Explore The Tin Coast

West Penwith

The Tin Coast is a World Heritage Site and your opportunity to glimpse what life was like for the miners of West Penwith. You could wander along the South West Coast Path to Botallack, where the engine houses seem to keep watch over the Atlantic, or head to Geevor Tin Mine Museum and go beneath the surface to explore the narrow tunnels of Wheal Mexico mine.

For lunch, there’s a wonderful café with a sea view at Geevor Tin Mine. Alternatively, you could visit the Queen’s Arms in Botallack or head into St Just for a delicious lunch at Café Dog and Rabbit. Discover some of the highlights from this area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Walk The Tin Coast. A dramatic landscape defined by mining

You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, it would take around two-three days.

Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.

Some of the activities in this itinerary require a good level of mobility and fitness. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to find out more.

Experience Cornish mining history in the real world, where engine houses stand tall against a backdrop of the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Tin Coast walk follows seven miles of rugged coastline in West Penwith, which has been designated a World Heritage Site. On the walk, you can explore three National Trust sites: Botallack, Cape Cornwall and Levant Mine. Find out more here.

Tin coast walk

National Trust

The mining experience

Geevor Tin Mine

Get your hands dirty and delve into Cornwall’s tin and copper mining history. Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved mining site in the country. Nestled in the St Just mining district, Geevor was the last mine in the area to close its doors. It reopened to enable locals and tourists to experience what life was like for Cornish miners – you can even travel down into the tunnels of Wheal Mexico Mine. Plan your visit here.

Deep into history

Cornwall Underground Adventures

Travel back in time by travelling underground through an old tin mine. You’ll step into the shoes of a Cornish miner and descend ladders, wander through the narrow walkways and even abseil down the different levels of the mine (if you dare!). Cornwall Underground Adventures offers a range of caving experiences with many complex mining tunnels to explore. The ‘Underground Explorer’ is the easiest route. This activity takes around three hours and is of ‘medium’ difficulty. Find out more.

Café Dog & Rabbit

St Just

Visiting West Penwith? Start your day of discovery at Café Dog and Rabbit. You’ll find this lovely, hidden gem of a café just off Market Square in St Just. Pop in for a hearty brunch, a warming bowl of soup or a big slice of cake and soak up the friendly atmosphere. You’re welcome to bring your dog too. Find out more here.

Places to eat

Essential Information

Places to stay

Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.

More inspiration?

Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.

Accessibility

Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible, however some will be difficult to access with limited mobility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.