Carnglaze Caverns

Carnglaze Caverns are three hand-cut chambers inside a former slate mine in the Loveny Valley, next to the village of St Neot near Liskeard, Cornwall. They are the county's only underground slate mine open to visitors, and combine cool tunnels, a flooded cavern with a clear underground lake and a working concert venue.

What are Carnglaze Caverns?

Slate was first taken from an open quarry on the hillside. Miners later started tunnelling into the slope by hand, and underground work continued, on and off, until the early twentieth century (sources give differing dates, so treat them as approximate). The result is a group of three large linked chambers deep in the hill. The site opened to visitors in 1973.

What will you see inside?

• The upper chamber was used by the Royal Navy during the Second World War to store rum, which is why it is known as the Rum Store. Visitors are told that the bats left the mine because of the fumes from the barrels.
• The middle chamber shows the scale of work by miners who dug the slate without machinery.
• The third chamber is flooded and forms an underground lake with clear blue-green water. This lake appeared on the cover of Echo & the Bunnymen's 1984 album Ocean Rain.

Since 2001 the upper chamber has doubled as an auditorium seating around 400, hosting concerts and private events.

How long does a visit take and what should you know?

You walk into the hillside and go down steps to about 60 m below the surface. The temperature stays near 10°C all year, so bring a light jumper even in summer. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be wet. Numbers in the lower caverns are limited, so booking a time slot is sensible in busy periods. The last tour starts one hour before closing. On days with evening performances the caverns close to day visitors earlier, and private events can occasionally cause closures too. Check the official website for current hours and prices.

How do you get there?

The caverns are close to St Neot in south-east Cornwall, on the edge of Bodmin Moor, postcode PL14 6HQ. Driving from Liskeard or Bodmin is the easiest option, and there is parking on site. Public transport in this area is infrequent.

What else is nearby?

St Neot village is known for its church with medieval stained glass. The Loveny Valley and Bodmin Moor offer walks across moorland and along the river. The caverns fit neatly into a half-day outing around this part of Cornwall.

Frequently asked questions

Are Carnglaze Caverns natural caves?

No. They are man-made chambers created by slate miners working by hand.

Do I need to book tickets?

Entry to the lower caverns is capped, so booking a slot is recommended in season and at weekends. Concerts are ticketed separately.

How warm is it inside?

Around 10°C all year, whatever the weather outside.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, there are child tickets. There are steps and damp ground, so a pushchair is not practical.