Geevor, Botallack and Levant

Just back from a fantastic day out courtesy of our friends at the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. We were so lucky with the weather - after a few days of thick fog shrouding our corner of Cornwall, the skies cleared and the sun even came out in the afternoon.

Exploring Geevor

We started our day at Geevor with a quick tour of the site including, a first for me, the underground tour. Now ... you do need to wear a hard hat, you do need to be reasonably able-bodied as there is some crouching and bending to do as you walk through, and you need to be comfortable in confined spaces. If you can get past those things it is well worth the effort to get even an ounce of experience of what life must have been like down the mines digging for tin.

The guides were great giving us a real flavour of both the engineering that was involved as well as the real life experience of working in the mines. For kids there is lots to see including a museum with lots of interactive things to play with.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Levant

Lunch at the cafe at Geevor with what must be one of the best views in Cornwall was followed by Levant Mine and Beam Engine next. Perched on the edge of the cliffs the views are breathtaking and even for someone like me who is not so interested in the engineering of it all, it was great to see the steam engine bursting into life.

Crown Mines, Botallack

And finally Botallack where the Crown Mines always look glorioius whatever the weather and thanks to the guide we got a real insight into how the mines were worked and managed along with a few crazy stories about the arsenic that was produced!

The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site is a great resource for information. There are guided tours that you can download and maps and information for you to plan your day. I can easily see how you could have a great day out just visiting these two attractions. Plus you don't need to be into engines and engineering to enjoy you time at this World Heritage site as Geevor, Levant and Botallack are stunningly situated along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Cornwall.

Parking is free at all three sites.

For a map of the area see the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, and for specific information on Levant and Botallack see the National Trust website