A “hidden gem” in the UK has been hailed as a “bucket list must-see” by visitors. Tucked away in Porthcurno, Cornwall, the peaceful location is praised for its ‘stunning views.’
The Minack Theatre, positioned on the clifftops of South-West Cornwall, stages live productions throughout the year, featuring dramas, musicals, opera, concerts and family shows. Despite appearing as though it has existed for centuries, the venue is actually less than a hundred years old.
The theatre, constructed by Rowena Cade, has been described as “pure magic” and “breathtaking” by guests, reports the Mirror. While it remains a cherished landmark among residents, the Minack Theatre provides a peaceful retreat for visitors travelling from distant locations.
The TikTok account @ukhiddengems shared a video showcasing the theatre. The caption read: “Did you know about this place in England?”
In the footage, they said: “There’s a theatre in England built into the edge of a cliff and when the tide comes in, the ocean becomes the stage. It looks ancient like something the Romans might have left behind, but it was actually built less than a century ago, almost entirely by one woman.
“In the 1930s Rowena Cade carved this open-air theatre into the granite cliffs with her own hands, hauling stone and sand from the beach below. Today, it’s one of the most spectacular performance spaces in the world; a full working theatre with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop.
“You can sit on stone seats cut from the rock, watch waves crash beneath the stage and see plays under open skies, with gulls flying overhead. At sunset, when the light turns gold across the sea, it’s pure magic.”
TripAdvisor users have been heaping praise on the theatre, which boasts an outstanding 4.7 star rating. One visitor said: “Wow what a place! Little gem hidden away in Cornwall. Well worth going to take a look and take in the views. There was also a performance from a band with instramental which we sat and watched for a while. The views are unbelievable here!!”
Another wrote: “Stunning views, gardens and hospitality and entrance fee good value. Loved the effort made to tell the story and it made my trip to Cornwall.”
A third review read: “Utterly breathtaking. We went on March 20th as part of a bucket list and we were not disappointed. Reading the astonishing history of this special place was in itself incredible. Seeing it in real life was amazing, we have vowed to book tickets for a performance.”
One more visitor said: “What a beautiful place to visit! The views are breathtaking and can make some beautiful photos. I love the history of this and learning a wonderful women and her gardeners built this beautiful place when it was just a patch of grass, it’s crazy as it looks like it could be built by the Romans!”
The praise kept coming, with one visitor writing: “A truly incredible and beautiful place. All the passion and hard work by Rowena Cade and all those who worked alongside her can really be felt here. One of the most breathtaking places I have ever had coffee and cake and entry fee not extortionately expensive either. Pre booking is essential though. A bucket list must see.”
The Minack Theatre remains open until December 31 and advance booking is vital for anyone hoping to visit. Local residents enjoy free entry, though there is an admission charge for all other visitors. Tickets include free readmission to the theatre for 12 months from the date of first entry.
The theatre welcomes visitors from 10am onwards. Final admission times may differ based on the performance timetable, so it’s advisable to verify opening hours before travelling.
The site is steep and includes many steps. It is open to the elements and surfaces may be slippery in wet weather.