The ‘Mining & Heritage’ Coast Tour

Explore the landscapes, communities and stories shaped by Cornwall’s remarkable mining past on this six-hour journey through the Mining & Heritage Coast. This is a tour that goes beyond simply seeing the remains of old mines – it explains how mining transformed Cornwall and why Cornish miners and engineers became so highly regarded around the world.

As you travel through the historic mining landscape, your local guide will reveal the stories behind the engine houses, mine workings, settlements and dramatic coastal scenery that remain as reminders of Cornwall’s industrial past. You’ll discover how generations of Cornish people worked in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, developing skills and techniques that would eventually take them far beyond Cornwall.

The mining industry left a lasting mark on the landscape and on Cornish culture. Villages, harbours and coastal communities grew around the industry, while the search for tin, copper and other minerals shaped both everyday life and the fortunes of the county. Your guide will explain this wider story, bringing together the industrial, social and cultural history behind the places you visit.

There is also plenty of opportunity to appreciate the spectacular scenery that surrounds the mining landscape. The contrast between rugged cliffs, open sea and the remains of Cornwall’s industrial past creates some of the most distinctive and atmospheric landscapes in the county.

Along the way, your guide will point out features that are easy to overlook and share the lesser-known stories that help explain what life was really like in Cornwall during its mining heyday.

Whether you have a particular interest in industrial history or simply want to understand one of the most important influences on Cornwall’s identity, this tour offers a fascinating insight into the people, skills and industries that helped shape the county – and left their mark far beyond its shores.