tin mines in cornwall to visit

Top 6 tin mines in Cornwall

At its peak, the Cornish mining industry employed over 30,000 people which was about a quarter of Cornwall’s population. Therefore, it’s little wonder that it transformed both the landscape and lives of those who undertook its gruelling work.

Although copper and tin mines in Cornwall hark back to the Bronze Age (around 2100 BC), the heyday for both took place during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries and this legacy remains deeply embedded within Cornwall’s identity. A handful of defunct mines have since become popular visitor attractions.

In the meantime, below, you’ll find our pick of historic Cornwall tin mines, which we believe are well worth a visit. Once you’re done reading, click on the button below to book one of our wonderful Cornwall holiday cottages and start counting down the days until your Cornwall getaway.

Wheal Coates
Levant Mine and Beam Engine
The Crown Mines
Geevor Tin Mine
East Pool Mine
King Edward Mine Museum

1. Wheal Coates, St Agnes

Aerial view across Wheal Coates tin mine

These stark and lonely cliff-top ruins, comprising Towan Roath engine house and Tubby’s Head, overlook the vast Atlantic Ocean while offering a glance into Cornwall’s rich mining heritage and a snapshot into the history of the tin mines in North Cornwall.

Wheal Coates functioned as a working mine from 1802–1889 and is now under the guardianship of the National Trust . As you can imagine, a miner’s life was often back breaking, meaning that many men were burnt out and jobless by the time they reached 40. At the mines, children commonly worked above ground until they were 12 and then they were sent deep underground with their fathers. Women too were heavily involved in the mining process. Employed as ‘Bal Maidens’, their above-ground role was to crush ore into small pieces and load it onto trolleys for the crushing machine.

Good to know

Location: Beacon Drive, St Agnes, TR5 0NT
Facilities: Parking on site (free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders). No toilets. The ground is uneven in places with steep paths and poor mobile coverage
Opening times: The site is in open countryside and can be accessed 24 hours a day
Prices: Free entry
Stay nearby: Porthvean | sleeps 16 + 2 dogs. Looking for something smaller? Then browse our full range of holiday cottages in North Cornwall .

2. Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Trewellard

Aerial photo across Levant Mine and Beam Engine

This National Trust site is located along the ‘Tin Coast’ in West Cornwall, which spans 7 miles between Pendeen and St Just and is part of the UNESCO Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The Levant Mine's origin dates back to 1748 when it popped up on Martyn’s Map and in 1820, the Levant Mining Company was formed by a collaboration of 20 people, with a capital sum of £400.

Copper and tin were long mined at this dramatic cliff-top site (where arsenic was also produced as a by-product). The mine spanned almost a mile out under the seabed and 600 metres below sea level, with steam power enabling the miners to push further and further out far beneath the waves. Levant’s engine house has the oldest Cornish steam winding engine in operation. Visits must be pre-booked online or over the phone and include a site tour.

Location: Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just TR19 7SX
Facilities: Parking is free at nearby Geevor Car Park (Sat Nav TR19 7EW) for pre-booked tours. The mine site is steep and uneven in places, with steps. Accessible parking can be pre-organised. Toilets, including accessible toilets
Opening times: Sundays–Thursdays, 10.30am–4.30pm. Changes in November. Visits need to be pre-booked
Cost: Free for National Trust members. Adults £12 and children (5–17 years) £6
Stay nearby: Will’s Cottage | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs. Alternatively, take a look at our full collection of West Cornwall holiday cottages .

3. The Crown Mines, Botallack

View across the coastline to the Crown Mines

As a Poldark filming location , this pair of 19th-century landmark, tin engine houses near St Just may well look familiar against the sweeping Atlantic Ocean backdrop. Just a skip and a jump along the Tin Coast from Levant Mine and Beam Engine, The Crown Mines comprises the chimney stacks, engine houses and arsenic labyrinth. Elsewhere, the old mine office count house now serves as a café offering refreshments and ocean views of the South West Coast Path .

With records dating back to the 1500s, the mine as we know it opened in the 1720s. During its time, it produced thousands of tonnes of tin and copper (plus 1,500 tonnes of arsenic) and the high volume of waste pumped into the ocean, dyed the seawater red. Mining at Botallack halted in 1895 when the price for tin and copper dropped, and after many mines had already closed down.

Tin mining in Cornwall was of course a hazardous occupation and in 1863, nine men and a boy lost their lives on the site, when the chain pulling their carriage back up to the surface snapped and sent the carriage plummeting back down into the shaft and onto a timber beam at the bottom.

Location: Botallack, on the Tin Coast, near St Just, TR19 7QQ
Facilities: Parking on-site (free for National Trust members). Some narrow and steep spots and unguarded drops. Mobility scooter hire. Toilets, including accessible toilets and café
Opening times: No restrictions although daytime visits are advised.
Cost: Free.
Stay nearby: Sunset Farmhouse | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

4. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

Dating back to 1791, this mine near Penzance closed in 1990 but is now an award-winning family attraction and registered charity. You may well encounter past miners here, more than happy to talk about Cornwall tin mines and their own time working on the site and visitors can don a hard hat and venture down into the 200-year-old Wheal Mexico Mine. Little ones can pan for gems (yes, they can keep any treasures), learn about the mine’s past in the Hard Rock Museum and feel the change in atmosphere within ‘The Dry’ change rooms.

As the largest, preserved mining site in the country, Geevor Tin Mine has several buildings to explore with lots of different types of machinery. The Count House Café is a family-run business offering stunning sea views and there is a gift shop on site. It’s recommended that visitors pre-book guided tours.

Good to know:

Location: Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, Penzance, TR19 7EW
Facilities: Toilets including accessible toilets, shop and café. Free parking on site
Opening times: Sundays–Fridays, 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm). Closed Saturdays
Cost: Adults £20.50 and children (4 years+) £11.60
Stay nearby: Trevow | sleeps 4 + 1 dog. If this property doesn't meet your needs then take a look at our full collection of holiday cottages in Penzance .

5. East Pool Mine, Redruth

Located in the Redruth mining area, near the village of Pool, this historical tin mine in Cornwall was first known as ‘Pool Old Bal’ way back in the early 1700s and was mined for copper until 1784. In 1834, it was reinvented as a tin mine and took its current name, East Pool Mine . The land was leased from the Basset family who built their nearby home using profits accrued from both this and other local mines.

The last engine ground to a halt in 1954 and the site has now retained protection of the National Trust. The mine is open for visitors who are required to pre-book, and tickets come with a 1-hour guided site tour detailing the mine’s long history. If you plan to visit nearby Michell’s Engine House, note that although there’s no charge, you’ll need to book an additional, separate ticket.

Location: East Pool Mine, Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3NP
Facilities: Toilets including an accessible toilet. Free parking is available in the Morrisons supermarket (look out for the black National Trust sign at the far end)
Opening times: Sundays–Thursdays 10am–4pm (East Pool Mine and Taylor’s Engine House) and Michell’s Engine House, 11.15am–2.15pm. Changes in November
Cost: Free for National Trust members. Adults £10, children £5. Children under 5 years – free entry
Stay nearby: Red River Cabin | sleeps 5. Alternatively, browse all of our cottages in Redruth .

6. King Edward Mine Museum, Camborne

Photo of King Edward Mine on a blue-sky day

Originally known as Old Tye, King Edward Mine is part of the South Condurrow Mine which reopened in 1844, along with Great Condurrow (to the north). Flooding was an issue here but the discovery of the Great Flat Lode in the 1870s turned the mine’s fortune around for the better.

The mine near Camborne closed in 1896 and the Camborne School of Mines was set up the following year. The college taught practical and academic mining classes in the region and in 1897, to better-aid education, the college redeveloped part of the old South Condurrow Mine and a few years later, renamed it ‘King Edward Mine’. The college relocated in 1974 and a few years later, the King Edward Mine Preservation Group was set up to safeguard the mine’s heritage. It is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, has charity status, and is owned by the Cornwall Council.

The current museum opened in 2005, offering a fantastic educational experience. The history of Cornwall tin mines is explained with displays, guided tours and hands-on practical demonstrations across the site’s 22 acres.

Location: King Edward Mine, Troon, Camborne, TR14 9HW
Facilities: Toilets, café and gift shop with parking on site
Opening times: Saturday–Wednesday, from 10am. Last tour at 3pm
Cost: Adults £10, under 16s £2, children under 5 years are free
Stay nearby: Chi Lowen | sleeps 4. If this doesn't work for you then take a look at our full collection of holiday cottages in Camborne .

Map of tin mines in Cornwall

Please find all of the above tin mines with the help of our handy map.

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This summer put your hard hat on and go exploring at Geevor!

Wheal mexico underground mine, astonishing history in an amazing landscape.

Geevor is a real Cornish tin mine little changed from when the mine closed in 1990 with a real underground experience. Tin and copper have been mined in Cornwall since the Bronze Age. Explore the mine, the mill and and the hard rock museum at your own pace. Your visit into 18th century Wheal Mexico Mine at Geevor will give you a real insight into working underground. For children and families there are also other activities to enjoy including panning for gems (keep what you find!), our mine quiz and other fun events for the summer holidays FREE with your entry ticket. Talk to our mine guides about their time working as miners at Geevor. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the north Atlantic Tin Coast. We know it's a bit further to drive so all-day car parking is FREE for all of our visitors.

Experience what life was like working at Geevor

Hard rock museum, mineral panning, what will you visit first, new for 2024, live music, a bright future for geevor tin mine, the story of geevor.

The exact date when mining began in the area eventually operated by Geevor is unknown - but in the old workings in the Wheal Carne section there is a date of 1791 cut into the wall of the adit (drainage) level.

Be a part of Cornish mining history and help us to keep our heritage and our stories alive.

Bring your whole family to Geevor for a day filled with discovery, exploration and adventure. All set in the remarkable coastal landscape of the Tin Coast, West Cornwall

HIGHLIGHTS OF GEEVOR TIN MINE

Geevor Tin Mine today is a tourist attraction having closed as a working mine in 1990. The site is dominated by the grey headgear over Victory shaft, which is 480m down!

SELF-GUIDED EXHIBITS

There is a small museum with various mining artefacts on display, but possibly the most impressive exhibit is the model of the mine. Each of the wires in the model is a shaft and there are 17 levels and 85 miles of tunnels in the mine.

Most of the tunnels are now flooded as the pumps that kept them dry(ish) were switched off in 1991. Before they were switched off they were extracting around one million gallons of water a day from the mine. Even so, it took three years for the mine to fully flood, such is the extent of the tunnels underground.

