Morwellham Quay and Tamar Valley Trust

Located near Tavistock, in Devon, Morwellham Quay was a large, bustling town in the 19th Century that supported local mines that shipped copper and arsenic. When the mines closed, the town fell on hard times but the now small port has reopened and operates as a historical attraction calling itself a “Working Village, Mine and Craft Centre”.

What is there to do at Morwellham Quay and Tamar Valley Trust?

It is actually now a World Heritage Site and aims to demonstrate to people how life there once was. The staff are all dressed in Victorian costumes and act in their roles in various areas around the town.

You can walk around and soak it all in or you can participate in a wide range of activities which are scheduled at specified times such as demonstrations on mining for copper, blacksmithing and pottery making as well as “lessons” at the schoolhouse. You can also learn about chocolate making, baking and the brewery. These activities are all supervised and led by the very knowledgeable Morwellham staff who make the sessions really interactive.

There are other activities that can be done in your own time including dressing up in Victorian costumes, rope making, panning for gold (always a hit!) and exploring a cargo ship called The Garlandstone. There is a museum a “miner’s cottage” and a small chapel which are all also interesting to visit.

The highlight of Morwellham for most has to be a ride on a copper mine train (you have to buy an extra ticket for this). The journey is really well designed as it takes you along the River Tamar and into an old copper mine. The driver stops in various places to explain things or to show you a diorama of the workers all tying into the story of the miners. If you still have energy left at the end of the day, there is a children’s play area on the way back towards the car park. You can even book a stay as a camper or with your caravan or motorhome.

Important Information Morwellham Quay

Is there food and drink available?

You can take your own food to Morwellham or there is a good selection offered at the town pub: The Ship.

What are the main things to do?

Morwellham is a very indoor/outdoor sort of place so come prepared if it is raining. Many of the activities such as the schoolhouse, pub, history of chocolate, dressing up, etc are inside but things like the mining and blacksmithing demonstrations and panning for gold are outside. This is a real town so you walk along the street from one place to the next. There are toilets and a pub.

What are the ticket prices?

Adults £11.95, Concessions £10.95 (concessions include those over 60, disabled and carers) and Children £9.95 (2 to 17 years (children under 2 years old free, ) Children must have one adult to accompany them. The Mine Experience costs extra (£4.80/£4.50/£3.95 respectively) and takes around 40 minutes.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is free parking.

When are they open?

Morwellham is open for most of the year, they close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.