Exclusive Access behind-the-scenes tours at Kresen Kernow

Join us for a special Heritage Open Days event celebrating Cornwall’s rich architectural history! Go behind the scenes at Kresen Kernow with exclusive tours into our strongrooms—normally closed to the public—and discover how we care for Cornwall’s historic records.

This year’s theme is architecture, and you’ll have the rare chance to see original plans and documents up close, including beautiful drawings by renowned Cornish architects like Silvanus Trevail and George Vaughan Ellis. You'll be able to explore everything from grand country houses, such as detailed plans of the restoration of Lanhydrock House from the 1880s to Post-war Cornish Unit Houses.

See up close documents and plans relating to bridges, viaducts, local chapels and schools, and discover the history about them.

Whether you're a history buff, a budding architect, or just curious about Cornwall’s past, this is a unique opportunity to explore 850 years of stories hidden in the walls of our archive. Perfect for families, curious minds, and anyone who loves a good behind-the-scenes peek!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10:00am, 2pm

Wednesday 17 September:

10:00am, 2pm

Location & directions

Cornwall Council, Kresen Kernow, Little Vauxhall, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1AS

Directions:

Kresen Kernow is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with lifts to all levels and automatic main entrance doors. Accessible toilets are available on both floors, with a fully-equipped Changing Places toilet also available on the ground floor. Separate baby changing facilities are also available on the ground floor. If you are arriving by vehicle, there are six accessible parking spaces at the Tesco side of the building and a level entrance into the building. If you are arriving on foot or wheels, from Redruth town centre, the closest entrance is at the end of the public path which runs through the old brewery site, from Chapel Street to Kresen Kernow.

Contact on day:

Deborah Tritton

Telephone number:

+441872324333

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

TBC

Booking contact name:

Amanda Crago

Booking telephone number:

+441872324333

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kresenkernow/1728651

Alternative booking website:

https://kresenkernow.org/events/

Booking opens:

15 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

15 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Kresen Kernow is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with lifts to all levels and automatic main entrance doors. Accessible toilets are available on both floors & fully-equipped Changing Places toilet also available on ground floor. Separate baby changing facilities on ground floor. Arriving by vehicle: Six accessible parking spaces at the Tesco side of the building and a level entrance into the building. Arriving on foot or wheels: From Redruth town centre, closest entrance is at the end of the public path which runs through the old brewery site, from Chapel Street to Kresen Kernow.

Additional information

Refreshments available at the Arch Café (payable separately)

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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