There are several other buildings you can enter outside, including the plant rooms, where huge turbines now sit silent, and the engine room where the more recent electric, and the original steam, engines are on show.

But one of the eeriest places is the locker room where men would change before and after their shift. It looks like they just upped and left with overalls hanging up and lockers with personal effects still in them.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE PLANT

The guided tours start at the large factory where you will meet your guide who probably used to work in the plant and therefore knows all about its operation. The tour starts with the rock crushing equipment that started smashing the pieces of rock into smaller and smaller pieces ready for processing.

Much of the equipment remained at the mine when it closed as it was not worth anything, or it wasn’t economically feasible to move it. This is great for the tour as the mine still has most of the equipment in situ to see as you go around. The tour proceeds through the grinding and washing areas until what remains is a fine sand-like material. At this point, the tiny tin grains, which are much heavier than the rock grains, are able to be separated by feeding them into one of around 100 shaker tables.

Each table vibrates back and forth and the grains are washed along the table with water. Ridges on the table are at a small incline which pulls the denser material towards the far end of the table whilst the lighter grains are washed across the ridges and off the bottom of the table. Your guide will demonstrate the entire process and you will clearly see the material get darker as it became more and more just tin grains and works its way along the table.

An impressive sculpture rounds of the plant tour before you don overalls and hard hats ready to go underground.

The mine you tour is from the 18th Century workings and is called the Mexico shaft. Sadly we don’t get to explore the deep mines, nor head out to the mines that extend way out to sea!! But parts of those mines are still checked and monitored and our guide had been down deeper just the week before. It’s a pretty tight squeeze inside the mine, so be grateful if your group is small! You’ll also be grateful for the hard hats, as you will no doubt bang your heads at some point during the tour.

Your guide will show you how the mine was cut and detail some of the equipment used, like the scarily flimsy-looking ladders and the hoists to take the spoil to the surface.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO GEEVOR TIN MINE

Information last updated November 2019

HOW TO GET THERE

Geevor Tin Mine can be found at Pendeen, Penzance TR19 7EW .

You can get to the mine by the A17 and A3 (summer only) buses, just ask the driver for Geevor Tine Mine. The community bus PZS007 can also be used to get to the mine. Visitors arriving by bus get a 10% discount on the entrance price.

Parking is available on site and is free of charge to visitors.

HELPFUL LINK:

If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about how to use Here WeGo .

OPENING HOURS

Opening hours are 1000-1600 Sun-Fri, closed on Saturdays. The Mine is closed from the 21st-28th December and on the 1st January. Opening hours can vary, so please check the Geevor Tin Mine Opening Times for the latest information.

You will be outside some of the time as you walk between the various parts of the site. But, as much of the attraction is indoors, any time of year is a good time to visit. We would recommend you allow at least two to three hours to fully enjoy the mine.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

Basic admission prices are £14.90 (including the underground tour) and £12.00 (museum only) for adults, £8.70 for children over 3 and students and free for under 4s.

You can save up to 10% by arriving by bus and 20% if you have already visited the nearby Levant Mine and Beam Engine . You can also get 20% off at Levant Mine if you visit Geevor Tin Mine first.

ACCESSIBILITY

Because this is a tour of a former working tine mine, accessibility is restricted with plenty of stairs in the factory and rough ground in the underground mine.

The Hard Rock museum is fully accessible and provides a good overview of the mine and its operations for visitors who cannot access all of the site.

For full accessibility details please visit the Geevor Tine Mine Accessibility page.

IS GEEVOR TIN MINE WORTH THE VISIT?

If you want to learn more about the long history of tin mining in Cornwall and how a real tin mine operated, then Geevor Tin Mine is an excellent place to spend a few hours. The guides are full of information about how the tin was mined from taking the rocks from the ground to the finished ore. The tour of the plant is especially interesting as much of the equipment is still in situ and it looks like you have just come in on a day when the miners are having a day off in many places.

The underground mine shows how the mining of tin was done for thousands of years and how technology moved on so quickly to create the giant plant that was used more recently. The site is then dotted with other exhibits and the hard rock museum which give visitors a huge amount of information about how the mine operated.

See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor .

ADD TO YOUR CORNWALL ITINERARY

From rugged coastlines and stunning beaches to a tin mining industry stretching back thousands of years, there is plenty to attract visitors to Cornwall. Home to Land’s End and many Poldark filming locations as well as castles and mythical locations of King Arthur and Merlin.

IN THE AREA

The world’s only Cornish Beam engine still steaming is the main attraction at the National Trust’s Levant Mine and Beam Engine . See a fully restored version of the beam engine buildings you will see dotted across the Cornish landscape.
The Dolmen of Lanyon Quoit , standing stones of Mên-an-Tol , The Merry Maidens stone circle and Tregiffian Burial Chamber are just some of the plethora of ancient monuments to be found in Cornwall.
The Botallack mine ruins are one of the most dramatic places to see beam engine ruins as they cling to the edges of the rugged cliffs. You can also explore the ruins of the mines buildings and wander a Poldark filming location.
The westernmost point of mainland England, Land’s End is a tourist destination just for that reason. With theme parks, attractions and the “First and Last House” in the country to tempt visitors.
Visit the Telegraph Museum < to learn how the nearby Porthcurno Beach became the global telecom hub for transatlantic cables entering Britain from around the globe. You can also visit the World War II tunnels which protected the communication hub from enemy action.
Perched on the rocks above the Atlantic Ocean, The Minack Theatre is a dramatic open-air theatre. Even if you can’t attend a show, it’s well worth a visit to enjoy the views and learn how this amazing theatre came to be.

READ MORE: For even more great things to do in Cornwall check out our Things to Do in Cornwall guide .

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CORNWALL

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites.

These are a few tours we would recommend for your trip to Cornwall.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our full disclosure policy here .

Guide to visiting bath’s no 1 royal crescent, beautiful and historic castles to visit in england, guide to visiting london’s tower bridge.

CORNWALL UNDERGROUND

The ultimate cornish mining experience, explore cornwall's mines.

Cornwall Underground Adventures is offering adventurous caving trips in Cornwall's abandoned tin mines. Are you looking for interesting and exciting things to do in Cornwall? Then why not combine Cornwall's mining heritage with an exciting adventure underground? You can now experience the thrill of mine exploring with our experienced guides. Go below the surface and discover the subterranean world carved out by the Cornish miners over hundreds of years. The miners have long since vanished, but their legacy is a world beneath your feet, waiting to be discovered.

We are based in west Cornwall and all of our activities currently take place near the old mining district of St. Just. We are within easy reach of St. Ives, Penzance and Sennen Cove, and not too far from other popular tourist resorts, such as Newquay, Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsula. We offer something for everyone, and our underground activities are perfect choice, come rain or shine.

Our mine adventures range from easy walk-in, walk-out trips, to full-blown caving-style trips. Explore the complex systems of tunnels that make up a Cornish mine. Marvel at how the miners shaped these places, and gaze in wonder at the features of this hidden world. Those seeking a thrill can try abseiling down mine shafts, crossing gaping chasms and flooded passages, underground via-ferrata, mine climbing and more!

Our surface tours are perfect for those interested in the history of Cornish mining but don’t want to venture underground. Evidence of Cornwall’s mining past is an integral part of the county’s landscape. The old engine houses are one of Cornwall's most iconic features. Famous landmarks include the Crown Mines at Botallack, Wheal Coates at St. Agnes, as well as several mining museums, such as Levant Mine and Beam Engine and Poldark Mine. The vast sites of Geevor tin mine and South Crofty, the last mine to close in Cornwall, still loom over the landscape.

But almost every cliff, cove and carn has a hidden mining history, not always visible to the untrained eye. Our expert mine historians take you on a guided walk around an area rich with mining archaeology. Be amazed as these open-air mining museums bring the story of Cornish mining to life. Learn facts, history, and tales of adventure and tragedy that would have been the envy of Ross Poldark!

Mine explorer traverses a flooded passage in a Cornish tin mine.

Looking for something new and exciting to do in Cornwall?

Book online, our cornish mine tours.

OUR ACTIVITIES

Mine explorer walking along a cross cut in a Cornish tin mine.

UNDERGROUND EXPLORER

Our Underground Explorer is a trip into a tin mine where you can access the mine via some ladders and scrambling, allowing us to explore various parts of the mine. The trip includes an optional abseil.

UNDERGROUND ADVENTURER

The Underground Adventurer is a through-trip journeying through a maze of tunnels before emerging into daylight once more. This covers the gambit of adrenalin-filled adventure underground, including using ropes to traverse gaping chasms and flooded passages, abseil down mine shafts, underground via-ferrata, mine climbing and more!

Exploring a tine mine in St. Just, West Cornwall. Mine explorer climbing up through a chasm

UNDERGROUND ADVENTURER EXTREME

The Underground Adventurer Extreme is surely one of Cornwall's most challenging adventure experiences. A full day underground, exploring two adjacent mines. Visit these remote underground spaces that are normally only accessible by experienced cavers and mine explorers. This trip features lots of abseiling, crossing chasms and mine shafts, as well as climbing the walls of the mine, and even caving ladders.

What people say?

"We were blown away by the excitement of this raw experience." Ed K.

"The whole experience was unexpectedly challenging but great fun" Lidia I.

"Definitely not your average mine tour!" Imogen S.

"This is a completely unique experience in the South West and we highly recommend it." Yasmin and Nigel

SEE THE LATEST FROM OUR MINE EXPLORATION BLOG

Caver exploring St Just United Mine in Cornwall

i [email protected]

Cornwall Underground Adventures is an AALA licensed provider

Affiliate disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Visit King Edward Mine to Discover Cornish Mining

Godrygeugh Whel Myghtern Edward dhe Dhyscudha Gonys Sten Kernowek

We are now open for the summer 2024 (five days per week including Saturdays - see Opening Times.

We have a very popular education programme for local schools. We have been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge, the only national award that recognises both learning and safety for learning outside the classroom providers and is endorsed by the Department of Education. On 20th June 2024 we are delighted to host the 5th annual Cornwall Schools Mining Games - see Events.

Dydh da! It is Speak Cornish Week from 22 nd to 30 th June 2024, so see www.speakcornish.com to see how you can get involved. Meur ras.

