Lansalson Pit View

Standing on the edge of what was once Cornwall's industrial heartland, this viewpoint overlooks the flooded quarry that marks where china clay extraction shaped the landscape for generations. The deep turquoise water below creates an almost tropical scene - a proper contrast to the white spoil heaps that still dot the surrounding countryside.

Walkers and photographers will get the most from this spot, particularly those interested in Cornwall's industrial heritage beyond the usual mining stories. The view stretches across the clay country towards St Austell, giving you a real sense of how dramatically this industry transformed the area. It's free to visit and you can see everything in about 20 minutes, though the light changes throughout the day make it worth timing your visit.

Families staying at East Crinnis Holiday Park or The Meadows Campsite near Penwithick will find this makes a decent short excursion, especially if you're exploring the Eden Project area anyway. Kids might find the strange moonscape landscape fascinating for a while, though there's not much to keep them occupied beyond the initial wow factor. The access isn't brilliant - you'll need to walk a bit from any parking - but it's well worth the effort for anyone curious about how Cornwall's white gold created these alien-looking lagoons.