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
Contents
- 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.
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
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.
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.
FREE FAMILY BUCKET LIST PRINTABLE
Subscribe to our email list today to gain access to our monthly newsletter and a FREE Ultimate Cornish Family Bucket List Printable:
