Dramatic viewpoint and landmark, rich in history
One mile south-west of Redruth
Said once to have been home to giants, the 738 foot summit of Carn Brea (Pronounced bray) has an extensive viewpoint with dramatic views towards the north and south coasts as well as across a landscape rich in the remains of disused engine houses, reflecting the area's great industrial heritage. The hill has extensive Neolithic and Iron Age remains as well as the 90 foot high granite obelisk built in 1836 in memory of Sir Francis Basset, who was a Georgian land and mine owner who did much to improve the lot of the poor workers in the area, and a small castle-like Victorian folly that now houses a restaurant.
The Castle itself can be traced back to 1379. It is a stone twin towered fortress, built by the Basset family of Tehidy and is inside the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort. It was probably built has a hunting lodge, or as a chapel to St. Michael. It has been restored and extended over the years, and today has the look of a modern folly, rather than a medieval fort.
A Midsummer Bonfire ceremony is held at the top of Carn Brea every 23rd June and draw crowds of people every year.
Opening TimesAll Year Admission Free |
Camborne Cornish Castles East Pool Mine Redruth Mineral Tramway Discovery Centre
Cornwall's History South Crofty Mine Tehidy Country Park Heartlands The Shire Horse & Carriage Museum