Cornwall Mines – A History Experience

Cornwall Mines are Scattered around the coast and inland areas each of which hold a vast amount of History. The Cornwall mines that are littered across the landscapes give hints of a past but not forgotten time. If you love to experience historical sites, along with the incredible landscapes and seascapes in which they live, visiting some of the most famous Cornwall mines is an activity that the whole family can enjoy.

We have put together a list of family-friendly Cornwall Mines for you to visit during your stay in St Ives, most of which have featured in the popular BBC drama, Poldark.

Geevor Mine

This incredibly popular 18th-century mine has an array of activities for you to take part in. You can enter the mine itself to experience a miners life when it was fully functioning. Apart from the mine itself, you can take part in panning for gold and gemstones, have a wander around the museum and miners changing rooms, then get yourself hydrated in the cafe, which has incredible views of the ocean. It is a perfect way to follow in the footsteps of a Cornish Miner. 

Opening times – Sunday to Thursday 10:00 – 16:00

You will need to book your tickets before your visit. 

Poldark Mine

A mine that needs a minimal introduction, the Poldark mine is probably the most famous in Cornwall. Well known for its fame in the popular television series, Poldark, this mine has drawn in a global crowd. With guided historical tours of the inside of the mine and the industrial heritage museum, the Poldark mine is an encyclopaedia of Cornish history. The mine itself predates the 1800’s and boasts that it is the only true and complete tin mine open to Cornwall’s public. If you would like to know more about the locations that Poldark was filmed, have a look at our extensive information guide here.

Opening times can be sporadic, so it’s worth checking here for more information.

You will need to book your tickets before your visit. 

Wheal Martyn

Somewhat different from the previously mentioned Cornwall mines, Wheal Martyn is a china clay mine. With its indoor and outdoor museums, Wheal Martyn has options for any weather. You could explore Cornwall’s largest working waterwheel then make your way to the wagon huts to experience vehicles from the early 19th century. If it is a beautiful day, and once you have filled yourself to the brim with history, why not unwind on one of the stunning woodland trails. 

Opening Times – 10:00 – 16:00. 

You will need to book your tickets before your visit. 

Tolgus Mill – Cornwall-Gold

Tolgus Mill, the last working tin mine in Cornwall, is situated within the Cornwall-Gold complex. The mine still produces tin which in turn is converted into jewellery which they sell in the complex. There are also various workshops you can take part in. A pick-a-pearl activity (£28) allows you to choose your very own Akoya oyster, discover what is unique about it, and then have it expertly set into a piece of jewellery. There are so many activities and sights to see here that it will be a full day out for the whole family. 

Opening Times – 10:00 – 16:00

You will need to book your tickets before your visit. 

Heartlands

With its immense amounts of historical context, Heartlands was named a world heritage site in 2006. Based in the heart of Cornwall, this site which houses Robinson’s Shaft and engine has tours that educate on how the Cornish miners were at a time the most sought after miners in the world. Helping the great Californian Gold Rush become what it was through the teachings of mines such as this one. Other features on this incredible site are the Diaspora gardens, which have been created to represent the wandering Cornish’s travels who explored the globe to experience distant lands. 

Opening Times – vary for the gardens but the cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

The entrance is free, but you will have to pay for parking and special events.