Join us to visit this interesting tin mine set in a quiet location on the cliffs of the west Cornwall coastline. The majority of our route in and out of this mine can be reached by walking alone. However, if you want to reach all the nooks and crannies we can show you, you’re going to have to do some stooping and even some short sections of crawling. But don’t worry, it’s not too tight, and there’s definitely no squeezing required!

For those looking for extra challenge and excitement, there is the option to climb or abseil between some of the levels. You can also traverse a flooded level using fixed ropes, to reach a sixty-foot ‘winze’, or mineshaft. From here you can then descend down to the deepest level of the mine. These obstacles can be bypassed, so anyone who doesn’t like heights doesn’t need to worry.

This is an ancient mine. Marvel at how the Cornish miners worked these narrow spaces over the centuries, first working the surface, before digging deeper underground in search of the precious tin. Your guide will explain how the ‘old men’ excavated these tunnels, and what different features of the mine were used for. You can put yourselves in the miner’s shoes and contemplate life as a Cornish miner in the 18th century.

This relaxed walking tour gives you a chance to learn more about the fascinating history of the Cornish mining industry. This excursion is not physically challenging and is accessible for all. Spending most of our time on the southwest coast path, we save all our challenging activities for our underground adventures.
 
 Learn about this pioneering industry, and hear about the tales that inspired the story of Poldark, Cornwall’s most famous mining export! You will even get the chance to visit some of the locations used in the Poldark TV series and learn the real stories behind these iconic landmarks. Learn about the engineering marvels of the Crowns engine houses at Botallack Mine. And what was the real story at Wheal Leisure?

As well as learning about the history of the tin industry and how the ‘old men’ worked tin, learn about the daily life of Cornish miners, above and below grass. Our expert guides are some of the foremost authorities on Cornish mining history, so no question will go unanswered.

Explore with experts, at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time for questions and photography. This walking tour offers something for all, whether your interest in Cornish mining was sparked through the adventures of Ross and Demelza Poldark, or whether you are a budding mine historian yourself.