Botallack Mines

The engine houses at Botallack cling to the Cornish cliffs like they're defying gravity, their skeletal frames silhouetted against the sea. What you're looking at are the remains of tin and copper mines that once drove the local economy - now they're among the most photogenic industrial ruins in Cornwall, perched right on the edge of the Atlantic.

This isn't a museum or a visitor centre. It's a walking experience, really. You park near Penzance and make your way out to these dramatic clifftop structures - some still partly intact, others just stone shells. The main draw is the sheer drama of the setting: mines that operated deep below sea level, extracting ore from shafts that ran out under the water. On a clear day, the light hits those old stone buildings in a way that makes you understand why painters and photographers come here constantly.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from Botallack - the industrial archaeology is proper fascinating if you know what you're looking at. The walk itself is manageable but exposed, so come with decent footwear and check the weather. It's free to access, and you can spend anywhere from half an hour to two hours depending on how much you want to explore and photograph.

If you're staying at Roselands or Lands End Camping, this is worth a half-day trip. The nearby clifftop paths are excellent for walking, and you can loop it with visits to other mining sites along the coast. Don't expect crowds, even in summer - that's part of the appeal.