Welcome to Poldark Mine, So Much More Than Just A Tin Mine...

Information for Schools 2012

With unique archaeological evidence of industrial activity dating from prehistoric times in the form of the Poldark Mortar Outcrop (A Scheduled Ancient Monument), the earliest known lease for the working of a tin stamps (1498), a tin mine with workings dating back to the Middle Ages and leases and deeds from 1800 to the present day Poldark is one of the County's most important heritage sites.

Described by Sir Neil Cossons, former Chairman of English Heritage, as "One of the two most atmospheric mine tours in Europe" the guided mine tour takes groups through the only complete underground tin mine open to the public. Exploring the mine workings students gain an understanding of the conditions in which miners, from as young as 9 years old, toiled to extract the rich tin ores.

For further information on the facilities for schools go to Educational Visits.

The themes being developed at Poldark are the Cornish tin industry until the 1820's and the Cornish overseas, from the first 'contract workers' to economic migration and its effects upon Cornwall and the resultant international Cornish legacy.

Charges: there is no charge for admission to the site for pre booked school groups.

The Mine Tour charge for student groups is £3.50 plus VAT per student, with a minimum charge per group of £50.00 plus VAT.

There is no charge for Teachers and helpers within Cornwall Council ratio guidelines which are copied in the Risk Assessment pdf.

Charge for additional adults for the mine tour is £5.00 per adult.

To guarantee a mine tour at your preferred time as much notice as possible should be given.

If only taking the mine tour groups are advised to allow a minimum of 2 hours on site. Illustrated talks last approximately 20 minutes.

Risk Assessment pdf - restrictions – Adult to student ratio.

Restrictions: Poldark Mine is a genuine eighteenth century tin mine and is unsuitable for wheelchairs and those with some mobility disabilities. If you have any students with disabilities please contact us for advice on whether an underground visit for them would be possible.

For group bookings call Kate on 01326 573173 or email kate@poldarkmine.co.uk

All mine tours are guided. The Mine Tour takes approximately one hour including the safety introduction. Up to 30 visitors are taken on a tour. Where a visiting party is larger it is split into smaller groups which enter the Mine approximately 15 minutes apart.

Poldark offers a number of activities for school groups as well as illustrated talks and pre visit outreach. For further information go to Educational Visits.

Poldark is open throughout the year for educational groups. During the winter, when the site is closed to the general public, not all facilities are open however the Mine Tour, Museum, International Exhibition and illustrated talks are available for booked groups.