Redruth

Redruth is a town in central Cornwall, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. Together with neighbouring Camborne it forms Cornwall’s largest urban area. In the 19th century this was the richest tin and copper mining district in the UK, and the engine houses, spoil heaps and granite terraces left behind now form part of the World Heritage designation.

Things to Do

Heartlands, on the western edge of town, is a free visitor attraction and the main introduction to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. It has interactive exhibits, gardens, a giant adventure playground and art studios set within a former mine site. Carn Brea, the granite ridge above the town, offers 360-degree views from its summit, with Bronze Age hut circles, natural rock formations and the Basset Monument at the top. Kresen Kernow, Cornwall’s archive centre in the former Redruth Brewery, holds over 1.5 million items of Cornish history. Gwennap Pit, a sunken amphitheatre south of town where John Wesley preached 18 times, is still used for open-air services.

Beaches

Three north-coast beaches - Porthtowan, Chapel Porth and Portreath - are all within 5 miles of Redruth. The Great Flat Lode Trail, a circular walking and cycling route through the mining landscape, connects many of the old engine houses and mine sites between Redruth and the coast.

Where to Stay

Around 19 holiday properties are available in the Redruth area, with converted mining cottages and rural farmhouses among the options. Redruth sits on the main rail line between London Paddington and Penzance, with its own station. The A30 dual carriageway passes just south of town, putting Truro 9 miles east and St Ives about 10 miles west.