MOSELEY HERITAGE MUSEUM IS JUST OUTSIDE REDRUTH. IT OPENS ON THREE DAYS EVERY WEEK AND IT’S TOTALLY AND UTTERLY FREE. IN FACT, IT’S ONE OF THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL 2023…
A free afternoon looking at locomotive engines in the heart of Cornwall? Sign us up! Moseley Heritage Museum is just outside Redruth and is home to a collection of industrial and mine locomotives, as well as plenty of rail-related equipment. It opens on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, between 1pm and 4.30pm.
Yes, entry is free. And so is the car park. But voluntary donations are welcome to help with the running cost of this unique little attraction. The working engines on show were once used in the nearby South Crofty Tin Mine but they’ve been restored by rail enthusiasts to move along the tracks at the museum. This place offers a glimpse into the great transport machines that used to operate in this rich mining district.
A locomotive ride takes around 10 minutes, transporting visitors to the site’s paddocks to see the horses. There are also vintage model train layouts to check out (like in the photo above). In fact, there are more than 100 Meccano train models with options to operate some of them yourself. Then there are a few galleries with some local mining exhibits and also a canteen that only opens during special events like heritage days. But don’t worry, the attraction runs a fair few special events every year, including Halloween and Christmas.
Moseley Heritage Museum is neither big nor grand. In fact, due to the paddocks, it can get pretty muddy so decent footwear is needed. But there’s plenty of heart here when it comes to the restoration of old locomotives and the desire to give visitors a fun afternoon, learning along the way. So, a free attraction in Redruth where you can ride a wee train and visit the horses? Full steam ahead…