PK Porthcurno wins GOLD at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2024/25

PK Porthcurno, Museum of Global Communications in West Cornwall, won the gold award for the ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award, sponsored by Tregoad Holiday Park, at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2024, held at Truro Cathedral on Thursday, November 7th, 2024.

The museum won ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ sponsored by Tregoad Holiday Park.

Discover the fascinating story of worldwide communications at PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, the UK’s only dedicated museum of its kind. Located in the very place where it all began, this captivating journey takes you from the early days of the electrical signal and Morse code to the cutting-edge technologies of today, including optical fibres, satellites, and multiplexing.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of science and the incredible human stories that made these advancements possible. Explore interactive exhibits, our top-secret World War Two bunker, daring escape stairs, and the unique Cable Hut situated above the beach, just a short walk away from PK Porthcurno.

Over the past two years, PK Porthcurno has expanded its operations and offerings, enhancing the visitor experience and deepening community connections. We’ve extended our management to include the lower beach car park and public toilets, and our mobile café, Koffi PK, now offers convenient refreshments and a warm welcome to the valley.

Through partnerships with GCHQ and the Mobile Phone Museum, we’ve hosted popular exhibitions on code-breaking, cybersecurity, and the evolution of mobile communication. Additionally, PK Porthcurno has established mc7, a consortium of seven Cornish museums, each representing a unique aspect of Cornwall’s heritage. Together, we aim to create inspiring programs and events that re-energize our communities and welcome visitors from across Cornwall and beyond.

Our new addition, Poppy PK—a 1950s Mobile Telegraph Unit—enables us to bring hands-on educational outreach to local schools and communities, sparking conversations about the fascinating evolution of communication.

These initiatives have not only enriched the visitor experience but have also strengthened our ties with the community, solidifying PK Porthcurno as a premier cultural and educational institution in Cornwall.

Winning gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards fills us with immense pride and recognition, marking a significant milestone in our journey. This award reflects the dedication and hard work invested in our recent initiatives, which have not only enriched the visitor experience but also broadened our reach within the community and beyond. Our efforts to enhance the museum’s offerings and engage audiences in fresh, meaningful ways have been incredibly successful, providing us with a strong platform to continue expanding. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum, connecting with new and diverse audiences while contributing to Cornwall’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Julia Twomlow, Creative Director and CEO of PK Porthcurno says,

“We are absolutely delighted to have received this prestigious award. It is such a wonderful achievement for our museum and a validation of the incredible work that our staff team do across all areas. Congratulations also to our lovely neighbours at the Minack Theatre for winning Large Visitor Attraction – making it a double Gold for Porthcurno!”