Special Access behind-the-scenes tours at Kresen Kernow

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Kresen Kernow, offering rare access to our secure strongrooms where over 1.5 million historic documents are carefully preserved. Usually unseen by the public, these spaces reveal how Cornwall’s archives are stored and cared for, and offer a unique glimpse into its rich documentary heritage.

Following the tour, there will be an opportunity to explore a curated selection of original documents, photographs and personal collections connected to this year’s theme, Everyday Histories. These highlight the lives of people across Cornwall, from the challenges of mining—captured in early underground photography by J.C. Burrows—to fishing and oyster harvesting traditions.

You’ll also encounter stories of women’s work during the Second World War, insights into school meals and household costs in the 1960s, and the role of choirs and brass bands within communities and workplaces. Material linked to Holman Brothers of Camborne sits alongside personal stories, including that of Cornwall’s first female ambulance driver from Wadebridge.

Together, these records offer a rich and engaging insight into everyday life in Cornwall’s past.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

10am; 1.30pm

Tuesday 15 September:

10am; 1.30pm

Thursday 17 September:

10am; 1.30pm

Location & directions

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. Please note, Kresen Kernow does not have a fire lift, but two fire refuges are located on the first floor.

Contact on day:

Deborah Tritton

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Due to popularity, booking your free place is via our Ticket Tailor event page. Ticket spaces open on Monday 17 August at 8am.

Booking contact name:

Amanda Crago

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://buytickets.at/kresenkernow/2264171

Alternative booking website:

https://kresenkernow.org/events/

Booking opens:

17 Aug 2026 08:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2026 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, with a fully-equipped Changing Places toilet 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. Please note, Kresen Kernow does not have a fire lift, but two fire refuges are located on the first floor.

Additional information

Refreshments available at the Arch Café (payable separately)

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results