Experience a Cornish Tin Mill

Your guide will lead you and explain all our working equipment

Discover Cornwall's Mining Past

You will see and hear the last remaining Holman Winder

Learn about the History of Holman Brothers

The Holman 303 Airleg Drill was used in mining all over the world

Visit the Cafe All Year Round

There's a car park right outside for your visit

Explore our Tin Mining Landscape

Explore spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage Mining area

Award for KEM

In 2023, the outside team at KEM won the Cornish Heritage Wellbeing Award for the ecology on site

Leave a Review

What Our Visitors Say About Us

April 2023: Thank you for our lovely little visit today. Our guide was amazing in every way. Tailored our tour to keep our daughter content and happy and we all really enjoyed our time with you. All the volunteers took time to talk to us and interact with us and our daughter. There was lots of buttons to press that all worked something different a model or a story. And she enjoyed the dressing up and colouring in. Thank you everyone involved 🙂

F ind King Edward Mine Museum

Take a look at the King Edward Mine Youtube Channel by clicking the red arrow below.

There are instructional videos about the Cornish Tin Mill, and also about the ecology of the site and Cornwall Schools Mining Games.

King Edward Mine Ltd

Cornwall’s tin mining heritage

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Bucket List Experience

The tin industry played a vital role in the development of Cornwall, from the early Bronze Age until the 20th century. At one time, Cornwall was one of the world’s leading producers of tin, and the industry shaped the region’s economy, culture, and landscape. The industry was based on the mining of tin and other minerals, such as copper and arsenic, and the processing of these minerals into metal.

The industry declined in the 20th century due to a combination of factors, including competition from other countries, falling prices, and the depletion of reserves. Its legacy, however, can still be noticeably seen in the region’s abandoned tine mines – some of which have been restored and preserved – that pepper the landscape.

Who to go with: tour operators

King edward mine museum.

Cambornev, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

A 100-year-old preserved tin mine showcasing the history of mining (and the Mineral Tramways generally); much of the original mining equipment remains. It includes the Mineral Tramways Discovery Centre, with displays and information about the old mineral tramways, the mines, the ports used by the industry and the people involved with the trade.

Adult price: £8

Good for age: 8+

The Mineral Tramways [cycling & walking]

Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

The mineral tramways coast to coast trail cycle path passing underneath the Carnon stone viaduct, built in 1933.

Blessed with more than 40 different minerals, especially lucrative tin and copper, Cornwall became the richest part of Britain in the early 19th century, pioneering global development of the mining industry. As Poldark fans will know, in the late 19th century, increasing foreign competition depressed prices making mining less and less economical. The industry entered a period of steady decline, and the last mine, South Crofty, closed in 1998.

The Mineral Tramways Heritage Project has been working to preserve Cornwall’s central mining district, a scenic landscape of lovely Cornish countryside that’s studded with (safe) abandoned mines, mining villages and other heritage sites.

A 60km network of multi-use trails now crisscross the area, many following the original tramway and railway routes once used to transport ore and supplies to and from the many mines to the coastal ports. It’s easy going, and packed with local wildlife.

Good for age: 4+

Duration: -

Geevor Tin Mine Museum

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial Photograph of Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, PZ, Cornwall, England

This 18th-century tin mine – preserved exactly as it was since the last miner left in 1990 – it’s a must for anyone wanting to learn about Cornwall’s former tin industry. There’s an on-site ‘Hard Rock’ museum, and the chance to explore underground passageways. Open Sunday-Thursday, great for families.

Adult price: £18

Eden Project

Southwest Coastal Path

side angle of a newly cooked traditional Cornish Pasty

Cornwall’s best food & drink

External Links
Cornish Mining
Cornish Overseas

SPECIAL EVENT - Sunday 20th September - Brass on the Grass

Featuring carharrack & st day silver band, an eclectic industrial heritage collection & ancient tin mine in a beautiful setting.

The Cornish National Heritage Collection, Scheduled Ancient Monument, Trenere Wolas Gardyn and visitors Car Park open from 10.30am when the mine and Cornish National Heritage Collection are open - The Grounds close around the end time of the last tour - final admission being approximately 1 hour earlier. The car park is free to visitors purchasing a museum or mine tour ticket but otherwise a fixed charge will be applied, a ticket needs to be purchased immediately when parking. REFRESHMENTS - Nearby is a great little tea room offering home made food and cakes very close to the mine at The Homestead Woodland Garden, Crelly, Trenear, Wendron. Located on

GARDENS, CORNISH NATIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION, REFRESHMENTS* REFRESHMENTS - There will be a very limited Tuck Shop service of cold drinks, chocolate, crisps, ices and confectionery. PICNICS IN THE GARDENS Picnics are most welcome on our gardens. If you do bring your own picnic you are very welcome to sit on the bandstand where there are tables, seats and chairs, or on the lower lawn, and in the woodland garden. When the refreshment counter is open we can provide hot drinks or cold ones too. We ask all of those who take picnics to be green and take their litter home, especially any plastic items as we are a plastic-free zone. Please leave our tables clean and tidy and please do not discard any food or rubbish in our bins.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Gardens, Museum, and Coffee Shop Open from 11.00am Last Admission 12.30pm

Underground Guided Tin Mine Tours 11.30am and 1.00pm

Evening and group bookings at all reasonable times by prior arrangement.

Half Term 14th - 21st February

Daily Underground Tour Times 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm, 2.15pm

Gardens, Coffee counter, and Museum Open from 11.00am Last Admission 12.30pm

Easter 21st March - 1st April

Gardens, Coffee counter, and Museum Open from 10.00am Last Admission 3.30pm

Daily Underground Tour Times 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.00pm, 2.15pm, 3.30pm

A Cornish Mining World Heritage Site with a Bronze Age Scheduled Ancient Monument .

One of the two most atmospheric mine tours.. in Europe Sir Neil Cossons - former Chairman English Heritage

(The other being a salt mine in Poland)

Organised groups welcomed at other times by appointment.

Children cannot be carried underground due to regulations and health & safety reasons. Those admitted must not be disruptive and must wear a hard hat at all times. All have to walk for the entire underground tour.
Children under 4 may not be admitted underground and need to be at least one metre tall.[some discretion may apply] The decision made by the Mine Captain is final.

