Explore the Tin Coast

West Penwith

Walk the Tin Coast, a dramatic landscape defined by mining.

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 cafe 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 Cafe Dog and Rabbit. Discover some of the highlights from this area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Activity level: Energetic
Duration: 2-3 days

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, the estimated duration is given above.

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

Click on each individual experience and find out more about its accessibility and public transport connections, along with an eco tip.

Create your own inspiring itinerary

If you would like to build your own itinerary, head to the Experience page. You can add your favourite experiences to a bespoke itinerary, which can be downloaded or sent to your email address. Please note: This is for inspiration purposes only and does not create a booking. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to book.

Things to do

Geevor Tin Mine

The mining experience

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.

National Trust

Tin coast walk

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.

Cornwall Underground Adventures

The Underground Adventurer

Navigate a maze of tunnels, abseil through mine shafts and experience a whole lot of adrenaline. The ‘Underground Adventurer’ route from Cornwall Underground Adventures takes you through a 16^th century mine, starting with some of the oldest parts and working towards the areas still in use a hundred years ago. Requires a good level of fitness. Find out more here.

Places to Eat

St Just

Café Dog and Rabbit

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.

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. Click on each individual experience to find out more about its accessibility. 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.

Local knowledge

Enjoy updates from local experts and find information about upcoming events.

Getting around

Discover the many ways you can get out there and explore without relying on your car.

Positive impact

We’re hoping to make every stay as sustainable as possible. Find out more here.

Itinerary last updated on March 8th, 2023

This listing has been curated by the EXPERIENCE West Cornwall team and was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We advise that you contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experience.