25 cool things to do in Pool, Cornwall
Early morning, Heartlands, Pool
Evening, Heartlands, Pool
The village of Pool, in between Camborne and Redruth, used to be one of the richest areas in the world, thanks to the mining industry. It’s fallen on hard times now but will rise again. Luckily there’s plenty to do.
1. Walk up Carn Brea hill to the Basset monument and enjoy spectacular views across the north coast
2. See amazing infrared photos of Cornwall’s mining heritage in the lovely Red River cafe in Heartlands
Hold on. Oh yeah, they’re by me. Pictured is the Compressor House, South Tincroft Mine, Pool.
3. Walk the Great Flat Lode Trail
A wonderful 7.5 mile walk that essentially encircles Carn Brea, it takes in many engine houses and, at South Wheal Frances Mine (above), a fantastic complex of buildings. The name Great Flat Lode comes from where (in lodes) and what angle (30 degrees, that’s actually pretty flat) tin was found, after many of the copper mines were closing in the 1860s.
4. Visit Pool Market
A traditional Cornish cultural experience this. Not quite on the same level as Trago Mills but worth a visit.
5. Wear your dressing gown and slippers whilst shopping in B&M
The Guardian recently had an article on how the ‘Dryrobe’ (traditionally a beach accessory for swimmers that is half-towel and half-jacket) has become a high street fashion statement. That’s nothing, Pool women have been wearing their dressing gowns and slippers in the aisles of B&M for years.
6. Go to an event at Heartlands
They have plays, markets, car boot sales, talks, antiques markets and Geek Fest.
7. Have a coffee in Pool’s posh garden centre
Hard to believe but Trevenson Moor Limited is posh and they have a coffee machine. What can I say? I turned fifty and found myself in garden centres at the weekend.
8. Spend some time in the industrial estate
I’m not even joking. There’s hairdressers, roller skating (Rollers Roller Rink), bowling, furniture shops, a charity shop, junk shops, a slate company, an aquarium, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, bike shop, pet shop and lots more besides.
9. Go line dancing at The Heathcoat Social Club
Hard to believe the Wild West is alive and kicking on the other side of Tescos. The club also does salsa dancing and has a psychic medium.
10. Check out the gypsy camp in Boscarn Parc, Tregojorran
One of three official sites in Cornwall for gypsies and travellers.
11. Do a course at Cornwall College.
The famous Camborne School of Mines was once based in Pool.
12. Visit the Pool Innovation Centre.
Wait long enough and they might do something innovative.
13. See the birthplace of Richard Trevithick
Inventor of the first high-pressure steam engine and the first operational steam locomotive.
15. Visit the lovely gardens in Heartlands
16. See where Holman’s Climax factory once was (now B&Q)
Those sniggering at the back – obviously it’s something to with mining, not a condom manufacturer.
Before and after
17. Be appreciative of wastelands and all things abandoned (as I genuinely am)
Because, 1) there’s a lot of them in Pool, and 2) it will all disappear in a blink of an eye and become a hideous car park / retail park / housing development.
18. Go to the free museum in Heartlands
19. Shop at Macsalvors
The name comes from the two Scottish founders who salvaged sunken ships. The business started by buying and selling Ministry of Defence surplus, dismantling and demolition work. They moved into plant hire and were responsible for engineering feats at Goonhilly Earth Station and Eden Project. They now sell all kinds of industrial materials, tools, camping equipment, furniture and clothes. Their backyard is full of amazing rusty machinery, heavy mooring, anchors, a torpedo and a deep sea diving bell.
20. Go swimming in the leisure centre
21. Climb to the top of East Pool Mine (below)
22. See some sculptures of miners on the pavement
23. Skid around in a car park with the kids on a Friday night in your souped up car
24. Design your own house with an architect in Heartlands
25. Go to the launderette
There’s plenty of great things to do just on the edge of Pool too, such as the wonderful Tehidy Woods, Carn Brea castle (now a restaurant), Miss Molly’s Tea Rooms and Krowji art studios.