Find the nearest History & Heritage in Cornwall

Saint Mawes Castle is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses. The castle was one of the chain of forts built between 1539 and 1545 to counter an invasion threat from Catholic France and Spain, it guarded the important anchorage of Carrick Roads, sharing the task with Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Fal estuary.

An unfinished artillery fort, built above St Mary’s Pool harbour in 1552-53

The Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved mining site in the UK, and part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site! You can go underground into a real 18th-century tin mine, visit the interactive Hard Rock Museum that takes you through the fascinating story of Cornish Tin and Copper mining, and explore the mining buildings with their intact mining machinery. All of this set in a Cornish Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with fantastic coastal views and wildlife. The mine includes car parking, cafe and shop.

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwal overlooks the marina. The Museum houses galleries, interactve displays, workshops as well as the expected 100’s of boats.

The Garrison peninsula above Porthcressa Beach at the rear of Hugh Town on St. Mary’s. Paths take you around the peninsula and you can well understand the strategic importance of the garrison. As you walk you will see the walls, various battery locations and the castle.

Godolphin was considered in the 17th century to be the most fashionable house in Cornwall. There are many fascinating walks on the estate, which includes Godolphin Hill and more than 400 recorded archaeological features.

North Cornwall Museum is within a building that was originally used for making coaches and wagons. The Museum covers many aspects of life in North Cornwall from fifty to a hundred years ago. These include farming, the dairy,cidermaking and wagons.

Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, impressive Cornish beam engines and industrial heritage discovery centre. This is a dramatic reminder of Cornwall’s mining heritage.

Penhallam is the site of a medieval manor house surrounded by a protective moat built by the de Cardinham family in the 13th century. No building exists but you can see a grass-covered complete ground-plan of the moated manor house.

The Old Post Office in Tintagel is a 600-year-old traditional Cornish Longhouse with a cottage garden.

Porth Hellick Down is an area of downland on the east side of the island of St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. Seven Scillonian entrance graves stand on the down, the largest is the Great Tomb which has a 12m diameter and a central burial chamber 3m long and 1m high. An unroofed passage 4.2m long leads into the chamber at an angle.