre. You might be forgiven for thinking this was an ancient theatre, the architecture takes influence from ancient Greek structures but you might be surprised to hear that the theatre is less than 100 years old. The Minack Theatre was a labour of love for Rowena Cade and you can learn all about her life and the building of the theatre (a lot by hand) in a special exhibition dedicated to her at the theatre (admission is included with your ticket).
If you are staying at Rock Cottage then you will be based just outside Padstow on the North Coast. Now, whilst the Minack Theatre is not exactly on our doorstep, nothing in Cornwall is that far away from Rock Cottage so plan a whole day out exploring the South West Coast and you’ll discover even more of Cornwall from the ease of Rock Cottage’s great location. Pack up the picnic (cooler bag, tupperware & plates are in the Cottage to borrow) or why not seek refreshment in the cafe at the Minack Theatre?
On arrival to the Minack Theatre take care driving up the winding lanes before parking comfortably in the large field car park. There will be attendants to show you the best spot to park your car. The theatre welcomes dogs on a lead but please bear in mind there are a lot of steps so it might not be suitable for very small dogs (you could carry them?) or elderly/infirm dogs.
Tickets for various performances are available online but I’m not going to go into details about what to expect in this article. I want to concentrate on a day trip to see the sights of the Theatre and basically have a wander around. Full information on upcoming performances and tickets can be found online at the Minack Theatre website.
To visit the gardens and theatre, tickets can be purchased online or you can pay on the day. It can get busy during the Summer so I would strongly suggest booking in advance especially if travelling from Rock Cottage (I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed if they are at full capacity). A ticket to visit the garden and explore the theatre is just £8 per adult (parking is free) which I think represents excellent value for a good long morning or afternoon out. Your visit will probably take around 2 to 3 hours, or if you are in a rush – around 1 hour. I strongly recommend taking your time and savouring the unique position and outlook from the theatre.
As you enter the theatre you will first be greeted by a panoramic view over the whole of the site towards Porthcurno Beach and a great viewing platform. You’ll find handy little photo spots all over the theatre and you won’t be disappointed with the view!
The winding path leads from the car park through the beautiful botanical gardens towards the amphitheatre itself. The planting scheme is stunning and colourful. The gardens extend to 1.5 acres and a subtropical paradise. The Minack Theatre describes their gardens as a “living art” and even the most ardent gardeners will be impressed. A selection of their plants raised from seed are available to purchase at the entrance – maybe take a little piece of Cornwall home with you!
At the top of the site you will find an adorable little cafe serving a variety of refreshments, the views from the large glass windows are incredible. Seating indoors is limited but there is plenty of capacity to enjoy a bite to eat as a takeaway sat in the theatre. At this level you will also find the Rowena Cade exhibition and public conveniences.
Carry on down into the main theatre. I don’t want to give too much away but you’ll explore the tiered seating carved from stone, the stages, and of course the view (did I mention the view enough yet?!).
In all, a fabulous outing. I’d suggest choosing another attraction to make the drive worth it from Rock Cottage. We tied a visit the Minack Theatre in with an afternoon at Porthcurno Beach. Literally a perfect day.
To book your stay at Rock Cottage (sleeps 4) then please check out our availability page or contact us by email
Have a fab holiday,
Charlotte.
