Cornwall Heritage Trust

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Cornwall Heritage Trust

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The independent charity protecting Cornwall's heritage for everyone. That’s where Cornwall Heritage Trust comes in.

All over Cornwall, there are heritage sites that are uncared for and at risk – some that are even lost forever. There are Cornish traditions, ranging from gig building and wrestling to shanty singing and dancing, which need our support to flourish. Cornwall is incredibly special and we need to connect people with its landscape, traditions and communities to keep its story alive. We protect 13 of Cornwall’s most iconic and important historic sites such as Treffry Viaduct, Castle an Dinas, the Hurler Stone Circles, and Sancreed Beacon, which are all open to the general public and free to enter. We run a highly successful education programme, offer support to other heritage organisations and provide school transport grants, which enable children to visit ancient sites, museums and historic properties across Cornwall. Cornwall Heritage Trust is a small independent charity and it’s because of our members and generous donations that we can continue this vital work. There are individual, joint, family and concession memberships available starting from just £15 a year, and your support means we can help Cornwall’s heritage flourish and offer universal access to some of its most special places.

02/11/2026

“If our heritage is allowed to decay, it cannot be replaced. It is important to act now to protect what has survived this long.” - CHT Member

Tucked down winding country lanes, hidden in leafy valleys and standing on windswept hilltops, prehistoric stones and ancient monuments have silently watched over Cornwall for thousands of years.

These places brought people together and today they’re still doing just that.

They’re living landmarks that carry Cornwall’s story forward, but without our help these remarkable sites could be lost forever.

If we don’t protect Cornwall’s heritage…

• Gates are locked and footpaths become overgrown.
• Unchecked vegetation pulls apart monuments and forces wildlife to flee.
• Stories are forgotten and never told again.

That’s why our members, donors and supporters are so important. Because of you, Cornwall’s historic places are safe in our hands – so they can be enjoyed today and protected for the future.

How many Cornwall Heritage Trust sites have you visited?

Let us know in the comments.

31/10/2026

Want to be spirited away this weekend?

When thick mists descend and the nights grow long, Cornwall's ancient stones and abandoned engine houses seem at their most mysterious.

Hidden down country lanes, tucked into valleys or sitting quietly on hilltops, they hold stories of the people who lived, worked and dreamed here long before us.

Visit them and you'll discover:
• Forgotten monuments standing watch over the landscape�
• Tales filled with giants, knockers and piskies�
• The feeling that someone once stood where you are now many centuries ago

We're proud to protect these atmospheric places and bring them to life for future generations.

Because heritage isn't just about the past. It's about what we choose to pass on.

Tell us your favourite site to visit as autumn's darker days descend.

30/10/2026

Want to explore a beautiful stretch of historic Penwith moorland with professional archaeologist Dick Cole?

Only a few places remain for our Sancreed Beacon guided walks next week!

Date: Wednesday 4th November�Time:
Two separate sessions available. Choose either:
• 10.30am – 12noon
• 2pm – 3.30pm

Location:
Sancreed Beacon, Sancreed, Penzance, TR20 8QT�What3Words: ///lows.button.riverboat
Price: £12 per person

Parking: Free parking available at site.

Sancreed Beacon’s spectacular views and natural resources have drawn people to it for thousands of years, leaving behind a fascinating story etched into the landscape.

From providing shelter for prehistoric farming communities, to helping relay vital messages during the Napoleonic Wars, to supporting Cornwall’s tin mining industry, this windswept hilltop near Penzance has played an important role through the ages.

Join Dick to explore a remarkable collection of historic remains and discover how archaeologists interpret these features to uncover the stories of the people who once lived and worked here.

Expect Bronze Age burials, hidden mining remains, tales of beacon lightings, breathtaking views and, if you’re lucky, the chance to meet the Dartmoor ponies, who now help us manage the site.

All proceeds support Cornwall Heritage Trust, helping to keep Cornish heritage alive for future generations.

Book your places here https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/events/

28/10/2026

“This was the land of my content.”

Cornish historian, poet and author A. L. Rowse – one of the earliest supporters of Cornwall Heritage Trust – understood how deeply our historic places shape Cornwall’s identity.

He was a founding member of our charity and left us a legacy to secure the future of Treffry Viaduct.

From prehistoric monuments and medieval chapels to stories, traditions and landscapes, every generation plays a part in protecting what makes Cornwall unique.

We’re proud to be part of that story.

And we’re grateful to everyone who helps keep Cornwall’s heritage alive – through membership, donations, volunteering and community support.

What do Cornwall's ancient places mean to you?

Find out more about how to support Cornwall’s heritage here https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/

Photo credit:
A L Rowse with a standing stone, 1941.
GE/2/E/2499 George Ellis Photography Collection © Kresen Kernow

26/10/2026

Our work isn't just about protecting ancient places. It's about bringing together the people who care for them.

