Explore thousands of everyday and extraordinary objects celebrating Cornish culture and heritage across three floors of a historic market building, with free admission for all ages.

Museum of Cornish Life offers families a fascinating journey through Cornish history and culture, housed within the town's historic Market Buildings in Helston. Spread across three floors, the museum features thousands of carefully curated objects that tell the stories of everyday life and extraordinary cultural moments in Cornwall. Visitors can explore collections focused on various aspects of Cornish heritage, with opportunities to engage with the museum's narrative through their learning pages, which offer interactive activities and things to make and do for all ages. The museum is designed to be accessible and welcoming for families with young children and babies, offering a pushchair-friendly environment indoors. With free admission and opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, families can visit at their own pace without financial pressure. The venue encourages community engagement through virtual 3D tours, films about favourite museum items, events, and educational content. Dog-friendly policies make it inclusive for pet-owning families, while the collection-focused articles provide deeper context for those seeking to understand Cornish life more thoroughly.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Roger Jones

a month ago

Could spend a couple of hours here, another museum that looks small on the outside and is like a tardis on the inside. A good insight into the past of Cornwall and it's people with plenty of varied exhibits and a nice shop at the entrance. If you are in the area we'll worth a look.

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Steve Childe

3 months ago

Good local museum. Free entry. Most liked the sections on printing and on serpentine carving. Lots more to see too!

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bob Rowley

9 months ago

Really interesting museum of Cornish folk history. So many items and displays and the staff are so very friendly and helpful. Its free to enter ( although you can make a donation if you wish...no pressure !) Dogs on leads are welcome...ours was given a treat and a drink.of water. ( some refurbishment was in progress on the upper floor when we visited)

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Sarah Parrish

a year ago

A treasure trove of memories in this capsule of items from the past. I remember some from my grandparents house and the way they are thoughtfully displayed makes this a very special place. The staff are super friendly and you can even make yourself a brew!

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Stephen Sheffield

a year ago

An excellent museum with well laid-out exhibits, painstakingly arranged and very interesting. (These few pictures nowhere near do it justice.) The staff are friendly and there is no charge for entry; you make a donation if you wish.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026