Wheal Coates, former tin mine in Cornwall, England
Description
Wheal Coates is an old tin and copper mine situated on cliffs near St Agnes in Cornwall. The site consists of three stone engine houses built in the late 1800s, along with ruins of crushing and roasting buildings where ore was processed before being shipped away.
History
Mining at this site began in medieval times but reached its peak in the 1870s when the three engine houses were constructed. The mine closed in 1889, reopened briefly in the early 1900s with new machinery, but finally shut down for good in 1914.
Culture
The mine workers shaped this region's identity for generations. The ruins and machinery scattered across the site show how central this work was to people's lives and their connection to the land.
Practical
The site is reached via the coastal walking path from Chapel Porth, which connects to other nearby historical spots. The grounds are open and free to access, but expect uneven terrain and narrow trails with ocean views that require careful footing.
Did you know?
The main shaft drops over 600 feet (183 meters) straight down, and during rough weather you can hear waves crashing into the opening below. Visitors sometimes drop stones and listen for the distant sound echoing from the depths below.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Cornwall and Isles of Scilly).
Cornwall lies at the southwestern tip of England. It is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, shaping its history and identity. You can see this region through its castles on cliffs like Tintagel or St Michael's Mount, its fishing villages on small bays such as Mousehole, and its busy ports like...
St Agnes Mining District
2.3 km
St Agnes Hotel
2.1 km
Rosemundy Hotel
2.3 km
Church of St Agnes
2.2 km
Chapel Of Ease Including Gate Piers And Gates At Road Entrance In Front
2 km
Chapel Porth Beach
550 m
Saint Agnes Museum
2 km
The Railway Inn
2.1 km
Stippy-Stappy Including Front Garden Walls
2.3 km
Milestone At Sw727484
3.2 km
Engine House At Sw70234698
3.1 km
Turnavore
2.2 km
St Agnes Library
2 km
Lychgate
2.1 km
Towanroath Engine House At Sw699500
96 m
Engine House At Sw691479 (Wheal Lushington)
2.3 km
Porthtowan Beach
2.2 km
Prospect House Including Front Garden Walls
2.2 km
The Driftwood Spars
2.5 km
Chimney At Approximately 30 Metres South South West Of Wheal Kitty Engine House
2.7 km
Wheal Kitty Engine House (Sara's Shaft) At Sw724512
2.8 km
Engine House At Sw699492 (Charlotte United)
1 km
Milestone Approx 12M West Of Dales Yard
2 km
Chimney At Sw717515
2.3 km
No 2, Including Front Garden Walls And Gate-Piers
2.1 km
Gate Piers And Flanking Walls At Road Entrance South West Of Vicarage
2.2 km
Guide Post At Sw713499
1.4 km
Milestone, N of filling station, before St Agnes Leisure Centre
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes