Carn Bras

Carn Bras is a small rural hamlet tucked into the countryside between Camborne and Redruth, in the heart of Cornwall’s mining district. It takes its name from Carn Brea, the prominent rocky hill that dominates the local landscape — topped with a medieval castle, a giant granite monument, and the remains of one of the oldest known settlements in Britain, dating back over 5,000 years.

This isn’t a place with shops, pubs or tourist infrastructure. Carn Bras is about peace and quiet in a countryside setting, with easy access to the rest of west Cornwall. The hill itself offers some of the best walking in the area, with panoramic views reaching from the north coast to the south. On a clear day you can see St Ives Bay in one direction and Falmouth in the other. The old engine houses of the UNESCO World Heritage mining landscape are scattered across the surrounding hills, and Heartlands heritage centre at Pool is just down the road.

Staying here puts you within striking distance of both coasts. The beaches at Portreath and Gwithian are a short drive north, while the Helston and the Lizard are accessible to the south. It suits anyone who wants a rural Cornish base without being completely remote.