A Day Out: Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown

A day out at

The spectacular Tunnel of Lights experience at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum returns for another festive season, with an allnew Christmas theme complete with thousands of twinkling lights. This year’s edition of the popular event will again centre around the UK’s longest indoor tunnel lit with Christmas lights, this time extending more than 220 metres in length. It will be adorned with an incredible 4.5 miles of sparkling festive lights.

The new immersive experience will see visitors descend into the historic tunnels beneath the museum through a magical wardrobe and into the frozen wonderland of Narnia, and then rediscover the museum which has been transformed into every Christmas setting imaginable. From Santa’s very own workshop and a room of giant baubles to an entire world of beautifully wrapped glittering presents and Candy Land.

Explore the museum’s replica Shipwreck that overlooks Charlestown Harbour as snow falls around you and take a pit stop in the mini German Christmas Market. Then pause along the way for some fun Christmas Crafts that the whole family can take part in.

Finally, follow Santa’s footsteps through the glittering North Pole and walk amongst hundreds and thousands of twinkling lights on dazzling display.

A new addition this year is a Giant Yule Tide Snow Globe, complete with room inside for up to six people and perfect to capture fantastic festive family photos and a selfie for Instagram.

Visitor engagement manager Lynné Raubenheimer said: “We can’t wait to turn the museum into the most festive place in Cornwall for families to enjoy in December and January. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our brand-new immersive Christmas experience, which will be our best yet. It’s been another difficult year, so this is an opportunity for a little escapism and a chance to have some fun and unwind at this magical time of year.”

The museum will reopen in its usual format next spring. The award-winning attraction boasts 8,000 finds from over 100 shipwrecks. See the only intact barrel of coins ever recovered from a wreck, feel the weight of a cannonball, and imagine the devastation it wrought in battle at sea. There are stories of hardship and horror, hope and hair-raising feats of human instinct, each one a doorway into a world of imaginings.

The fascinating Shackleton exhibition will also be available to enjoy during the main season. It tells the story of the celebrated arctic explorer and his incredible exploits and survival on the ill-fated Endurance expedition. l

Tunnel of Lights: This is Christmas! opens on Saturday, December 3 and runs daily until Sunday, January 8, 2023, closing only on Christmas Day. Tickets must be booked in advance at www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk