St Just Mining District

Ranndir Balweyth Lannust

Mining on the edge of the earth

A stone’s throw from Land’s End, this is the most westerly Area of the Site. St Just is characterised by big skies, jagged rocks, and rugged moorland meeting iconic clifftop engine houses. Perched high above the Atlantic in some incredible locations; the engine houses on this stretch of coast, known as the “Tin Coast”, are some of the most famous. No wonder this dramatic setting has inspired generations of artists, writers, film makers and photographers.

World-famous for their mineralogy, the mining sites here are extremely well preserved – as is the sense of community amongst the people whose lives they once dominated. The close-knit community work passionately to preserve their landscape and continue to celebrate their mining heritage, many local residents are descendants of miners; they keep the stories and traditions alive in their community celebrations and remembrances.

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This Area’s unique geography and mineralogy meant that undersea mining was more concentrated here than anywhere else in the world in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The oldest surviving Cornish beam engine (constructed in 1840) remains in its original engine house at Levant, restored and still working under steam. Geevor, one of the last mines to close in Cornwall (1990), was saved from demolition and is now the largest metalliferous mine site open to the public in the UK. Set on the cliffs of Pendeen, the extensive mine complex is a spyglass into the industry which shaped the area even allowing visitors to go underground into Wheal Mexico and receive guided tours from genuine former miners. Their pasties in the clifftop café have a reputation for excellence; the perfect spot for a day of mining heritage.

The historic mining town of St Just is home to characteristic rows of granite mine workers’ cottages, public squares, shops, cafés, art galleries and, just off Bank Square, a medieval grassed amphitheatre – the Plen an Gwary or ‘playing place’. The “Miners Chapel” of St Just is a building not to be missed, its’ enormous outline was often the last building Cornish Jacks would see as they sailed to the far-flung corners of the world in search for metals. The Chapel is now also used as a magnificent theatre venue for productions such as Hireth.

This is the tin coast of Cornwall,
the wild west of Kernow.

The Map

Exploring the town of St Just, with its characteristic rows of granite mine workers’ cottages, public squares, shops, cafés, art galleries, and historic outdoor performance space—the Plen an Gwary or ‘playing place’

Visit the Tin Coast website for the latest local events, projects and updates from the community

Taking a tour of Geevor Tin Mine – one of the last Cornish mines to close, it is one of only a few mine sites with extensive collections of machinery open to the public in Cornwall. The imposing headframe at Victory Shaft can be seen from miles around

Watching the waves crashing on the rocks below the Crowns engine houses at Botallack, which are perched on a narrow promontory just above the sea and stop into the count house for a cup of tea and some wonderful displays on the Area’s history

Experiencing the solitude of Ding Dong, a remote Cornish engine house sitting high up on the treeless moors that is surrounded by the remains of mine workers’ cottages and fields. The views towards Mounts Bay from here are truly breath-taking

Walking around the beautiful Cape Cornwall – one of only two 'capes' in Britain – where an ornate solitary mine stack stands sentinel on the coast

See Levant Mine, which is spectacularly sited on the cliff edge. Its beam engine has been restored by the Greasy Gang, and is driven by steam again

Nineteenth century submarine tin and copper mines

The town of St Just a small, substantially-planned, industrial town built to serve the local mines such as St Just United, Balleswidden, Boscean, Wheal Owles, Botallack and Levant

Dispersed mining villages with associated mineworkers’ smallholdings

Local Mines include St Just United, Balleswidden, Geevor, Boscean, Wheal Owles, Botallack and Levant

The Audio Trail guides below explore Botallack, with its world famous Crowns’ engine houses, and other nearby mines, including Geevor and Levant. These Audio Trail guides are only available to our members though, so why not sign up today? 

Information sheets are also available to accompany the Audio Trails and please see the links to these below.

Botallack and nearby mines

Botallack Audio Trail Delve Deeper 

Botallack Audio Trail Information Sheet

Botallack Audio Trail Map

Botallack Count House
Botallack Arsenic Labyrinth
Botallack Arsenic Calciner
Botallack The Crowns
West Wheal Owles
Wheal Edward
Botallack Vean
Geevor Mine - Start
North Levant Mine Buildings
Trelocke Stamps
Trewellard Zawn
Slimes Tanks
Levant Mine Tin Mill
Levant Mine Arsenic Works
Levant Mine Engine Houses
Levant Miners' Dry
Levant Mine Compressor
Maggie's Cottage