Redruth is a historic town in west Cornwall, situated between Camborne and Truro. The town grew rapidly during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as Cornwall's mining industry expanded, becoming one of the principal centres of copper and tin production in the county. The surrounding landscape still contains numerous engine houses, mine workings and other reminders of Cornwall's industrial past. Today Redruth is an important local service centre and part of the wider Camborne, Pool and Redruth urban area.
Redruth: Historical sights and information
Facts about Redruth
- Latitude:
- 50.234893
- Longitude:
- -5.225082
- GPS Coordinates:
- 50°14' N, 05°14' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Redruth's strongest attraction is its industrial heritage, with nearby mine sites forming part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. The town itself contains historic buildings and cultural venues, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with former mine shafts, engine houses and distinctive mining landscapes. St Agnes, Portreath and the north Cornish coast are within easy reach, while Truro provides a larger selection of cultural and architectural attractions. The south coast around Falmouth and the historic harbour at Portreath also make convenient excursions.
Food and when to visit
Redruth has cafés, bakeries, traditional pubs, restaurants and independent shops, with Cornish pasties, seafood and local produce among the regional specialities. Spring through early autumn is particularly pleasant for exploring the mining heritage and nearby coastline. The area can also be interesting outside the main tourist season for visitors interested in industrial history and walking. Redruth is a practical base for travelling between Truro, Falmouth, St Agnes and the north Cornwall coast.