We regret that the underground mine tours are unsuitable for those in wheelchairs, with walking frames or sticks, expectant mothers, persons who are blind, persons who suffer from epilepsy, back sufferers, for those with respiratory or heart conditions, for those who have walking difficulties or some registered disabled persons. What SORT OF SHOES are needed? Please ensure that you wear suitable stout walking shoes or trainers or you may NOT be allowed to take a mine tour. High heels, wedges, ballet shoes, light or flimsy shoes, sandals & flip flops, open toe or open heel footwear CANNOT be worn in the mine [more details below]. This is for your personal safety. IS THE MINE LIT ?? YES - MAIN MINE PATHFINDER TOUR A is electrically lit throughout with a low-voltage 150v DC system and has the added backup of an automatic battery-operated 24 volt emergency lighting system in the unlikely event of any mains power failure. Several bright yellow underground telephones are fitted in the mine for operational and emergency purposes. The DEEP MINE ADVENTURE TOUR B is lit by each person wearing genuine Miners Hat lamps with a light weight battery pack that will be strapped to your waist.[This equipment is from the now closed Kellingley Colliery in Yorkshire known as Big K - the very last deep coal mine in the UK]. The mine lights will be off but the emergency lights will automatically operate immediately in the event of any power failure. HOW MANY STEPS ARE THERE? Main Mine Pathfinder Tour A has about 40 downward steps and 53 upward steps. THE DEEP MINE ADVENTURE TOUR B has about 75 downward steps and 83 upward steps. WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS & WHY? All restrictions are due to health and safety, security, comfort, privacy, the safety of others, mining regulations, insurance restrictions, terrorism and other risks. Common sense is another factor. Bags, backpacks, cameras, ipads, dvd players, transistors, laptops, mobile or cell phones on sticks or otherwise, lamps or torches or toys, are NOT allowed Photography is NOT permitted in the mine and all electrical gadgets are forbidden. Flash or video photography of any type is not permitted anywhere in the grounds or museum. Commercial Photography of any type or to post on the internet attracts a fee - please contact us to discuss. Water bottles, sweet papers, wrappers are not allowed - please leave all such items locked securely in the boot of your car or at home - eating or drinking in the mine is not allowed - see detailed notes below about suitable footwear and other restrictions. Intoxicated persons or those who seem to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed into the mine. WHAT ARE THE REASONS? Both hands will be needed in the mine for the handrails when negotiating our stairs - this is for your personal safety and to ensure that you do not trip or fall on another person or child. There are lots of steps and stair handrails. Three or four levels of the mine are explored depending on which tour is taken. Many visitors do not want to be filmed, photographed or videoed for privacy reasons. Flash can trigger off an involuntary reaction, momentarily blind people or our guides which could cause an accident. It is also a nuisance to some individuals. Bats live in remote parts of the old workings and its illegal to photograph them. MAY WE PRE-BOOK? YES! To save delay you may pre-book before your visit - by telephone 01326 573 173 - Booking office is only open when the mine is open from 10.30 am - from Easter to the end of September the booking office is open DAILY [except on Sundays, Mondays & some Tuesdays] FROM 10.30am - 1.30pm except on Good Friday or Flora Day in May. When should I book? The deep mine tour MUST be booked at least ONE hour in advance or preferably a week in advance. HOW LONG DOES THE DEEP MINE UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE TOUR B TAKE? This tour takes about 90 minutes. WHAT TIME IS THE LATEST CHECK IN TIME for the DEEP MINE ADVENTURE TOUR? The Deep Mine ADVENTURE Tour B Arrival time is 60 minutes before advertised time as the museum & grounds will close at end of tour and it takes time to pay and have lamps fitted - we call this Lamping Up - if you want to explore the Cornish Heritage Collection museum please arrive at least one hour earlier. The minimum check in time is 30 minutes before the advertised tour time. It should be noted that this tour is [on very rare occasions] subject to cancellation at short notice. In the unusual event that a cancellation needs to be made, a full refund will be made if payment has been made in advance. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL OPENING TIMES? In general we are open from April to the end of October. This may change, please check this official page before visiting. We are usually closed on Sundays & Mondays, Good Friday, Flora Day [usually the 8th May - this is St Michaels Day and annual world famous Furry Dance in Helston], - in early and late season open days can be three, four or five days each week. We are open on some but not all Bank Holiday Mondays and for special events - check the web site or our facebook pages for details of Easter & Half Term opening days. - The Cornish Heritage Collection, Scheduled Ancient Monument, grounds and our visitors car park are usually open from 10.30am to 1.30pm** - ** last admission to museum being one hour before closing - we advise you to check the times before travelling. In the winter months we will be closed except for groups from universities, schools colleges & other private charters. Please explain about the MAIN MINE PATHFINDER TOUR A? The Main Mine Pathfinder Tour A - this is a guided tour that explores three levels of the mine and takes about 65 minutes. Two Stopes are seen (A stope is a kind of deep shaft where the tin ore has been removed. There are about 40 downward steps and 53 upward steps. Everyone needs to be reasonably fit. Children should over the age of 4 years and at least one metre [3 feet] in height. Booking in advance is not essential for this tour but at busy times is strongly recommended. The main electric lights in the mine are used for this tour. The emergency lights in the mine will remain in use at all times. CAN I MAIL POSTCARDS FROM THE MINE? YES! Towards the end of the underground tour the Holman Chamber is visited where the unique George V underground Royal Mail post box is situated and was placed here by the General Post Office over 40 years ago. Postcards mailed in the box have a special franking mark applied. DO YOU SUPPORT ANY CHARITY? YES we do. Our underground wishing well is close by the last section of the mine and all donations are given to the Cornwall Air Ambulance. You will also find donation boxes for other charities in the museum, the hallways and ticket office area. All are protected by CCTV coverage. Please explain about the DEEP MINE UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE TOUR B? The DEEP MINE ADVENTURE TOUR B is an hour and half guided tour that is restricted to fit adults only, children must be over the age of 10. Booking in advance is required. The main lights in the mine are turned off for this tour, all visitors are issued with genuine miners battery powered headlamps which add to the atmosphere of the guided tour. Our lamps & equipment came from Kellingley Colliery [Big K], the last deep coal mine to work in the UK, the names of the original miners remain on the charging apparatus racks in our Lamp Room. The emergency lights in the mine will remain in use. Four levels of the mine are explored right down to the depths of 4 Level just above the main mine pump sump at 5 Level. The guided tour takes 90 minutes or thereabouts. There are about 75 downward steps and 83 upward steps, some of which are steep. The main Stope Shaft of the mine is visited which is most impressive with its several flights of stairs and landings fitted into the original contours of the working which was excavated by hand during the 1700s. The miners tool marks can still be seen throughout the 200 foot shaft. The two other stope shafts date from the 1700s are also seen during tours. Towards the end of the underground tour the Holman Chamber is reached where the unique George V underground Royal Mail post box is situated. How do I book for the DEEP MINE ADVENTURE TOUR B? Bookings for Deep Mine Adventure Tour B can only be made by telephone or during a personal visit in advance. Numbers allowed are limited so booking a week in advance by telephone is recommended to avoid disappointment - especially during wet weather periods. WHAT SORT OF CLOTHES & SHOES SHOULD I WEAR? Mining conditions are presented at all times during underground tours. Please ensure for your personal safety that you wear suitable washable clothing - the ideal being an old pair of full length denim jeans, stout sensible waterproof walking shoes, Wellington boots or trainers. Shorts, half length trousers, culottes, cropped jeans or trousers or similar are most inappropriate for a Main Mine Tour A visit and will NOT be allowed on Deep Mine Tour B visits. Flimsy shoes, flip flops, high heels, wedges, open toe sandals, open heel sandals or lightweight house shoes are entirely unsuitable & will NOT be allowed on either tour. HARD HATS This is a hard granite rock mine and we provide hard hats which must be worn at all times even in the Briefing Room and need to be adjusted for a correct fit. If you bend down in the mine for any reason and your hat falls off, make sure you put it back on your had BEFORE standing back up. We will provide a new white disposable skull cap to wear on your head under the hard hat for hygiene reasons - just ask the guide for one - these are free and can be taken home. We can also provide a disposable coverall suit for a modest charge of £2 which you can take home - again just ask at reception or speak to the mine guide. CAN I BRING ANY BAGGAGE, CAMERAS OR OTHER THINGS INTO THE MINE? Sorry - NO - We regret that none of the following are allowed ....Handbags, backpacks, cameras, ipads, dvd players, transistors, selfie sticks, laptops, mobile or cell phones, water bottles, harnesses, walking sticks, crutches, walkers are NOT allowed underground, photography is NOT permitted in the mine. WHY? Both hands are needed in the mine when negotiating our many stairs & bags or straps can catch in some places or be restrictive in any narrow areas - a small handbag (no cash or cards) may be left in reception at your own risk, purses or wallets together with any cards, travel documents or money should preferably be in a deep zipped or clipped coat pocket . Lockers can be provided at your own risk for baggage but do not leave cash or any valuables in lockers. CAR KEYS - We recommend that car and other keys are safely secured in a zipped or clipped deep pocket in case they are accidentally dropped in the mine. WHAT IS SENSIBLE ATTIRE? - what are Mine Conditions? Our motto is BE PREPARED ... but not for a fashion parade! ..... This is a very real subterranean tin mine that extends to several levels. All mines in Cornwall had a water problem, you will see the ruins of many engine pumping houses & their chimneys all over the county, there were thousands at one time. All 3,500 known Cornish mines are now completely flooded and when working were very wet & muddy, we are no exception. Wheal Roots Tin Mine at The Poldark Mine is the only authentic 18th century tin mine open to the public that pumps water today and is the only mine in Cornwall that has been doing so since the 1970s. We raise between 20 to 25 million gallons (circa 100 million litres) of water out of the mine each year, thats around 50-60thousand litres a day .... the mine is wet & sometimes muddy underfoot so trainers are best or a good waterproof walking shoe or wellies. Water drips in most areas of the mine, following wet weather water literally gushes out of fissures in the rock in certain places and you may get splashed - so a showerproof washable jacket is recommended. There is rust [iron oxide] and ochre on the walls in places which might get on your clothing, do try to avoid brushing against the walls and ensure that you come prepared for a mine visit by wearing washable clothing, full length jeans and stout footwear. The powerful automatic water pumps in the depths of the mine make loud noises every few minutes and echo around the shafts and passageways. These percussive sounds are made without any warning so do please be aware of this to avoid being startled! IN BRIEF & IN GENERAL...... RESTRICTIONS - Due to the risk of FIRE & for the SECURITY, COMFORT & SAFETY of all VISITORS... We very much regret that CAMERAS, MOBILE CELL PHONES, PCs, KINDLES, & PADS or any similar or other electronic devices, radios, music players, bottles with liquids or sprays, sharps or knives, penknives, handbags, backpacks, weapons or imitation weapons, sticks, crutches etc are NOT allowed into the mine or beyond the ticket desk in our museum. Matches, lighters, smoking materials, e-cigarettes [including vapes] or any other combustibles, are NOT allowed anywhere in the mine, our gardens or car parks - we are a 100% SMOKE FREE ZONE. NO PLASTIC BOTTLES PLEASE - PLASTIC FREE ZONE - for the last SEVEN YEARS we have been doing our little bit for the environment means that we do not approve of plastic bottles and ask that you refrain from bringing them here. They will not be allowed into our gardens or the mine - not only for environmental reasons but also to ensure that bottle tops and plastics are not taken into the mine which could jam the mine pumps. To avoid delays at the ticket desk, please ensure that you leave all such RESTRICTED items & devices in your car boot or at home. Flash & VIDEO photography is NOT permitted anywhere in the grounds and photography of any kind is not allowed in the mine. Both hands will be needed in the mine when negotiating our stairs . Please do not take sweet papers or any plastic bottles, paper or foil wrappers into the mine. Walking sticks, crutches or walking frames are NOT permitted into the mine. CHILDREN It should be noted that the minimum age for children is over 3 to 4 years at the discretion of the Mine Captain or the mine guide. [The term Mine Captain is the Cornish designation for a Mine Manager] Children need to be well behaved and calm during their mine visit. Children cannot be carried in the mine or be put into back or front pouches or harnesses. Hard hats have to be worn by all persons & children at all times in the mine without exception. REGULATIONS MINE REGULATIONS, security measures and other restrictions are to avoid nuisance to others, delay, fire, acts of terrorism. These are in place to ensure your personal safety & security and that of others. Apart from the mine regulations and modern day terrorism risks, both hands will be needed in the mine when negotiating our many stairs . CAN WE BRING PICNICS? YES, we are delighted to see the gardens being used for picnics - Visitors may use the the bandstand in low season, or in summer there are picnic tables on the lower lawn, all that we ask in return is that you take home ALL of your personal food wrapping, papers and food waste and do not use our bins. If you have a picnic the picnic bag may be left in a locker or at the ticket office and collected after your mine tour. If you are visiting for the deep mine tour, you will need to enjoy your picnic well before the tour starts and return your bag to reception before going underground, you can then retrieve it on your way out. A limited range of crisps, chocolate & sweets is available. Chilled glass bottled water, fizzy glass bottled drinks & local ices are usually available. Whenever our tea room is open during summer months picnics may NOT be taken on the tea lawn or bandstand which are reserved for visitors using our refreshment facilities but there are several picnic tables elsewhere which you will be most welcome to use. For security and the safety of all, there are CCTV cameras that monitor & record all areas of the car park, grounds, museum, ticket office & sales area. DO YOU HAVE CONCESSIONS? YES - We offer a modest discount for less abled people and local resident couples with TR (NOT PL) postcodes who will need to produce a driving licence or some other acceptable ID with a photo and address with a TR postcode for each adult, CONCESSIONS ARE NOT available on the 11 am tour or when there is a special event . No discount is available in conjunction with any other offer or special events. DAILY PERSONAL RESERVATIONS for Main Mine Pathfinder Tour A NEED TO BE MADE BY TELEPHONE no more than 48 hours in advance. - We DO NOT require prepayment - 01326 573 173 - please avoid disappointment and do not e-mail reservations as we usually do not have sufficient time to look at our e-mail every day due to busy times and the reliance on our volunteers from time to time. GROUP & PRIVATE CHARTER BOOKINGS Charters for groups are welcome at any reasonable time and booking enquiries should be made well in advance by telephone and followed up with an e-mail & all pertinent details. Prepayment will probably be required. CAR PARK Our car park is free but only for visitors to the mine who pay for admission to the gardens & museum or take a guided mine tour. It is not a car park to be used for any other purpose, please do not leave your car in our car park and go for a walk unless you have obtained a pre-paid car park ticket from our booking office. DOGS are NOT permitted in the car park and must NOT be allowed out of your car. We are a Wildlife PROTECTED ZONE. The turning apron in front of our gates is the private property of Poldark Demesne and is a coach and bus turning space only. It is also the Poldark Mine Bus Stop and is used by regular daily public & school bus services to and from the next village to Helston, Falmouth and other destinations. CCTV - Please note that for the safety and security purposes of all visitors that the car park, coach turning area, gardens and grounds are monitored by a number of 24 hour security cameras (CCTV) and images are recorded and held for up to 3 months.

