THE WAYSIDE FOLK MUSEUM, ZENNOR

Cornwall's oldest private museum

Step back in time and enjoy this museum with a difference. ..

Until 1800, pack animals and sledges conveyed goods to Zennor as, remote and inaccessible by the natural features of land and sea, there were no roads. This isolation gave the area long continuance with ancient implements and customs. Against this background Colonel "Freddie" Hirst started gathering together relics peculiar to Zennor which led to the richness of the Wayside Museum collection.

Now, over 60 years later, the collection has over 5,000 items in 16 display areas and includes an extensive collection of photographs and information on people who have lived in the area.

Many visitors comment that visiting Wayside is like entering a tardis -outside it looks so small but, once inside, not only are you transported back in time, but all are amazed at just how much there is to see.

Walking through the delightful grounds, bounded by the stream, you will find a tea garden. There are also two waterwheels from the Cornish mining industry, gently turning, with a unique local collection of corn grinding querns and stone tools dating from 3,000 B.C.

After viewing the Cobbler's Shop and exhibition on the History of the Wayside, enter the Wheelwright's to see a splendid hay wagon and an array of implements used by past craftsmen in wood. Pass through the Tyring Shop to view the magnificent Mill Wheel turning (restored in 1994), and gaze down the valley to Mermaid's Cove.

The Mill Building, with its original machinery and millstones, houses a collection of early agricultural implements on the upper floor. Below is the Blacksmiths Forge, and in the adjoining barn are many products of the local blacksmiths.

The next room houses an archeological display as well as maps forming part of the National Trust survey of Zennor. Adjoining is an area devoted to wonderful relics of local mining and quarrying. The 19th century laundry Room is full of "home helps" of the past - a cornish range, early washing machines, dolly tubs, irons & mangles.

"People of Past Zennor" is an exhibition of photographs and text depicting how the inhabitants - both indigenous and visitors like D.H.Lawrence - lived, worked and played.

Enter the Miller's Cottage, circa 1500s via a tiny door and then soak up the atmosphere of an early 18th century kitchen with an inglenook fireplace complete with cooking implements and bread oven. Sit on the old settle, imagine a baby in the crib, and then inspect the domestic paraphernalia in the cabinets. Afterwards view the Victorian Parlour, sometimes used as a dining room by the present owners.

In 1997 a new building was opened, once the Old Piggery. This contains new displays on "Childhood Memories", "The Sea" and "The Village Dairy".

So much to see, but what makes this museum so different is that many of the exhibits can be handled, so that visitors are able to experience how the items were used. Wayside is a tranquil place where you can spend an enjoyable hour or two, although many visitors stay much longer. Light refreshments are available and there is a gift and bookshop specialising in things Cornish. The resident owners, Mike and Liz Robinson will welcome you and ensure an enjoyable visit to this unique museum.

The Wayside Folk Museum
Zennor, near St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 3DA
Tel: Penzance (01736) 796945

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