Every Thursday, our Hardy Bunch volunteers head out into the landscape to help care for some of West Penwith's most remarkable historic sites. As you can see, they’ve been very busy recently.

From revealing hidden archaeological features to improving access and caring for important habitats, their work helps protect Cornwall's heritage for future generations.

But the impact goes far beyond the sites themselves.

These weekly sessions create opportunities to build friendships, learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors and feel part of something meaningful. In rural communities, where isolation can be a real challenge, that sense of connection and purpose matters.

By protecting Cornwall's heritage, we're also helping people connect with each other and the places around them.

Next time you visit one of our sites, take a moment to appreciate the volunteers who help keep them special.

24/10/2026

Want to walk in the footsteps of giants and be rewarded with a breathtaking view across Mount’s Bay?

Climb to the top of Tregonning Hill near Helston and you’ll get just that.

The summit is crowned by an ancient hillfort known in legend as Castle Pencaire – the home of giants. With views like this, it’s easy to see why people have been drawn here for centuries.

Visit today and you’ll discover:
• An ancient hillfort rooted in folklore
• Wildlife thriving beside archaeological remains
• A panoramic view that never fails to take your breath away

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d be lucky to find it. Once you do, we’re sure you’ll want to climb to the top time and time again.

Save this for your next adventure and tag someone you’d bring with you.

21/10/2026

Autumn's darker days have a way of drawing us back to firelight and old stories. If your kids love a bit of campfire magic, Allantide is waiting this half term.

Considered by many to be Cornwall's answer to Halloween, Allantide is a celebration shaped by generations of stories, customs and folklore.

Join us beneath our large canvas Scout Tent below Tregonning Hill for an afternoon of apple roasting, spellbinding storytelling and creative activities inspired by centuries of Cornish tradition. Gather around the campfire, discover the tales and superstitions linked to this special time of year, and share in a celebration that has brought people together for generations.

All activities are free, there's no need to book, and you don't need to be members.

Come along and embrace the turning of the year with a touch of old Cornish magic and mystery.

Date: Wednesday 28th October
Time: 11am–2pm
Location: Tregonning Hill Field, Balwest, Helston, TR13 9TE

Price: FREE

This event is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Would you like a reminder nearer the time? Register your interest via the Wasson link in our bio.

19/10/2026

What if heritage could help young people feel more confident, curious and connected to the place they call home?

Our Education Programme does just that, giving students the chance to explore Cornwall’s incredible heritage in a way that’s fun, hands‑on and genuinely good for them.

Led by a former history teacher with 25 years of experience, students get inspiring learning experiences, wellbeing moments, and a deeper connection to their roots – all free of charge thanks to our supporters.

This summer, students from Humphry Davy School spent four days on an 'Archaeology Safari'. They handled historic objects, photographed archaeological features and even learned to scythe with our Rangers – discovering that heritage isn’t just old stones.

It’s alive, exciting and part of their story.

Who helped you discover Cornwall when you were young?

17/10/2026

This windswept hilltop near Penzance holds centuries of stories waiting to be discovered.

From providing shelter for prehistoric farming communities, to helping relay vital messages during the Napoleonic Wars, to supporting Cornwall's tin mining industry, Sancreed Beacon is a beautiful stretch of historic moorland that has been shaped by generations of people who lived and worked here.

Want to discover more? Now is your chance to take a closer look at this ancient place with professional archaeologist Dick Cole as your guide.

Together you'll explore a remarkable collection of historic remains and learn how archaeologists piece together the stories of the people who once lived and worked here.

Expect Bronze Age burials, hidden mining remains, tales of beacon lightings, breathtaking views and, if you're lucky, the chance to meet the Dartmoor ponies who now help us manage the site.

Date: Wednesday 4th November

Time:
Choose from two sessions:
• 10.30am – 12noon
• 2pm – 3.30pm

Location:
Sancreed Beacon, Sancreed, Penzance, TR20 8QT
What3Words: ///lows.button.riverboat

Price: £12 per person
Parking: Free parking available at site

Book your place here https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/events/

15/10/2026

We know. We know. It's only October and we're talking about Christmas.

But as Cornwall's historic places take on their autumn colours, we're reminded of just how much there is to celebrate and protect.

From locally made homewares and exclusive wildflower gifts to memberships and festive decorations, there's something for everyone, and it all helps protect Cornwall's heritage for future generations.

(And yes, the Porcelain Choughs are back... Get them while you can!)

Happy shopping!

Shop here: https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/shop/

Address

G03 The Percy Williams Building, Krowji, West Park
Redruth
TR153AJ

Telephone

+441209707008

Website

https://linktr.ee/cornwallheritagetrust

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