DOGS We regret that Dogs are NOT PERMITTED anywhere at Poldark Mine & Trenere Wolas Gardyn, that means dogs are not allowed in our car park or in the gardens or in your car. There are adders, slow worms and grass snakes about. So please do not bring your dogs in your car. The good news is that DAY KENNELS are available nearby- [see note below**] WILDLIFE The car park is around 1/3 of a mile in linear extent and is bounded by the fast flowing River Cober with a 13th century mile & a half long aqueduct on the opposite side. In addition we are surrounded by farmland. This place is a haven for a variety of furry & feathered creatures great and small which we endeavour to protect including a flock of resident doves and a friendly peafowl called Lady D or Doris. Many wild birds and other species regard this beautiful place as their home, endangered water voles, roe deer, woodpeckers,doves, rabbits, badgers and foxes are regularly seen here. You may spot the resident owls or the breeding pair of buzzards with their two youngsters who have been here for some years. As an animal lover we hope that you will understand the reasons behind our policy to safeguard this very special environment. The entire Poldark Demesne & Car Park is dedicated as a Wildlife Sanctuary with many small ground nesting birds, water creatures, invertebrates, adders & grass snakes, and small mammals, some of which are endangered species. We are directly connected to a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Porkellis Moor where our two watercourses commence. Porkellis Moor is part of the West Cornwall Bryophytes SSSI, so is a haven for some rare liverwort species, lichens and mosses which extend into our riverside grounds. Visitors should note that there are grass snakes along the watercourses on both sides of our main car park, so please keep out of these areas. CCTV cameras are used for security and to ensure compliance with the NO DOGS POLICY & to stop dogs becoming stressed by being left in hot cars or vans. So please respect this rule and leave your doggies with a friend or at home. DAY KENNELS ** - Best option - just a few miles away there is an excellent day kennel where your dog will be looked after for a modest sum. Its 5 miles and only 9 minutes away near Rame on the main A394 road to Truro. Booking in advance is important but from as little as £12 your pet will be looked after, walked and fed. K9 Kennels are at Rosevean Herniss Longdowns, Penryn TR10 9DU Phone: 01209 860302 www.k9kennelscornwall.co.uk Dogs must not be left unattended in cars or vans as per the RSPCA website and you could be reported for cruelty. The RSPCA say that it takes less than 20 minutes even on a mild day for a dog to die in a car or van. The RSPCAs 24-hour emergency cruelty line 0300 1234 999. If a dog is believed to be in danger, dialling 999 will be our first step. If you too are an animal lover please do not bring or even allow dogs out of your car. Dogs are NOT permitted anywhere on our riverside land on on the turning apron and verges outside our gates, or along the woodland riverside in the lane . For the sake of your dog, please ensure that you abide by our rules and the recommendations of the RSPCA and leave dogs at home, with a friend or in a kennel. . SMOKING Smoking is not permitted in any part of our gardens, outside our gates, in the car park or the mine itself. Not only is this a place of work but the policy is to ensure everyones enjoyment and to comply with the regulations imposed on us by the relevant Mines and Quarries Acts. We regret that for the comfort of all of our guests and visitors that Smoking of any description (including VAPES) is NOT allowed anywhere in the garden or on the grounds and is PROHIBITED in our car park or outside our gates. Matches and lighters etc are not allowed anywhere due to regulations. WE ARE A 100% SMOKE-FREE ZONE.

Opening Times
FAQS & GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
Restrictions DOGS, Wildlife & SMOKING

On-line ticket purchase is not available at present.

Links to relevant and local web pages.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the mine, including upcoming events and attractions.

We want to educate and keep the history and heritage of the cornish mining trade alive, click here to find out more.

Address: Poldark Mine, Trenear, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0ES UK Call: 01326 573 173

Website changes by CDA Products Ltd

Geevor Tin Mine

Go underground into a real 18th century tin mine. Get interactive in our Hard Rock Museum that tells the fascinating story of Cornish Tin and Copper mining. Explore the many buildings with their magnificent mining machinery! Discover how the rock brought up from deep underground was processed in the Mill to produce the precious tin concentrate.

All of this set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with fantastic coastal scenery, spectacular views and an array of wildlife!

Underground tour
Dry & Shaft
Mineral panning
Adult £12.95
Museum only £10
Children (aged 4+) £7.50
Children (under 4) Free
Student £7.50
Senior citizen £11
Family ticket (two adults and up to three children) £39.95

Accessibility

Until very recently, Geevor was an operating mine and is built on a steep slope. As a result some areas of the site are not accessible to those with mobility or visual impairments.

We would like everybody to be able to visit us, and enjoy the full site, and are working towards this aim.

Currently there is wheelchair access to the Hard Rock Museum, a number of the mine buildings and many surface areas. The Shop and Cafe are fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly toilet facilities also available around site. We also offer guided tours around the site and underground to those with visual impairments and guide dogs are permitted everywhere on site, including the underground section.

If you have limited mobility or visual impairment and would like further information, please contact us to discuss your requirements. Carers of visitors with limited mobility or visual impairment are admitted free of charge.

Local directions

Geevor Tin Mine is located in the village of Pendeen, 7 miles west of Penzance. The mine is easily reached from Penzance, St. Ives or Lands End by car or bus.

From Penzance – From the A30 Penzance bypass take the main road to St Just (A3071). Follow the brown signs indicating ‘Historic Mining Area’. Continue along the A3071 and fork right on the B3318 to Pendeen. Turn left at the cross roads to drive through Pendeen and turn right at the Geevor main entrance.

From Lands End and St Just – Turn off the A30 to St Just on the B3306. At St Just continue to Pendeen. Geevor is situated about 3 miles from St Just along the north coast.

From St Ives – Follow the beautiful coast road (the B3306) through Zennor and Morvah to Pendeen.

We offer a 10% discount to visitors who travel to Geevor by 300 vintage bus.

There is also a community service bus available to all, PZS007.

Both of the above services stop in the Geevor mine carpark by the reception and café/shop.

From Penzance – Take the 17 and ask for Geevor Tin Mine.

From St Just – Take the 17 (also 300 vintage bus in summer) and ask for Geevor Tin Mine.

From St Ives – take the 17 (In summer take the 300 vintage bus) .

At other times of the year travel via Penzance.

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Beaches & Coast Path

The tin coast, cornwall: botallack and levant tin mines, it’s time to visit botallack and levant tin mines, especially after watching poldark during a self-isolation period..

Botallack Tin Mine and Crown Engine Houses

Botallack and Levant Tin Mines are on the Penwith Coast, Cornwall, between St Just and Pendeen. They’re situated on Cornwall’s Tin Coast, a 7 mile stretch of the south west coast path from Cape Cornwall to Pendeen Lighthouse.

This rich and rugged coastline is imbued with Cornish mining history. The Tin Coast, a World Heritage Site Status since 2006, boasts impressive abandoned structures and derelict engine houses along its jagged edge. There’s plenty of history here. As a result, in such a remote location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it’s possible to envisage what life may’ve been like several hundreds of years ago.

Penwith coastline from Botallack and Levant tin mines

The National Trust own and maintain Botallack and Levant Tin Mines. I’m a National Trust member and recommend joining. Cornwall has lots of National Trust sites, and they own many of our beaches and respective car parks as well. I definitely make the most of my membership.

For my visit to Botallack and Levant Tin Mines, I used the The Botallack Count House car park . This is right next to the Botallack tin mining site, and with membership, it’s free.

Botallack Tin Mine

Upon arriving at Botallack Tin Mine, it dawned on me that I’ve previously run past this site during a trail race, The Cousin Jack Classic . Rather embarrassingly, I’ve no recollection of seeing Botallack or Levant Tin Mine along the way. How on Earth did I miss it?!

There’s no mistaking Botallack Tin Mine. The two crown engine houses are perched on the cliff edge, exposed to lashing waves and coastal elements. Given their location, it’s a feat of engineering that they were built in the first place.

You can’t go into the Botallack engine houses, but you can wander down for a closer look. It’s very safe and I’d certainly recommend it.

The two crown engine houses at Botallack opened some time before 1724. The houses worked in unison, the lower engine house pumped water from the mine and upper one provided wind power. It’s amazing to think that mining tunnels reach about 400m out to sea, and the mine shafts as deep as 500m. It really highlights the hazards of tin mining, and the importance of finding tin, copper and arsenic.

During my visit, I pictured the tin miners, women, and children who worked here. I conjured up images them eating their Cornish pasties at crib time, and making their way across fields and moorland at the end of the day.

Botallack Tin Mine closed in 1814. This was mainly due to the falling price of tin and copper, eventually leading to the Cornish mining industry collapsing.

Ruins of tin mines between Botallack and Levant Tin Mines

On the Botallack site, and dotted along the Tin Coast, are other derelict and abandoned buildings. There’s small inlets and corridors of ruined structures, all safe to investigate, like the mine’s arsenic refining works.

Levant Tin Mine and Beam Engine

As I was so close to Levant Tin Mine and Beam Engine, I decided to walk about a mile on the south west coast path and see it for myself. I wanted to enjoy more views of the Penwith coast too, and after 10 days at home, couldn’t get enough of the salty sea air. Looking into the distance, I could see Pendeen Lighthouse, and nearby Geevor Tin Mine, situated a little inland.

The Penwith coast between Botallack and Levant Tin Mines

At Levant Tin Mine and Beam Engine, plaques summarise its history and inevitable disasters. This steam running tin mine opened in 1820, raising tin and copper ores. It was quite profitable in its time and managed over 100 years of operation. Levant Tin Mine eventually closed in 1930.

Usually, Levant Tin Mine and Beam Engine is open to the public. The National Trust offers guided tours and you can learn more about how things worked there.

Also nearby is Geevor Tin Mine. Geevor Mine offers an authentic Cornish mining experience, although for now, it remains closed. Here, you can go underground and walk in the footsteps of our Cornish tin mining ancestors.

