Step Into Cornwall’s Mining History – King Edward Mine Needs You!

Heritage site calls for more volunteers to meet surging demand

While many visitor attractions across Cornwall have struggled to maintain footfall, one heritage site is experiencing the opposite problem – too many visitors and not enough volunteers.

King Edward Mine Museum (KEM), a volunteer-led charity in the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Area, is calling for more tour guides to help share Cornwall’s mining history with an increasing number of visitors.

A Growing Attraction Amidst a Challenging Year

Despite Visit Cornwall describing 2024 as “the flattest year they can remember” due to poor weather, the general election, and cost-of-living pressures, KEM defied the trend, reporting a 30% increase in visitor numbers last year. Many of those visitors travelled from overseas, eager to experience a site that represents a dramatic chapter in Cornwall’s industrial past.

Housed in a Grade II listed mining complex near Troon*, KEM preserves and shares the history of mining on the Great Flat Lode, an area rich in minerals beneath the southern slopes of Carn Brea. Visitors can explore a working Cornish tin mill, an operational Holman winding engine, and a vast collection of historic photographs, documents, and rare clothing worn by Bal Maidens.

Photo: King Edward Mine Guide Demonstrating the Holman Winder – Image Credit Graham May

The Need for More Guides

KEM’s growing popularity meant it had to extend its usual Sunday to Thursday opening last year, adding Saturdays – its busiest day – to accommodate demand. Now, the museum is looking for more volunteers to expand its guided tours in 2025.

“The demand for guided tours by our enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable volunteers was such last year that we added Saturdays to our usual four-day opening from Sunday to Thursday,” said KEM Trustee, Carol Richards. “That became our busiest day, so we are planning new initiatives for the 2025 season to make us even more attractive as a destination for families and community groups.”

To enhance the visitor experience, KEM is introducing a recorded commentary and revised leaflet for those who prefer to self-guide. It is also adding new signage to explain traditional mining methods and highlight restoration efforts, including work on one of Cornwall’s last wooden headframes, set to be erected over the main mineshaft later this year.

Looking to the Future

Beyond preserving the past, KEM also focuses on Cornwall’s mining resurgence. With lithium and other battery metals playing a crucial role in the UK’s shift towards clean energy and Net Zero, the museum hopes to inspire the next generation to take part in the county’s re-emerging mineral industry.

“We receive glowing reviews on Google and Trip Advisor for the quality of our guided tours, which engage visitors of all ages, and our new audio guide will free up volunteers to host more of these at peak times,” Carol added. “With growing interest in the Industrial Revolution that spanned the 18th and 19th centuries as well as in the resurgence of modern-day mining in Cornwall that will provide the critical minerals we need for a sustainable future, KEM has a compelling tale to tell. If we successfully recruit more volunteers to help us share the story of Cornish mining, we can further enhance the visitor experience and welcome even more people through our doors in 2025.”

Get Involved

KEM is looking for tour guides, reception volunteers, and a Shop Manager for the 2026 season. Those interested in getting involved can find out more at www.kingedwardmine.co.uk.

Photo: King Edward Mine Guide Demonstrating the Shaking Table – Image Credit King Edward Mine