Tour of the area

The mine area and some of the historic buildings are shown at special times during the summer.

The tours concern the history of the mine, its functions and activities. Surviving structures such as wheel houses, shaft heads and winches are described and explained.

Some of the people who have been in charge of the management and administration of the mine are presented, along with feats of engineering, maps, buildings etc.

Dramatic episodes in the history of the mine are retold, such as the great cave-in of 1687, the fate of the petrified miner Fat Mats, royal visits and travellers’ experiences. The tour of the mine takes about two hours.