Redruth

Mining heritage runs through every street corner here, where engine houses dot the landscape like weathered sentinels. Redruth sits at the heart of Cornwall's former tin mining empire, a proper working town that's avoided the tourist polish of coastal neighbours. The streets still carry that honest, industrial character - this isn't chocolate box Cornwall, but it's all the more interesting for it.

Moseley Heritage Museum tells the story brilliantly, housed in what feels like half the town's Victorian buildings. The old engine houses scattered around town are worth seeking out too, particularly the disused one that stands as a reminder of when this place powered much of the world's tin trade. Richard Trevithick's legacy looms large - the mining pioneer who invented the high-pressure steam engine was born nearby.

From here, the coast beckons in every direction. St Ives lies just fifteen minutes north, while Falmouth's maritime charm sits twenty minutes south. The dramatic moors stretch westward towards Land's End, making this an excellent base for exploring without the coastal accommodation prices.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A30 runs right past, and there are proper train connections at both Camborne station and the rather grandly named Moseley Junction stations. The surrounding countryside rolls gently between old mine workings and farmland, crossed by footpaths that lead to some cracking views across the peninsula.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're central enough to reach any corner of Cornwall within the hour, yet far enough from the summer crowds to actually find a parking space. Plus, accommodation costs here won't leave you eating pasties for every meal.