Heritage, Mining History and the Stories Behind the County
Cornwall's holiday appeal isn't just its coastline - the county carries thousands of years of history, from Neolithic hill settlements and ancient stone circles through to a mining industry that once supplied much of the world's tin and copper. That legacy shapes the towns, villages and landscapes you'll explore on any visit, and it's recognised internationally: much of central Cornwall forms part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you're tracing family roots through Cornish genealogy records, walking a heritage trail past engine houses and stone crosses, or simply curious what's behind the Cornish pasty tradition, the pages below are a starting point into the culture and history that sits alongside Cornwall's beaches and cottages.
What is the Cornish Pasty tradition? Who lived in Cornwall thousands of years ago? Find the answers to those questions and more.
Explore Cornish historyCornwall Online's guide to the towns and villages of Cornwall, from St Ives, Newquay and Fowey to Wadebridge, Saltash and the Isles of Scilly.
Browse towns & villagesCornwall's rich heritage has an international reputation - wherever you turn, there's 5,000 years of history surrounding you.
Explore the heritage trailOne of the largest heritage trail programmes of its kind in Britain - over 60km of walking and cycling trails through Cornwall's historic mining landscape.
Explore Mineral TramwaysMost of Cornwall's historic industry centred on tin or copper mining - explore the industrial archaeology left behind across the county.
View map notesGenealogical data and resources for tracing Cornish family history and ancestry.
Search genealogy recordsA living theatre of plants in the heart of Cornwall - stunning botanical biomes and gardens, a great day out for all the family.
Visit the Eden Project