MyCornwall Magazine - Dec/Jan

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
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