Mid Cornwall

Mid Cornwall, and the A30 corridor, is home to a number of larger towns, Bodmin in the east, down to Redruth and Camborne in the west. Cornwall’s only city, Truro, lies a short distance south of the main road and is central to all other towns and villages. Bodmin was, until Truro developed, the County town of Cornwall and many fine buildings including the county court and jail can still be viewed. The jail is now a deluxe hotel and visitor attraction, whilst the town also has what was Cornwall’s largest church until Truro Cathedral was built late in the 1800s.

It was with the building of the Cathedral, and later the County Hall and courts that Truro became the administrative centre of Cornwall. Today it is a compact city with a pleasant shopping centre full of independent shops alongside some major stores. It has a popular theatre, a cinema and plenty of open space including Victoria Park with its bandstand. The city sits at the head of the Truro River which flows into the Fal offering access to many miles of waterways for those with boats.

The two towns of Redruth and Camborne both grew up due to the industrialisation of Cornwall in the 1800s, especially the mining industry. A fierce rivalry developed between the two towns that lasts to this day. Many of the grand buildings from the mid 1800s survive in both towns, as do some of the engine houses of the mines. At Heartlands, between the two towns, you can explore the areas heritage and there are two National Trust owned engine houses close by that can also be visited.

Those seeking more information about Cornwall’s history, whether inland or on the coast, should visit Kresen Kernow, Cornwall records office, now based in a purpose built building at the bottom of Redruth.

North of St Austell, the clay area is still an industrial landscape of working pits, extracting white China clay from the ground and creating vast spoil tips alongside. The clay villages are more akin to the Welsh mining valleys than the Cornish coastline, and much of the area is out of bounds to the public. However, those wanting to discover more about this part of Cornwall should head for Wheal Martyn Museum, a great place to learn about this industry, as well as being an enjoyable area to walk around, especially in the spring when the site is full of wild flowers. The other attraction associated with this landscape is the Eden Project, built in the remains of a former clay pit, though you would hardly believe it as you wander around this verdant wonderland.

Traveling down the A30, you cross Goss Moor, once known as the ‘biggest carpark’ in Cornwall when traffic jams took place most weekends. Today the road has been diverted away from the trouble spots, but lovers of wildlife and wilderness can now follow the route of the old road, on foot or by bike, and explore one of Cornwall’s finest heathlands.

Nearby, the village of Roche may not feature in many tour guides, but visitors shouldn’t miss the remains of the medieval chapel perched on top of a rocky outcrop behind the football pitch. According to legend, a hermit once lived there having contracted leprosy, another tale tells of the dead steward of Lanhydrock, Tregeagle, hiding from the Devil there. Whatever the truth is, the ruin is as fine as anything you will see on the coast.

Why not stay a little longer and explore everything this captivating region has to offer? From quaint guest houses and charming cottages, to unique campsites and city chic hotels, find your perfect stay.

Plan your next adventure and find things to do in this region. Think retail therapy, peaceful walks, captivating history, and delicious food. Find out more about what you can get up to on your next visit.