Camborne is celebrated for its heritage of excellence in engineering. If you are in any way interested in the history of mining, Camborne, with its roots deep in engineering and mining will leave you delighted, but even if you are not a mining fan, this Cornish town will still attract you.
Even though Camborne has witnessed a demise in mining over several years, and you may think what else is there other than mines in this area for a holiday. It has actually quite a lot to offer, in terms of Cornwall’s signature lush greenery, historical sites, and wonderful eateries serving delicious seafood.
Not sure whether it will be the right holiday spot? Read on find out how this mining town can become the next place to visit on your list.
Just like any other Cornish town, Camborne is abundant in natural beauty. You could take a walk through the verdant landscape at the Tehidy Country Park, a 19th Century Ornamental Garden which brims with wildlife, cascades and ponds. Sip on your coffee as you stroll by the lake, cycle down the nine-mile pathway trails or just simply laze around spotting the natural wildlife, that includes, bats, otters, squirrels and songbirds. If you are lucky to be there in spring, you will be greeted by a lovely expanse of bluebells.
Find your spot by the lake on the Pendarves Wood Nature Reserve to look for dragon flies and yellow brimstone butterflies. Being a part of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust they provide home to plenty of plants and animals. But, if you are travelling with a pet, be warned: they are not allowed inside.
Put on your best trekking shoes and take the exhilarating cliff-top pathways that will reward you with great oceanic views around Godrevy Headlands and find the island famous for its lighthouse from Virginia Woolf’s book, To the Light House. Explore the haunted lands of Deadman’s Cove or the North Cliffs which houses Hell’s Mouth with a sheer 290-feet drop to the rocks below along with booms and roars of the Cave due to the surging tides against the cliff and enjoy the dramatic views of the town.
You will notice a tall monument standing atop a hill, which in fact, is noticeable from any part of Camborne. This is the Carn Brea Monument, a reminder of the town’s mining past. Get a horseback ride here and be amazed by the views across the bay. If you are interested in the local Cornish folklore, this place will especially interest you as legend says the bones of the Giant of Carn Brea, John of Gaunt still remain here to this day.
To learn more about the history of Camborne, walk into the World Heritage Site Gateway, The Heartlands which are actually a part of the historic South Crofty Mine site. All year around there are plenty of exhibitions, art studios, markets and more along with the biggest adventure playground for your kids complete with giants, ships and trains all inspired by the Cornish legends and industry.
Experience mining at the King Edward Mine, the only one of the two Cornish Tin mines left. You can experience first-hand how the tin mill works, go on self-guided tours, archaeology and ecology trails and discover more of the mining history at the museum.
The best way to find some famous historic mines of Cornwall is to take the 7.5 mile (ca. 12 kilometres) The Great Flat Lode Trail around Carn Brea. It is a circular trail and was traditionally used to carry tin ore from mines. You will be fascinated to discover engine houses, tin dressing floors as well as other mining structures all surrounded by breathtaking countryside.
See the towering beam engine in action at the East Pool Mine which was originally powered by Richard Trevithick’s high pressure steam boilers, the famous son of Camborne who invented the high pressure engine and screw propeller. The mine also has an Industrial Discovery Centre to let you know more about the Cornish mining history.
The food lover in you will delight from the abundance of food this Cornwall town has to offer. Bite into succulent Cornish crabs fresh from the sea or sample some authentic Italian cheeses and other Spanish and Portuguese delicacies at the independent deli Dax Delicatessen along with their amazing cakes which has brought the culinary scene of Camborne a notch higher. Don’t miss out on taking home the best baguettes, baps, wraps and sandwiches from Delight 2 bite or the Cornish Oven for a quiet evening.
Have an evening out with friends sipping on top quality ales which hold the Cask Marque Award along with traditional classic pub foods at the Trevithick Inn or for a more ancient pub feel walk into the historic and old Tyacks Hotel.
Come, spend a few days exploring this old mining town, which has every potential to strike a chord with you, no matter where your interests lie.