The far west of Cornwall is home to one of the most dramatic heritage landscapes in Britain — the Tin Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where engine houses cling to cliffs and the Atlantic pounds the rocks below.
For guests staying at Wheal Call, this stretch of coastline offers an unforgettable blend of history, scenery and atmosphere and provides a deep and fascinating insight into Cornwall’s mining past.
What does The Tin Coast refer to?
The Tin Coast refers to the historic mining landscape between Pendeen and St Just in West Cornwall. It includes world‑famous sites such as Geevor Tin Mine, Levant Mine, Botallack, and the Crown Mines, all set along some of the most spectacular cliffs in Britain.
It is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised globally for its role in shaping the Industrial Revolution and influencing mining technology across the world.
How the Tin Coast Came About
For centuries, this coastline was one of the most productive mining districts in Cornwall. Rich veins of tin and copper ran beneath the land — and in places, far out under the Atlantic. Miners followed these lodes deep underground, creating a network of shafts, tunnels and engine houses that still define the landscape today.
By the late 1800s, the area had become a centre of engineering innovation. Mines like Levant and Botallack pushed technology to its limits, with shafts plunging hundreds of metres below sea level. Communities grew around the industry, and Cornish mining expertise spread worldwide.
When the last mines closed in the 20th century, the coastline was left with a remarkable legacy:
- Dramatic cliff‑top engine houses
- Preserved mining machinery
- Underground workings
- A cultural story of resilience, skill and global influence
Local organisations, the National Trust and UNESCO later worked together to protect the area, promote its heritage and support sustainable tourism. The name “Tin Coast” was adopted to unite these sites under one identity and help visitors explore the landscape as a connected story.
Close to the cottage are the world famous Levant Mine, Crown Mines and Geevor Tin Mine, which is now a working museum with underground tours of the tin mining levels which go out many miles into the Atlantic!
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor is one of the best‑preserved mining sites in the UK and offers a rare chance to step directly into Cornwall’s industrial history. Once a working tin mine until 1990, the site now operates as a museum and heritage centre.
Visitors can:
- Walk through original workshops and winding gear
- Explore the underground Wheal Mexico tunnels
- Learn how miners worked beneath the sea
- Discover personal stories from the men and families who lived and worked here
Geevor is ideal for families, history lovers and anyone wanting a hands‑on experience of Cornish mining.
Levant Mine
A short walk along the coast brings you to Levant Mine, famous for its historic beam engine — the only one in the world still powered by steam. Known locally as “the mine under the sea”, Levant’s tunnels once extended far out beneath the Atlantic.
Highlights include:
- The working 1840s beam engine
- Guided tours from knowledgeable volunteers
- Stories of innovation, hardship and the 1919 disaster
- Spectacular views across the Tin Coast
Levant is a powerful reminder of the engineering skill and human courage that defined Cornwall’s mining heritage.
Botallack and the Crown Mines
Further along the cliffs, the engine houses of Botallack and the Crown Mines are among the most iconic mining ruins in the world. Their shafts plunged hundreds of metres below the ocean floor, making them some of the most daring and challenging mines ever worked.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Atmospheric cliff‑top walks
- The famous Crown Mines perched above the waves
- Interpretation boards explaining the mining landscape
- Far‑reaching views towards Cape Cornwall and Land’s End
This area is also well known for its appearance in Poldark, but its real story is far more dramatic than anything on screen.