If you're interested in finding out a bit more about Cornwall and its heritage there are lots of interesting attractions that can help you along the way. Perhaps first one should mention Cornwall's mining history.
Mining
Mining in Cornwall has been around for a long time dating back to between 1000 and 2000 B.C. when Cornwall is thought to have been visited by metal traders from the eastern Mediterranean. Cornwall had the majority of the UK's tin, copper and arsenic. Underground mines existed as early as the 16th century, although it was in the 19th century that mining reached its height, with around 600 steam engines working to pump out the mines.
Geevor Tin Mine was up until 1990 one of Cornwall's largest tin mines but it is now managed as a heritage centre and museum and here you can see the whole process of mining and extracting tin. You can even take an underground tour with a guide who will bring the lives of the Cornish miners to life.
Not too far away is the National Trust owned Levant Beam Engine the only Cornish beam engine anywhere in the world that is still in steam at a tin and copper mine. The famous Levant engine is housed in a small engine house on the edge of the cliffs and it is an exciting experience to see this old engine in action and take a short underground tour. A short walk along the cliffs will take you to Botallack Mine (also NT), with its famous cliff-clinging engine houses and historical displays in the Count House Workshop.
Castles
On the North Cornish cliffs is Tintagel Castle, with spectacular views up and down the Coast. After stopping to have a look at the Castle Remains, constructed in the 13th Century, you can cross the wooden bridge to the Island and climb the steps to more ruins.
In Tudor times Henry VIII ordered two Castles to be built to guard the entrance to the natural harbour of Carrick Roads, forming part of his South Coast defences. On the West side was built Pendennis castle overlooking the town of Falmouth and on the East side St Mawes. Both Castles are well preserved and are worth a visit. To reach Pendennis Castle follow Castle Drive around Pendennis Point from Falmouth Town Centre. St. Mawes Castle is across Carrick Roads from Pendennis, offering great views across to Falmouth and along the coastline to St Mawes and the tree lined creeks of the the Roseland Peninsula.
St Michael's Mount Cornwall, former Benedictine Priory and Castle, was owned the St Aubyn family for 300 years. Separated from the town of Marazion and the mainland by a 500-yard long granite causeway, only reachable by boat when the tide is in. This is one of the most visited National Trust properties in Britain.
Art and Theatre
For theatre goers we recommend catching a show at the Minack, an outdoor theatre carved into the cliffs - Cornwall's theatre under the stars!
If you're a lover of modern art then the Tate, St Ives is not to be missed situated in its stunning location above Porthmeor Beach. This is also linked to the Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture garden.
And a trip to Cornwall would almost not be complete with out a visit to St Ives to pick up unique pieces of art and eat an ice cream, although watch out for the greedy sea gulls! With free admission you might also like to take a visit to the Newlyn Art Gallery near Penzance where a wide variety of different artist are exhibited.
