Once the hub of the most intensively mined area in the world, along with the neighbouring town of Redruth. Trevithick Day is held annually, on the last Saturday in April, honouring one of Camborne’s engineering sons, Richard Trevithick, creator of the world’s first steam powered road engine in 1801.
The countryside surrounding Camborne is attractive with country restaurants, farm tours and a number of tourist attractions. The landscape is dominated by Carn Brea hill, one of the landmarks of West Cornwall, where there are remains of Iron Age hill forts, Carn Brea Castle and also a memorial to the mine owner Francis Basset. There are spectacular views from here, which reach to St Ives in the west and the Lizard Peninsula in the south.
Nearby the Camborne School of Mines attracts students from all over the world and is a living reminder of the area’s importance to the mining industry.
To the north of Camborne lies Tehidy Country Park, a network of footpaths, cycle trails and picnic areas set amongst a wooded lakeland landscape. Follow the trails on foot or bike to reach the towering north coast cliffs and the beach and fishing harbour of Portreath.
Must see and do
- Cornish Engines Centre, Pool, near Camborne
- Trevithick Day, Camborne town centre (April)
- Cornish Goldsmiths, Tolgus, near Portreath
- Tehidy Country Park, Tehidy, near Camborne
- Tolgus Tin, Tolgus, near Camborne
- Murdoch Weekend, Redruth (June)
- Stithians Show, Stithians (July)