We have a new benefit to thank our members for their support. They can now receive 50% off entry at PK Porthcurno!
The UK’s only dedicated museum of global communications, PK Porthcurno explores how a once uninhabited valley in Cornwall became the heart of worldwide communications, how it remains so today, and what might happen tomorrow.
Photo Credit – PK Porthcurno
From the invention of electricity and Morse code to fibre optics and future technology, this award-winning museum combines the wonder of science with amazing histories and tales of human endeavour from around the globe, right where the story of communications.
Photo Credit – PK Porthcurno
Porthcurno Valley, or ‘PK’ as it is known in the telegraphic code, owes its unique heritage to the arrival of the first undersea telegraph cable in 1870.
By 1920, PK had become the largest and most important telegraph station in the world, shaping the landscape of the valley and the community that grew up around it. At one time, the whole valley was owned and operated by the telegraph company, and in wartime, Porthcurno was only accessible by special pass. It is now host to fibre optics which carry virtually all our communications today.
Photo Credit – PK Porthcurno
Our members are the reason we can continue our charitable work and that’s why providing benefits like this is so important to us.
In addition to this new benefit, just a quick reminder that Cornwall Heritage Trust members receive discounted or free entry to several heritage sites and museums as a thank-you for their support. These include…
Free Entry
The sites in Cornwall owned and managed by English Heritage
Free entry, plus 75% discount on special event charges
Photo credit – Tim Pearson
Tintagel Castle
Pendennis Castle
Chysauster Ancient Village
Launceston Castle
Restormel Castle
St Mawes Castle
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Free entry on Sunday 8th September 2024 for Awenek! The Great Cornish Heritage Festival
Photo Credit – Keith Larby / Cornwall Heritage Trust volunteer
Awenek! is a one-day festival packed with an array of hands-on activities, demonstrations, re-enactments and performances showcasing everything that makes Cornwall special.
Visitors will be given the chance to explore the gardens and watch demonstrations from artists and traditional craftspeople, take part in heritage activities, listen to Cornish music and enjoy Cornish dancing and storytelling.
Try your hand at Cornish wrestling, have a go at archery, explore an Early Medieval encampment or see the endangered craft of Cornish hedging in action with our friends from CREST. You can even sit back and watch Ed Rowe, ‘The Kernow King’ regale you with stories of Cornish heroes and heroines or cheer on our Cornish warriors in an exciting battle at the end of the day!
Free entry on this day will be granted on presentation of your Cornwall Heritage Trust membership card at the entrance gate, and failure to present this will result in the refusal of entry.
Discounted Entry
Geevor Tin Mine
50% off entry
Photo Credit – Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine was the last mine to work the famous St Just Mining District, the site of the largest number of undersea tin and copper mines in the world. Today, it is a family-friendly multi-award winning heritage attraction and museum and a must-visit location within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Sites.
Cornwall Heritage Trust membership is not eligible for use by school groups at Geevor Tin Mine. Our One Adult Family and Life memberships permit 1 adult and up to 3 children 50% off entry and our Two Adult Family and Joint Life memberships permit 2 adults and up to 6 children 50% off entry. A physical Cornwall Heritage Trust membership card is required to receive discounted entry.
The Vale of Avalon
50% off entry
Photo Credit – The Vale of Avalon
Located near Tintagel, famous for its association with Arthurian legend, The Vale of Avalon is known as the traditional location of Camlann, Arthur and Mordred’s final battle.
Taking visitors on a journey through time involving Arthurian legends, Cornish history and folklore, there is much to explore at the 16-acre site including the 6th-century inscribed ‘Ogham’ Stone, which is a National Scheduled Monument.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
50% off entry
Photo Credit – Wheal Martyn Clay Works
China clay mining has shaped the landscape, lives of people and economy of mid-Cornwall for over 250 years. It is Cornwall’s largest mining industry.
The UK’s only china clay mining museum, Wheal Martyn Clay Works tells the story of this fascinating industry and the people who worked and lived in the shadows of Cornwall’s iconic ‘white pyramids’.
King Edward Mine Museum
50% off Adult Admission
Photo Credit – King Edward Mine Museum
King Edward Mine is the oldest complete mine site in Cornwall and one of only two Cornish tin mines left in the world. Unlike all the other tin mines in the surrounding landscape, it has been unaltered for over 100 years because it was used for teaching practical mining from 1897 until 2005.
The museum has won several awards and there’s lots to explore there including an indoor exhibition, restored machinery and working engines.
