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

Since 2000 the site has been refocused upon its mining heritage and coupled with this interactive activities have been introduced for both young and old. From Gold Panning to Pottery Throwing.
Please note that there is an additional charge for most activities.

One of our most popular activities with all ages. Our 3 tons of Gem sands contain a wide selection of semi precious tumble polished gemstones plus a selection of faceted gemstones and, if you are lucky, you may find a diamond. Over the last four years over 100 visitors have found a Diamond !

Try your hand at the ancient art of Gold Panning. The material in our 'gold sluices' comprises real river alluvial from the River Cober and contain various heavy minerals including: Iron Pyrite (fool's gold); Cassiterite (tin oxide the main ore of tin); Manaccanite (Ilmanite, titanium oxide); and flakes of real alluvial gold from a river in the United States. We do not recommend this activity for under 5's.

An opportunity to try your hand at the art of Pottery Throwing guided by our potter. Make your own pot using air dry clay. Suitable for all ages.

For the younger visitor, colour your own candle to your own design with our varieties of coloured waxes.

Choose a figure from a range of ceramics and paint your own design. Aprons, paint and brushes supplied.

Make your own unique souvenir from a range of coloured sands.

Try your hand at the wood turning lathe guided by one of the Poldark Wood Turners. Please note, this activity must be pre-booked. You can also join the Poldark Wood Turning Club which meets every second and fourth Thursday in its clubroom at Poldark at 7 pm.

In the Creative Constructions Shop try your hand at various juggling and circus based activities guided by Darren.

A small play area is situated behind the International Exhibition building. Please note that for safety reasons children must be supervised at all times.

A room where adults looking after young children whilst members of their group are underground can entertain their young charges.

A quiz sheet is available from Reception and the Mine Shop. The quiz questions are designed to lead children around the site, Museum and International Exhibition discovering answers whilst learning about Cornwall's history.

Take the completed sheet to the Mine Shop for a reward of a Cornish Halfpenny Token ! Based on the design of the 19th century Cornish Pennies the tokens are unique to Poldark.

Poldark is located in the picturesque Wendron Valley with a variety of interesting country walks through this former mining district. Walks are enhanced by our Walks Guide which explains the sites along the way.