Heartlands has been created to preserve a part of Cornwall's Mining Heritage (now a World Heritage Site). The engine house at the centre of the site has been mothballed since the 1950s when it ceased pumping ( the last steam driven beam engine to work in Cornwall- stopped pumping 1st May 1955 ). Since then the engine house stood in a patch of wasteland and was locked away although in the care of the National Trust. The whole site has now revamped and opened up as a local amenity with free access every day except xmas day, even a tour of the engine house is free although it has to be booked as there only two tours a day and no more than twelve people at a time ( space and safety issuses ). I had a one to one tour as we went on a quiet day. The site now has an exhibition and museum with a 270 degree projection film and slide show. There are gardens representing the places in the world that the Cornish miners emigrated to in the 1860/70s and later when Cornish mining at home collapsed. The usual play area for the kids is also there but again themed to the site . There are lecture areas , a local crafts section , the usual shop and a superb cafe. The site has been called " Heartlands " because it is in the heart of the biggest mining area of Cornwall, this however did raise a few eyebrows as there was a hope that with the rise again of the Cornish language it could have had a name in Cornish or at least a name of a local area but "Heartlands " it is and whatever it is called it is worth a visit if you are ever that way. Google "heartlandscornwall" to have a peek at there website. My pic is what it says on the granite, I took it with POE in mind.

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