on 02/03/2019
There are a handful of areas around Cornwall where you can easily see ruins from Cornwall’s industrial age, but there are also lots of less obvious spots. Here are some of our favourites…
The ‘Tin Coast’ is a seven mile stretch of coast located in the west of Cornwall. You will see ruins of engine houses and chimneys across the landscape. It really is an amazing stretch of Cornwall to explore if you’re interested in Cornwall’s mining heritage. This stretch of coast runs between Pendeen lighthouse to Cape Cornwall, and is now considered a World Heritage Site. There are a few mines along the way that are open to the public to explore.There are an array of mines around Cornwall that you can visit and explore. Here are just a few suggestions…
You may recognise the name Poldark from the famous tv show ‘Poldark’. This mine is said to be the only fully complete mine in Cornwall that is open to the public, and has been open to the public for forty five years. There are several levels of the mine to explore, and the guided tours will take you through the underground twists and turns.
Part of the National Trust, Levant Mine has lots of exciting spots to explore both above ground and underground. The views from the cliff tops are mesmerising, and the history of the mine is rich. You can even stop to appreciate the steam-worked beam engine.
Not too far from the above Levant Mine, Geevor also has lots of history to explore – from untouched locker rooms and showers, to underground canals that the workers used to take. The guided tours are often hosted by men who worked the mines when it was still functioning. There are also plenty of granite mining ruins around Cornwall, and you may have even come across a few when exploring or adventuring the landscape.
The clay trails around St Austell go on for miles. You can follow an array of routes by bike, car, or horse, and along the way you will see ruins of old chimneys and clay pits. The clay pits are all flooded with bright blue and green waters – coloured from the rich minerals in the soil. These clay trails run around St Austell, and even lead to the Eden Project… which was built in an abandoned clay pit!
Wheal Martyn is a great twenty-six acre point along St Austell’s clay trail, and is often a good starting position if you plan to walk the trails. Here you’ll find a museum and lots of outdoor ruins and machinery that was once active and used in the Victorian era.
This beautiful woodland hides some remnants and ruins of an old gunpowder factory. There were over 50 buildings in Kennall Vale, most of which are now being overrun by nature. A great woodland spot to explore whilst searching for the ruins.
This two mile long valley hides lots of old copper mining buildings and transport systems, now being taken over by nature. You can also walk across the old Treffry viaduct, which is no longer in use, and discover the remains of the Carmears Wheel Pit.
Bodmin houses an enormous area of Cornwall that is untouched moorland. There are endless walks to follow along the moors, a few with old engine houses and mining ruins that sit across the landscape. Our favourite spot, with lots of prominent mining ruins, is Minions. There are amazing views to be seen from this area too.One fairly infamous spot, that has featured in many a-list movies and tv series, is the historic port of Charlestown…
This port played a big role in shipping lots of the mined minerals and crafts from the area. There is also a strong pirate history here, and when the tide is low you can see parts from old shipwrecks on the shore. The main draw to Charlestown are the old ships that sit in the harbour. The port is still working too, with fisherman bringing in their fresh catches.
