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Central Cornwall

Carn Brea Castle

Free

Yes

Yes

No

TR16 6S

General Information

Yes

No Lifeguard Cover

The route and terrain make the visit difficult for wheelchair users. If you’re looking for accessible castle experiences in Cornwall, this one isn’t recommended.

Other activities near Carn Brea Castle

Basset Monument (0.2 Miles)
East Pool Mine (1.0 Miles)
South Crofty Mine (1.3 Miles)
Dolcoath Mine (1.7 Miles)
King Edward Mine (1.9 Miles)

Nearby Beaches

Portreath Beach (3.4 Miles)
Porthtowan Beach (4.5 Miles)
Chapel Porth Beach (5.4 Miles)
Godrevy Beach (6.6 Miles)
Gwithian Beach (6.7 Miles)

Nearby Towns

Redruth (1.1 Miles)
Camborne (2.3 Miles)
Portreath (3.3 Miles)
St Agnes (6.4 Miles)
Penryn (7.2 Miles)

Home > Activities > Carn Brea Castle

About Carn Brea Castle

Set high on the windswept ridgeline above Redruth, Carn Brea Castle rises from the rock as if carved by the land itself. Perched atop the granite spine of Carn Brea hill, this striking 14th century structure is more than just a castle. It is a storybook silhouette etched into the Cornish sky.

Though it has the look of a medieval fortress with turrets, battlements and a commanding view, Carn Brea Castle was never built for battle. It first appeared in 1379, likely as a small chapel, before being reshaped over the centuries into what we see today. Designed as a romantic hunting lodge rather than a residence, the castle measures just 18 metres long and 3 metres wide. Modest in size, but unforgettable in form.

Its walls are anchored into a great granite outcrop, with a steep drop behind it that gives the building an almost impossible edge. Four rectangular turrets frame the central tower, all topped with an embattled parapet that adds to its gothic charm. When sea mist drifts across the hill and the light shifts at dusk, the castle seems to float between worlds.

Its first recorded use as a castle came in the late 15th century when it was known as the tower held by Sir John Bassett. The Bassett family were prominent landowners and mine operators, deeply tied to Cornwall’s industrial rise. Their legacy remains etched into the landscape not only through the castle but also through the Bassett Monument. This 90 foot tall granite obelisk stands just along the ridgeline and can be seen for miles across Cornwall.

From this height, the view is unlike any other in the county. Carn Brea is one of the rare places in Cornwall where both the north and south coasts come into sight. The Atlantic stretches on one side, the English Channel on the other. Fields roll beneath your feet, mine chimneys punctuate the horizon, and gulls ride the coastal winds overhead.

The hill itself has an ancient history. Surrounding the castle are Iron Age ramparts, Neolithic cairns and Bronze Age relics. For centuries Carn Brea has drawn people to its summit, from early settlers to modern travellers. Local folklore even speaks of giants who once ruled from this hill, and standing among the boulders it is not hard to imagine.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Carn Brea Castle at any time as the hill is open to the public year-round. We recommend heading up on a clear day for the best views, when the skies are bright, you can see both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Sunset is especially stunning if you’re up for an evening walk. If you’re feeling hungry after the hike, the castle itself is home to a small restaurant, so it’s worth checking their opening times in advance if you fancy a bite.

Price: Free

Dog Friendly: Yes

Public Toilets: No Public Toilets

Accessibility: No

Is Carn Brea Castle Dog Friendly?

Yes, Carn Brea Castle is very dog friendly, although it’s always best to keep your furry friend on a lead.

Is Carn Brea Castle Wheelchair Friendly?

The route and terrain make the visit difficult for wheelchair users. If you’re looking for accessible castle experiences in Cornwall, this one isn’t recommended.

Is Carn Brea Castle Children Friendly?

Yes, Carn Brea Castle is children friendly so bring your children and enjoy Carn Brea Castle and all it has to offer you.

How do you get to Carn Brea Castle

Once you’re parked at a spot near the Carn Brea Village car park, begin your walk by heading up the clearly marked trail towards the summit of Carn Brea Hill. Follow the main path that winds past the iconic Bassett Monument. From there, continue along the ridgeline and you’ll soon spot Carn Brea Castle perched proudly on the rocks ahead. The route is steep in parts but well worth the effort for the views across both Cornish coasts.

Check your travel time to the property

Nearest Locations

Redruth (1.13 miles)
Camborne (2.29 miles)
Portreath (3.29 miles)
St Agnes (6.43 miles)
Penryn (7.16 miles)

Nearest Beaches

Portreath Beach (3.44 miles)
Porthtowan Beach (4.5 miles)
Chapel Porth Beach (5.42 miles)
Godrevy Beach (6.64 miles)
Gwithian Beach (6.71 miles)

Nearest Activities

Basset Monument (0.21 miles)
East Pool Mine (0.98 miles)
South Crofty Mine (1.29 miles)
Dolcoath Mine (1.71 miles)
King Edward Mine (1.86 miles)

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