Geevor Tin Mine

A wonderful few hours spent touring this tin mine. Everything is so well presented, with more than adequate displays explaining the history and workings of the mine. I could have spent the whole day there and will go back to view the things that I may have missed. Just strolling around, with no ‘hassle’ from anyone.
Panning for rare elements (yeh), but it was fun and I did bring home some ‘fools’ gold in a little bag that they give you. Then the ultimate part of the tour, a visit underground. We ventured to the first stop in the tour. My partner, suffering from claustrophobia, backed out after this point and I didn’t blame her. Remember, the average height of miners was about 5 ft, and their stature was quite slim. So if you do suffer from claustrophobia or have overindulged in Cornish pasties then do go as far as the first stop. After this you will see that it does get very low and tight, then make up your own mind.
A great, interesting visit.

This is a top class visitor attraction, best seen in spring or autumn when the sea view is rough but sunny — overlook this from the twee tearoom at end of the tour. the museum has many buildings with machinery to look at (and read up on if u wish) at your own leisure. then upon reaching a certain area you find a waiting area (equipped with gemstone panning station for kids to try out). after a usually short wait you are given a tour of a particular underground mine shaft (very safe, given overalls and helmets to wear and the site has been secured etc). those above 6ft possibly better avoid — shorter the better as the mine tour has low natural ceilings. wear very sturdy shoes as in bad weather it can be wet inside, but it has such a rural charm even this cannot dampen your spirits about it, especially as its then on to the café to warm up/​cool down with a well priced cream tea. the tour guides are friendly, jokey and informative. Do not miss this attraction!!! visit time from 1 – 3 hours

This attraction is well worth the visit to West Penwith. Many of the staff are ex-​minors, and are happy to provide answers to any questions you may have. The whole attraction is based at the real tin mine, which only stopped working about 15 years ago. It starts off with a review of mining in this area, going back hundreds of years. There are many photographs and models, plus actual items relating to mining. Even walking through the rooms where the museum part of the tour is located is fascinating, as you start to wonder who worked in these offices and what they did. After this, you go into the wheel house, with its massive engines and control systems. It is all real stuff, and looks like it could be still in use. You then go through an area where the tin ore was processed on the shaking tables and eventually into an old mine itself. There is only one mine shaft open at the moment, but they are hoping to add to this in future. The whole thing is fascinating, listening to some of the surprising facts about mining. There is also a café on site and small souvenir shop.