BBC’s Poldark is a welcome reminder of the rich industrial heritage that our area enjoys, with the dramatic shots of the clifftop engine houses and tin mines. While much of the intensive tin mining took place further south in the Cornish peninsula, the North of the region also has some intriguing industrial heritage attractions. We’ve collated our favourite 6 – if we’ve missed a good one, let us know in the comments.
The Copper Trail, Bodmin Moor
Few people will have the time or energy to complete this 60 mile circular walk, but there are plenty of spots worth dipping into. The route, established relatively recently, takes in a wide range of landscapes, ancient monuments, and remnants of the area’s industrial past. Disused copper mines can be found alongside Iron Age forts. A popular starting point in Minions, on the Launceston – Liskeard road.More information.
Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard
Carnglaze is a set of 3 small caverns that were created as part of the slate mining in the area, and while there are other larger slate quarries, this is the only actual slate mine in Cornwall. Atmospheric, with some fascinated history, there are also pleasant woodland walks on site too.More information
Kit Hill, BodminAt 334 metres high, Kit Hill is the highest point in the Tamar Valley and is worth the climb for the panoramic views alone – reaching right down to the Tamar Bridge, to Dartmoor, and back to Bodmin moor too. However, there is also a maze of walks to complete which include granite quarries, tin mines (including the iconic chimney that caps the hill) and a Neolithic barrow. Popular with dog-walkers, bird-watchers, and history enthusiasts alike.More information
Wheal Martyn, Carthew
Set in 26 acres of woodland, on the outskirts of St Austell, the UK’s only china clay museum and country park provides a great attraction for all the family. The park is set in the grounds of two former working china clay pits and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into china clay.More information
Wheal Coates, St. AgnesAlthough a bit of a drive from North Cornwall, it’s worth it to see the spectacular ruined cliff-top engine houses of Wheel Coates near St. Agnes are some of the most photographed sites of Cornwall. There are several accessible walks from the NT car park, including some that include the lovely local beach of Chapel Porth. Recommended!More information
Morwellham Quay, Tavistock
OK, so this one is in Devon, but it still gets our top spot. On the banks of the Tamar, Morwellham is an award-winning attraction which forms part of a World Heritage site. It’s a fantastic day-out, particularly for families. A narrow-gauge railways takes you into a small copper mine, and there is a Victorian village with historical shops, and a very attractive port area which was once used to ship out the copper.More information
Honorable mention:Delabole Slate Quarry, Delabole, Tintagel
Delabole slate quarry has been in operation since the 15th Century, and is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Spectacular as it is, it narrowly misses being in our top 6, because there isn’t a visitor centre as such – instead, they organise tours of the site. These take place on most days between May and August, but the rest of the year need to be booked in advance.More information.