Like Botallack, there’s other ruined out buildings surrounding Levant Tin Mine, including one which I’m sure was a house. The remains of a tiled floor and fireplaces gave it away. Looking a bit out of place, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

As I arrived quite late to Botallack and Levant Tin Mines, I decided to walk back to my car before the sun set. The sky was looking angry and I didn’t want to get caught in the rain. The looming clouds made for some wonderful winter images though. It’s amazing how much the light changed in such a short space of time.

I saw 2 photographers along the way, and decided to check out their positions. I couldn’t resist taking a few more photos for Cornwall’s famous tin mines from a new perspective.

There’s More On Cornwall’s Tin Coast

I left Botallack and Levant Tin Mines wanting to learn more about Cornwall’s Tin Coast. I’d like to spend time at Pendeen lighthouse and venture further down to Cape Cornwall too. It would be good to cover it all and not be preoccupied with a trail race ?.

I wonder what took me so long though! Tin mining is such an integral part of Cornish history and culture. Our Cornish identity is shaped by our tin mining industry even though it’s no longer in operation. It’s quite fitting that it continues to be proudly referenced today. I’ve shared how important and meaningful My Cornish identity is, so coming here feels quite poignant.

I’ll be back for more!

Have you explored the Tin Coast in Cornwall? Where are your favourite spots?

You you like seeing engine houses on the Cornish coast, why not try this route, from Chapel Porth to Porthtowan and check out the Charlotte United engine house?

PInterest pin for Cornwall blog The Great Cornish Outdoors Botallack and Levan Tin MInes

Author: plbedford

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Cornwall Underground

Join Cornwall Underground Adventures to explore the secret world of Cornwall’s mining past. We are Cornwall’s first and only provider of authentic mine exploration in the county’s abandoned mines. Don’t miss the chance to combine a caving-style adventure experience with a first-hand look at the unique work that the Cornish miners created.

Minimum age requirements based on activity, starting at 10+.

15 Back Lane Angarrack Hayle St Ives Cornwall TR27 5JE

Visit website [email protected] 07734 343954

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The Best Mines in Cornwall to Visit With Kids

Cornwall has a rich heritage in the mining industry. The numerous mines in Cornwall provide perfect days out with the kids. Some of the best attractions in Cornwall are the old mine sites, from ruins to mines converted into museums and interactive attractions. A visit to a mine is also the perfect idea for a rainy day activity in Cornwall. Here’s a list of some of the best mines in Cornwall to visit with kids, including the best tin mines in Cornwall to visit:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Cornwall mining history

Mining in Cornwall is believed to have started in the Bronze age and continued right up until 1998 when South crofty tin mine was shut.
The mines in Cornwall mainly mined tin and copper.
The main mining areas in Cornwall were Redruth, Camborne, Pendeen and St Agnes.
In 2006, Cornwall’s mines were added to the World Heritage list.

Best Mines in Cornwall MAP

1. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

We are one of the best days out in Cornwall for families, offering a great chance to explore and get involved. Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor tin mine is the largest preserved mining site in the UK. Each exhibit and building at Geevor uncovers what used to be and how each building was used when the mine was in operation.

There are plenty of special things put on for kids at Geevor. There are hands-on workshops, activities and games to try. The museum features interactive exhibits to check the kids more engaged when looking around the museum. In the mill, kids can try gem panning. Throughout the mine, there’s the opportunity to join the hunting for Tin trail.

Note: Children should be able to walk independently to go underground. Some buildings are not pushchair accessible.

Website | ge e vor.com

Location | TR19 7EW

How to get to Geevor Tin Mine

The A3 and A17 buses pas by Geevor. Visitors using public transport get a 10% discount. The A17 can be boarded in St Ives or Penzance. To reach Geevor by train, you’ll need to get off at Penzance and board the A17 bus. If you plan on visiting a few attractions, you may want to consider hiring a car .

If you’re coming on a day trip from St Ives , you’ll be able to drive through one of the UK’s most scenic drives along the B3306 to Pendeen via the picturesque village of Zennor. View car hire prices and availability here.

2. East Pool Mine, Redruth

East Pool mine is a National Trust site consisting of two beam engines, introduced by local hero Richard Trevithick. The beam engines have been preserved in their large engine houses. The pump engine is one of the largest cornish beam engines to survive. They form a reminder of Cornwall’s mining history and heritage.

Te East Pool Mine site features film, displays, models and knowledgeable guides, and discover the whole dramatic story of Cornish mining.

Website | nationaltrust.org.uk/east-pool-mine

Location | TR15 3ED

How to get to East Pool Mine

East Pool mine sits between Camborne and Redruth. Leave A30 at Camborne East or Redruth junctions to drive to the site. Site signposted on A3047 reached through Morrisons’ car park.

Either catch the bus or train to Redruth/Camborne by public transport. From Redruth, board the T1/T2/201 buses for 8 minutes to Morrisons Carpark. The site is a 5-minute walk away. From Camborne, board the 201/T1/T2 buses for 16 minutes to Morrisons car park.

View more things to do in Redruth here >>

3. King Edward Mine Museum, Camborne

King Edward Mine serves as a community hub for the Cornish World Heritage area. Explore cornish heritage at the former working mine and discover the history of Cornish tin mining. You’ll also get a chance to visit the Cornish tin mining mill, where a tour guide will show you the equipment in action.

After learning about Cornwall’s history, why not head to the Croust cafe, which sells Cornish produce locally. There’s also a shop that sells books on cornish mining and mining gifts.

Website | kingedwardmine.co.uk/

Location | TR14 9HW

How to get to the King Edward Mine Museum

To reach the mine by public transport, catch bus number 45 for 6 minutes heading towards Troon. The mine is a 31-minute walk from Camborne. By car, follow directions to TR14 9HW.

4. Wheel Peevor, Redruth

The wheel Peevor mine is located just outside of Redruth in South Cornwall. The mine was originally used for mining copper in 1701 before changing to mining tin ore. Today, the site has the remains of three engine houses. The mine is part of the Mineral Tramways project and is a Cornwall and West Devon Mining landscape world heritage site.

Wheal Peevor is now a safe and enjoyable area for visitors. Visitors can explore the twelve mineshafts and three engine houses that remain Kids will love following a network of tracks and trails around the site, along with way-finder points and interpretation boards to learn more about the history behind the landscape.

Admission | FREE

Location | TR16 5EL

How to get to Wheel Peevor Mine

The best way to reach the mine is by driving either from Redruth (just over a mile), or by driving to Redruth on the A30. Taxis are also available from Redruth town centre.

Redruth is situated on the main Trainline through Cornwall, 26 minutes from Penzance and 11 minutes from Truro. Click here to view prices and availability on Trainline.

5. Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Pendeen

High-up on the exposed cliffs of the ‘Tin Coast’ and part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. At its heart, the restored 1840s beam engine running on steam. National Trust

Levant mine is a national trust site. Families have the option to experience Levant through a guided tour or a self-guided family trail. It’s the world only steam engine to still be operated by steam on its original site – a unique experience on a visit to Cornwall. You’ll also have the chance to visit the visitor centre.

If you have older kids, you may want to experience some of the south-west coast path, a 630-mile route around the whole of the Cornish coasts, leading on to Devon and Somerset. You can walk to the nearby Botallack mine on a clifftop footpath.

Website | nationaltrust.org.uk/levant-mine-and-beam-engine

Location | TR17 7SX

How to get to Levant Beam Engine

Levant Beam engine is located on the road between St Ives and St Just. The next best option is to catch the train to Penzance then a 7-mile taxi.

6. Wheal Martyn Clayworks Museum, St Austell

Clayworks, St Austell, mines to visit in Cornwall

The museum is located within 2 old china clay works which are now a scheduled ancient monument. The museum tells the story of the people who’ve worked in the mines and formed a huge part of Cornwall’s history and heritage.

A visit to the museum will involve visiting the Discovery Centre, exploring historic trails, and spectacular views of a modern working clay pit. Kids will love looking at the old tool collections which include working waterwheels, tools and machinery, vintage lorries and an extensive archive.

Click here to view more things to do in St Austell with kids

Website | wheal-martyn.com/

Location | PL26 8SG

How to get to Levant Clayworks

The clayworks are located in the village of Carthew, between St. Austell and Bugle on the B3274 – 2 miles north of St. Austell and 6 miles from the Innis Downs junction on the A30 dual carriageway.

To reach Levant Clayworks by train, get off at St Austell where the site is either a 40-minute walk or a 10-minute drive. View train times and prices here.

7. Poldark Mine, Helston

A Jewel in the Crown of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.. Poldarkmine.org.uk

If you’re a Poldark fan, then this mine will be perfect for a family day trip. Poldark was filmed in Wheel Roots 18th century mine which used to produce tin. The mine is the only true & complete tin mine in Cornwall open to the general public for underground educational guided tours by experienced guides.

Poldark mine, Cornwall, mines in Cornwall to visit, rainy day activities cornwall, Poldark, Camborne

Website | poldarkmine.org.uk/index.php

Location | TR13 OES

How to get to Poldark Mine

The mine is 2 miles away from Helston and 7 miles from Redruth. The best way to visit is by car. Rural locations of attractions in Cornwall mean you might want to consider hiring a car for your trip.

However, the 37 bus from Redruth to Helston does stop at the mine (although it doesn’t go many times a day). To catch the 37 bus, head to Redruth railway station. Click here to book train tickets to Redruth.

Related Post | A day trip to the Cornish Seal sanctuary, Helston

8. Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard

Carnglaze caverns is an all weather family tourist attraction in North Cornwall. There’s a variety of activities to choose from when visiting the mine such as having a self guided tour underground and going on a woodland walk.

If you go underground, you can learn how the mine was worked, ending at the Underground Lake with its crystal clear blue/green water.

Website | carnglaze.com

Location | PL14 6HQ

How to get to Carnglaze Caverns

Carnglaze Caverns are located in the small village of St Neot near Liskeard. To reach Carnglaze caverns by public transport, board the 77 bus from Liskeard post office for 12 minutes to reach the mine. Liskeard is located on the mainline train route with trains heading to many destinations in the UK, including Plymouth (27 minutes), London (3 hours, 42 minutes) and Truro (46 minutes). View train prices and availability here.

View more things to do in Liskeard with kids here >>

For more help on planning the perfect trip to Cornwall with kids, visit our Cornwall Travel Planning Guide .

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Levant Mine and Beam Engine

High-up on the exposed cliffs of the 'Tin Coast' and part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. At its heart, the restored 1840s beam engine running on steam. Open by pre-booked tours.

Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just, Cornwall, TR19 7SX

Opening times
See on map

View of the Cornish Flag flying over the buildings atLevant Mine and Beam Engine on the cliffs of the Tin Coast, Cornwall

Important notice

Visitor information

Things to see and do

About levant mine and beam engine, opening times.

Please note, Levant Mine and Beam Engine is open by pre-booked tours only. You can book up to an hour before the start of each tour. The Levant Mine and Beam Engine Tour lasts for approximately and hour and a half.

Become a member and discover more than 500 places

Assistance dogs only.

Assistance dogs only are welcome as part of a pre-booked tour. All dogs on leads are welcome on the wider site

Guided tour

Levant Mine and Beam Engine is open by guided tour only. To avoid disappointment please book in advance. If you do not book we cannot guarantee admission

Parking for Levant is at Geevor Mine, parking is free. Accessible parking is available at Levant through prior arrangement. Please ring the Levant office on 01736 786156

Toilet facilities are available on site. Please be aware that toilet facilities are only available when the site is open

Accessibility

Steep routes with steps and uneven surfaces. Accessible parking is available through prior arrangement. Accessible toilet on site.

Accessible toilet

There is an accessible toilet on site. Please be aware that toilet facilities are only available when the site is open

Induction loop

Braille (guide or menu), steps/uneven terrain.

Uneven ground and some steep slopes. The tour lasts for approximately one and a half hours in the ticketed area. This includes access to the Man Engine Tunnel where there is a curved staircase underground, with no hand-rail, and uneven floor surface

Designated parking

Accessible parking is available at Levant through prior arrangement. Please ring the Levant office on 01736 786156

Virtual tour

Virtual tours are available to access the Engine House, Man Engine Tunnel and Winder House. In an experience controlled by you, please look under the 'things to see and do' section of this website for the links. Alternatively one of our team will be happy to help you when you visit

Getting here

Parking for pre-booked tours is free at Geevor carpark SAT NAV TR19 7EW, located off the B3306 St Just to St Ives road.

South West Coast Path passes entrance, located between Botallack and Geevor Mines, near Trewellard. Grid reference SW368345.

Penzance Station is 9.5 miles from Levant Mine.

Hourly service from Penzance to Trewellard (1 mile from site).

By bicycle - more information

Planning your visit

Visitors at the Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall

Booking your visit to Levant Mine and Beam Engine

The main site at Levant Mine and Beam Engine is open for pre-booked tours only and we ask that you please book your visit in advance. If you're planning a visit, read this article to find out everything you need to know.

Surface building remains including engine houses and chimney stacks at Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Accessibility at Levant Mine and Beam Engine

We believe that Levant should be accessible for all. There are many ways that we try to make your visit as accessible as possible, find all the information you need to discover how you can best access this special place.

A visitor hiring a Tramper at Pentire, Cornwall

Tramper hire on the Tin Coast

Visitors with limited mobility can explore the coastal scenery and industrial heritage of the Tin Coast from Botallack Count House. Find out how you can hire one of two Tramper mobility scooters available at Botallack.

School visits to National Trust places in West Cornwall

Levant Mine and Beam Engine is one of a range of beautiful, historical and natural places to visit with a school group. Please scroll to the bottom of this article to access our school packs which outline what you can expect when you visit.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine map

Take a look at the map of Levant Mine and Beam Engine to help plan your visit.

Engine House

A 19th-century engine house, home to the working 1840 beam engine, which runs on steam. Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

Man Engine Tunnel

An underground tunnel leading to the man engine shaft. Site of the man engine disaster of 1919.

Winder House

Built in 1960s as part of Geevor Mine's expansion into Levant. Houses the working winder that winched the man cage.

South West Coastal Path

The path runs along the clifftops through historic mining ruins. Part of the 'Tin Coast' and a place to spot local wildlife including the rare Cornish chough.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall, on a sunny day

Visiting Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Discover old mine buildings and a working steam-powered beam engine. See the wider natural landscape and wildlife that lives here.

Visiting the Tin Coast

Explore Cornwall’s heritage Tin Coast and discover mine buildings, a steam engine and walks through the mining landscape. Book the Tramper for easier access to these unique places.

Part of the pump mechanism in the engine house of the Levant Mine and Beam engine, Cornwall

Levant 3D tours, Engine House

Experience some of Levant's iconic places via an accessible 3D tour. Get an in-depth view of the sites in an experience that is controlled by you. Click on the heading above to explore the Engine House and see the 1840s Beam Engine.

The engine tunnel at Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall

Levant 3D Tours, Man Engine Tunnel

A site of tragedy and industry, experience the Levant Man Engine Tunnel through a virtual 3D tour. Click on the heading above to visit.

The 1960s electric winder, in the winder house at Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Levant 3D Tours, Winder House

Explore the Winder House and electric winder through this accessible 3D tour. The winder was installed in the 1960s and is part of Levant's long history of industry. Click on the heading above to see the modern equivalent of the 1840s Beam Engine.

Levant Chimney Stack and view along the coast at Levant Mine and Beam engine

Visiting Geevor Mine on the Tin Coast

Find out more about this Cornish tin mine on the Tin Coast near Levant. With parking and facilities it’s a great place to visit in combination with Levant.

Explore Levant, the spectacular surrounding coastline and its history on these walks

Abandoned Beam Engine Houses at Botallack

Levant to Botallack and Higher Bal walk

Follow this 4-mile walk along the South West Coast Path and discover more about the mining industry in this area.

Levant Mine and Beam engine view towards Pendeen Watch, near St Just, Cornwall

Trewellard to Levant Mine walk

A 1-mile walk from the bus stop in Trewellard to Levant Mine and Beam Engine. Levant Mine is located high on the cliffs of the Tin Coast with the restored 1840s steam-run beam engine at the heart of this historic mining site.

Turquoise waters and purple heather at Zennor Head, Cornwall

Zennor Head walk

About 7.5 miles (20 minutes' drive) from Levant, explore more of the coast nearby on this short walk along the Zennor headland, with beautiful scenery and rich wildlife.

Places to stay

The Canyack

High on the slopes of the secluded Cot Valley, this old miner’s cottage is full of character.

Count House Cottage

Once a mining workshop, now a cosy cottage with timber-framed ceilings and sea views.

Polmina Cottage

A contemporary-styled holiday cottage surrounded by luscious Cornish countryside and a short walk from the coast.

The exterior of Bosigran Cottage, Cornwall

A rustic converted barn near the coast but in the heart of the countryside - perfect for exploring West Cornwall.

Zennor Honor's House

A remote stone cottage, with nothing but green fields and sea-views in sight.

Nanceglos House

This estate cottage has an atmospheric living space with large windows and tall ceilings.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine sits on the cliffs of the 'Tin Coast', part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage site.

The mining remains of the industrial past can be found across the landscape. Walk the south west coast path and follow in the footsteps of miners.

Pre book a guided tour to learn of Levant's industry and tragedy. Learn about the history of this place and see the one of a kind winding beam engine in steam.

History of Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Discover more about mining at Levant Mine and Beam Engine. Find out the key dates of interest and the kind of work that was carried out here.

Our work to care for choughs

Find out how the National Trust is working to reverse the decline of the red-legged chough by recreating habitats where this characterful bird can thrive.

Staff, volunteers and members of the public hand sow seed at Lanhydrock as part of the Cornish Meadows Project

Cornwall set to bloom as major grassland creation project begins

Clifftops and fields across Cornwall are set to be transformed into thriving wildflower meadows, thanks to a new three-year conservation project.

Volunteer opportunities at Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Bring the story of Levant's mining past alive as a volunteer – lead guided tours, or drive the last beam engine still steaming in Cornwall.

A young child and her mother bending down to look at flowers in the Sunken Garden in May at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland

Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.

The 10 best caving experiences in Britain

D ark caverns, vaults, tunnels and mines are not everyone’s idea of a grand day out. The underworld has had a bad reputation since the ancient Greeks dubbed it Hades – the realm of the dead.

But to our Palaeolithic ancestors, caves offered safety and shelter from the elements. For anyone planning a staycation this summer, they make for a thrilling alternative to the beach – with no reliance on a sunny forecast.

The UK has countless natural caves, as well as deep underground spaces carved out by humans. They not only offer escape from the summer crowds at attractions above ground, but instil a sense of awe.

Heading below reveals millions of years of geology and the hard labour of those who tunnelled bravely in the Plutonic depths, using rudimentary tools by the light of smoky tallow candles.

Serious cavers relish squeezing through impossibly tight spaces to enter chambers previously uncharted. For the casual day-tripper though there are underground worlds to explore that don’t exert quite so much effort. Some don’t require a hardhat or headlamp, while others see visitors clipped onto an underground via ferrata in full caving suits.

Whatever your thrill level, here is a selection of 10 of the best caves, mines and tunnel experiences in the UK.

They range from places with cafés, gift shops and museums, to modest operations run by volunteers, only open to the public for a limited number of days annually.

None would be suitable for the claustrophobic.

1. Beer quarry caves, Devon, England

A seam of fossil-free limestone has been quarried 200ft below ground here in the Beer (named the ‘best British seaside village for nostalgia’ last year) since Roman times. The remaining voids – once used for hiding contraband – stretch for an area of over 100 football fields.

Lit with bare electric bulbs and with no need to crouch, visitors learn of the 2,000-year history, including how a 24-ton block for Exeter cathedral was hauled out by a team of 26 horses. The place is delightfully low-key, but guides have a wealth of knowledge.

Book an hour-long tour by calling 01297 680 282 (£12 adult; £10 child). Find more information beerquarrycaves.co.uk .

Plan a trip to Devon with our guide.

2. Standedge Tunnel, West Yorkshire, England

This is the highest, longest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, burrowing under the Pennines . It takes roughly two hours in a narrowboat to travel its dark, unlit length of more than three miles.

The tunnel roof is mostly bare rock, a tight squeeze at times, opening out into spacious caverns. Trains pass in an adjacent tunnel connected by adits. No boat? No problem. In a unique twist, the Canal & River Trust has also launched canoe trips through the tunnel, running from June through August.

The Canal & River Trust operate trip boats. 30-minute trips start in Marsden (£10 per adult; £8 per child) where there is a café and visitor centre. Occasionally there are two-hour trips all the way through. Shorter trips are wheelchair accessible. Alternatively, canoe trips will run on dates in June, July and August (£100 for two in one canoe; £55 solo). Find out more at canalrivertrust.org.uk .

3. Gaping Gill, North Yorkshire, England

Twice a year, potholing clubs set up a rudimentary winch and lower brave adventurers, one at a time, 300ft into the depths of Gaping Gill, one of the largest natural underground chambers in the UK.

