Cornwall Gold

Cornwall Gold sits on the New Portreath Road just outside Redruth and combines a working heritage site with hands-on family activities. Entry is free, and you do not need to book. The site includes the Grade II listed Tolgus Tin Mill, which dates back to 1865 and has been restored to produce tin again. A 10,000 sq ft exhibition lets visitors explore the mill’s history - children can dress up as tin millers or bal maidens and learn about Cornwall’s mining past.

The family activities are the main draw for younger visitors. Tolgus Stream Panning uses traditional gold pans to sift sand for gems and hidden treasures - it is undercover, so it works in any weather. The Bear Works lets children choose, stuff and dress their own soft toy, complete with a voice box and birth certificate. Pottery painting is available for all ages, with pieces either glazed and fired on site or painted and taken home the same day. Outside, there is a crazy golf course.

Cornwall Gold also houses what it claims is the country’s largest jewellery showroom, alongside independent shops and a cafe. The site is open seven days a week, 10am - 4pm. Free parking is available on site. It makes a practical half-day stop, particularly when combined with the nearby coast path walks around Portreath.