Poldark Mine

The tin mines around Redruth shaped Cornwall's entire economy, and Poldark Mine gives you a proper sense of what that labour actually entailed. You descend into tunnels that go down 300 feet - real shafts where men and boys worked by candlelight, chiselling at rock faces in conditions that would make you claustrophobic just thinking about it. The site has kept things fairly authentic without turning it into a theme park, which is refreshing.

You'll see the old mining equipment, learn about the geology, and get to grips with why Cornwall's landscape looks the way it does - those distinctive engine houses punctuating the countryside aren't just pretty ruins, they're monuments to genuine hardship. The underground tour is the main draw, and it's worth allowing a good couple of hours if you want to read the interpretive panels properly. Kids tend to find it engaging rather than boring, particularly if they're the sort who like climbing about and exploring confined spaces - though you do need to be reasonably mobile.

It works well as a stop between other attractions in the mining heartland. Lanyon Holiday Park sits just 4.3 miles away, and Tresyjo Glamping is barely further - handy if you're basing yourselves in the area. The site itself is modest in scale, so don't expect a vast day out. An hour or ninety minutes suits most people. Check the website for current opening hours and admission prices before you visit, as these do change seasonally.