Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Mid Cornwall

Tin - the powerhouse of Cornwall's industrial past. Oak wooded, heather topped valleys with crystal streams once throbbed with the racket of tin streaming - winning precious metals. Engine houses and stacks bear stark, romantic testament to a heritage borne of the bravery and determination of generations of miners and Bal maidens.  The area of Mid Cornwall, south west from Truro and only a short drive inland from Falmouth is full of this industrial heritage.  The Victorian towns of Camborne and Redruth - both produced world-class inventors and engineers.  Camborne's Richard Trevithick created the world's first steam-powered road engine in 1801. His achievements are celebrated at Camborne's annual Trevithick Day celebrations in April.  You can follow in the footsteps of Cornwall's 18th Century tin miners on the atmospheric tour of the Poldark Mine just north of Helston.

Further inland is Stithians Lake, for fishing, sailing, sailboarding and recently the stunning wake-boarding championships. For views of the whole region take the roads to Carn Brea or Carn Marth above Camborne. From here you can see St Ives, St Michael's Mount, Falmouth and east to Clay Country. Near here is the Great Flat Lode Trail through the mines and high moors. These days, most of the mining has disappeared, but it is still a fascinating area to explore and is steeped in history. A highlight is to hire a bicycle and ride along the old mineral tramway now called the Bissoe Trail from Devoran to Portreath or the North Coast.

The harbour town of Falmouth is within a short drive with a number of attractions for the visitor. There is the fascinating National Maritime Museum or you can take a boat trip around the spectacular Carrick Roads or sample the stylish Rick Stein's Fish & Chip Restaurant or Oyster Bar. The Helford River and Lizard Peninsula are also within easy reach.