Overview

Carnglaze Caverns is an underground slate mine located amongst 8 acres of ancient oak woodland in the steep-sided Loveny Valley in Cornwall. The mine was originally an open-cast quarry, but over 300 years ago, miners dug underground by hand to form three large caverns.

Things to do

The Carnglaze Caverns offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of the mining industry, faeries, and an underground lake. The self-guided tour takes visitors through three underground caves, surrounded by 6.5 acres of lovely wooded hillside. Visitors can marvel at the cathedral-like proportions of the inner caverns and the crystal blue water of the famous underground lake.

Descending a flight of 50 steps, visitors will discover the other two caverns, while the third cavern is now flooded and has become an underground lake. The tour covers a distance of about 150m into the hillside and 60m below ground, with visitors briefed and equipped with a route plan and safety helmet to roam the three caverns freely.

Throughout the caverns, information boards tell the story of Carnglaze and the skill of the miners, while a comprehensive collection of minerals mined and quarried in the southwest is also on display.

The walking tour usually takes 25-30 minutes, with a 20-minute woodland walk to keep kids entertained. After exploring the caverns, visitors can follow the Woodland Walk or wander through the Terrace Garden and up to the Enchanted Dell, where faeries have supposedly been spotted!

Food & Drink

Visitors to the caverns and woods are kindly requested to refrain from taking any food or drink underground. However, they are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds. It is important to remember to take all rubbish away or use the bins provided to keep the area clean and tidy.