After your one-minute descent, you are free to wander around – there are temporary electric lights – before ascending to daylight. The waterfall that usually gushes through the roof of the cave is (mostly) diverted, but waterproofs and warm clothing are essential.

The next winch days are August 9th to 16th (£20 cash, no pre-booking). Gaping Gill is a 90-minute hike from Clapham village. Find out more at cravenpotholeclub.org .

4. Geevor Tin Mine, Cornwall, England

A working mine until 1990, this tin mine still has its above-ground infrastructure, which is the main attraction, but there is also a small section of a restored historic drift mine that visitors can enter wearing a hardhat.

Guides – former miners – tell tales of tin and copper mining, then and now. If you are physically unable to visit this 18th-century mine you can enjoy a 360-degree Virtual Reality experience. Finish with a Cornish cream tea.

Adult £20.50, child £11.60. Find out more at geevor.com .

Plan a trip to Cornwall with our guide.

5. Nenthead Mines, Cumbria, England

This former lead mine is a labyrinth of 30 miles of underground workings 1,000 ft up in the Pennines. On a 90-minute guided tour led by volunteers, you will enter a horizontal tunnel in the hillside that once carried a horse-drawn railway and explore about 250 yards of underground spaces before exiting down a 30-foot ladder.

A remarkable feature of this Cumbrian mine complex is the centuries-old drystone walling (rather than timber) that lines adits and shafts.

Nenthead Mines Conservation Society holds open days in summer. A donation (suggested £11 adult; £5 child) is requested. Find out more at nentheadmines.com .

For a bespoke tour to more challenging parts of the mines, contact Steve Cousins at rockshowman.com (from £165).

6. Wild Wookey, Somerset, England

This hugely popular cave complex below Somerset’s Mendip hills , and neighbour to Cheddar Gorge, needs little introduction. The Wild Wookey experience, guided by professional cavers, sees you kitted up in overalls, gloves, hardhat and headlamp.

The adrenaline-fuelled adventure lasts up to three hours and criss-crosses the floodlit show caves. You need to be physically fit to abseil (up to 75ft at one point), hang onto via ferrata and crawl through tight spaces.

From £72 per person. Find out more at wildwookey.co.uk and bring wellies (or hiking boots).

Plan a trip to Somerset with our guide.

7. Llechwedd, Gwynedd, Wales

The former slate mine of Llechwedd has been turned into a world-first underground playground, with trampoline nets in vast caverns where children (and adults) bounce, while the more adventurous indulge in the adrenaline thrills of the underground high ropes course.

This includes rope bridges, via ferrata and 13 zip wires. There is also a Deep Mine tour, where you learn about the 16 underground levels and how that, sadly, most slate now comes from China. Europe’s steepest cable railway will take you back above ground.

A three-hour Caverns experience costs £68 per person. Bounce Below costs from £25. Find out more at zipworld.co.uk .

8. South Bridge Vaults, Edinburgh, Scotland

A 19-arch viaduct became Edinburgh’s first purpose-built shopping street in the 18th century. Below the arches, over 100 vaults were built, and used as workshops, taverns and storage.

They were soon abandoned due to dampness before the poor, homeless and criminals moved into the hidden spaces. Today, guided tours of a small part of this man-made warren focus on ghosts and tales of witches’ covens. It can still be damp.

A one-hour tour costs £20. Find out more at auldreekietours.com .

Plan a trip to Edinburgh with our guide.

9. Cresswell Crags, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, England

Britain is mysteriously devoid of cave art but in 2003 there was a landmark discovery in this limestone gorge that is honeycombed with caves.

Church Hole Cave has depictions of wildlife – such as bisons and ibis – that would have roamed the area over 12,000 years ago.

The engravings are difficult to spot without the help of a guide. Archaeologists have also found quartzite and flint tools, and others made from bone and antlers, used in the last Ice Age.

An Art in the Ice Age tour costs £15 adult, £10 child. Find out more at cresswell-crags.org.uk .

10. National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Kitted up with a hardhat, battery pack and lamp and clutching your metal miner’s check (a token to keep tabs on how many are below ground), a former coal miner is your guide as you descend over 400ft in a colliery cage.

Below ground, on a 90-minute tour covering a third of a mile, you see pit props and mine workings. Above ground, there are canaries and pit ponies as well as a café, library and museum where a rare miners’ strike chess set is on display.

Underground tours £7.50 requested donation. The above-ground museum is free. Find out more at ncm.org.uk .

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A Canal & River Trust team leader canoes through Standedge Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

New proof that Cornish have mined tin for almost 4000 years

A pick and shovel have been unveiled which support the growing evidence of Bronze Age tin workings in Cornwall dating back over 3,600 years

05:00, 14 JUN 2024

Oka shovel, left, and antler pic are seen as evidence of Bronze Age tin mining in Cornwall

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Royal Cornwall Museum has revealed exciting discoveries within a new collection showing evidence that Bronze Age mining took place in Cornwall . The pieces are set to be shown in the redesigned Mineral Gallery next month.

Recent carbon dating research on an oak shovel along with evidence from examination of an antler pick has signified that these two items within the museum’s archive are the first Bronze Age tin mining tools to be found in Europe. This newly published research into the pick and shovel supports the growing evidence of Bronze Age tin workings in Cornwall dating back over 3,600 years.

The Royal Cornwall Museum chronicles this important evolution of mining and minerals within its collections. Both the antler pick and wooden shovel were found in the Carnon Valley, mid-Cornwall, when alluvial tin streamworks were being reworked in the nineteenth century, with radiocarbon dating indicating they are from the British Bronze Age (2400-800 BC).

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Led by Dr Alan Williams from the Department of Archaeology at Durham University, Royal Cornwall Museum’s oak wooden shovel has most recently been radiocarbon dated at around 3200 years old by the Project Ancient Tin Team, with a grant from the Royal Archaeological Institute. Understood to have been found in the Carnon Valley in 1815, this design is formed from one piece of wood, unlike Medieval wooden shovels that are in two pieces.

Found circa 1855, the antler pick (48cm long) is around 3600 years old, or Early Bronze Age, and is the first evidence for the extraction of tin and/or alluvial gold in the British Isles. Examination of the antler pick reveals tally marks carved into the side, which could signify the recording of work by prehistoric miners, with the research and dating for this piece conducted by Dr Simon Timberlake, Early Mines Research Group.

Get the best stories and latest news delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you want here .

The Oak Shovel is set to go on display at the Royal Cornwall Museum

Now with designated dates, these two items within Royal Cornwall Museum’s collection are of historical significance, representing the first Bronze Age tin mining tools discovered in Europe and showing evidence of Bronze Age tin workings in Cornwall. Small amounts of gold also found in the Carnon Valley have been linked by chemical fingerprint to the gold in the famous Nebra Sky Disc, an artefact thought to be the world’s oldest map of the stars.

Found in Germany, and considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century, the inclusion of Cornish gold and tin in this disc along with other finds suggests Cornish prehistoric mining and trading practices may have pioneered the European Bronze Age.

The Royal Cornwall Museum has unveiled the Antler Pick

Bryony Robins, artistic director for Royal Cornwall Museum, says: “Cornwall and mining are already intertwined, but this important discovery demonstrates just how long mining has been taking place in Cornwall, and how well developed some of the tools of the trade were, even at that time. The Mineral Gallery will share with our visitors the heritage of mining in Cornwall, and present the world-renowned collection of rocks and minerals in a more accessible way. And, of course, the role that mining is continuing to play in Cornwall.”

Reopening early July 2024, the new Mineral Gallery will be a chance to celebrate the past and future of Cornish mining, with the unveiling of this first phase of the museum’s transformation which continues into 2025. This is just the start of an exciting new era for this 200-year-old institution - a centre of exploration, learning, and custodian of Cornish heritage - home to over one million artefacts.

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Most Recent

Almost 150 pupils take part in mining games

School pupil Art takes part in the sawing challenge

Published 21 June 2024

Almost 150 school pupils have taken part in the Cornwall School Mining Games which aims to "inspire and encourage students to engage with engineering and Earth sciences".

Eleven schools competed in six disciplines which included panning, surveying, mineral separation and hand steeling.

Co-ordinator Rebecca Mitchell said: "There are lots and lots of opportunities coming up in the next few years for Cornish youngsters.

"We're looking to open up mines, lithium mining also, and engineering when it comes to offshore windfarms."

Ava is looking for gold while panning

On Thursday, 146 pupils took part in the fifth year of the games.

The games were held at the King Edward Mine Museum, near Camborne, the site of the International Mining Games , external in 2025.

Some schools chanted songs to encourage their team mates in hand steeling

Florence Hawksworth, the head of Geography at Helston Community College, said the games offered students an opportunity to consider careers both locally and globally.

"We look at the opportunity of lithium and also geothermal energy... it's really valuable to be able to understand that on a local scale," she said.

When discussing the industry in lessons, Ms Hawksworth said the students thought "Oh gosh, wow, that's amazing that we could be doing that both in Cornwall but it could take us to places around the world as well".

"Some students get really excited about that being an opportunity for them," she said.

This year's games resulted in a joint win for Truro and Redruth schools which share the Kurt Jackson mining trophy.

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tin mines in cornwall to visit

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Top 6 tin mines in Cornwall

1. Wheal Coates, St Agnes

Good to know

2. Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Trewellard

3. The Crown Mines, Botallack

4. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

Good to know:

5. East Pool Mine, Redruth

6. King Edward Mine Museum, Camborne

Map of tin mines in Cornwall

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This summer put your hard hat on and go exploring at Geevor!

Experience what life was like working at Geevor

Bring your whole family to Geevor for a day filled with discovery, exploration and adventure. All set in the remarkable coastal landscape of the Tin Coast, West Cornwall

HIGHLIGHTS OF GEEVOR TIN MINE

SELF-GUIDED EXHIBITS

GUIDED TOUR OF THE PLANT

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO GEEVOR TIN MINE

HOW TO GET THERE

OPENING HOURS

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

ACCESSIBILITY

IS GEEVOR TIN MINE WORTH THE VISIT?

ADD TO YOUR CORNWALL ITINERARY

IN THE AREA

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CORNWALL

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The Best Mines in Cornwall to Visit With Kids

Cornwall mining history

Best Mines in Cornwall MAP

1. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

How to get to Geevor Tin Mine

2. East Pool Mine, Redruth

How to get to East Pool Mine

3. King Edward Mine Museum, Camborne