Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for good, sounding the death knell for an industry that had endured here for at least five
centuries.
Since South Crofty's closure, there have been various attempts to restart the industry,
fuelled by the steady rise in mineral prices over the last decade or so. But the prohibitive
cost of draining the now-flooded shafts, coupled with increasing competition from the de-
veloping world, have so far meant that the plans haven't got much further than the draw-
ing board.
Cornwall's mining heritage lives on, however. Since 2006, Cornwall's historic mining
areas have formed part of the UK's newest Unesco World Heritage Site, the
Cornwall and
West Devon Mining Landscape
(
www.cornish-mining.org.uk
)
. This site covers huge tracts of land
around the county, with the largest concentration in St Just, St Agnes, Gwennap Cam-
borne and Redruth.
Sights & Activities
Cornish Mines & Engines
( 01209-315027;
cornishmines@nationaltrust.org.uk
)
This mining centre near Redruth makes an
ideal place to get acquainted with Cornwall's once-great industry. At the heart of the com-
plex are two working beam engines, both once powered by steam boilers designed by loc-
al engineer Richard Trevithick (who was born in Redruth in 1771, and whose cottage at
Penponds is now open to the public). You can see more mining gear in action at the
nearby
King Edward Mine
(
MINE
01209-61468;
www.kingedwardmine.co.uk
;
Troon, near Camborne; adult/child £6/
1.50; 10am-5pm daily Aug, 10am-5pm Wed-Mon Jul & Sep, 10am-5pm Wed-Sun Jun, 10am-5pm Wed-Thu & Sat
& Sun May)
.
Heartlands
(
www.heartlandscornwall.com
; 10am-5pm Apr-Sep, 10am-4pm Oct-Mar)
For many years since
the closure of the mines, the rugged country between Camborne, Redruth and Pool was a
watchword for deprivation and industrial decline. This swanky new heritage centre is the
result of a £22.3 million investment, and bills itself as a 'cultural playground': in other
words, it's a mix of shops, artists' studios, galleries, kids' playgrounds and exhibition
spaces, all tied together by a mining theme. Various events are held throughout the year,
from engine house tours to prehistoric talks, and food and drink is available at the
Red River
Cafe
.
HERITAGE CENTRE
