Carn Brea Castle
50° 13' 22" N 5° 14' 43" WCarn Brea Castle is located close to Redruth, on one of the highest land points for several miles.
Carn Brea Castle is a small but imposing 14th century grade II listed castle situated on high land near Redruth.
The castle is decorated in the romantic ideal style of a medieval/gothic castle. It has an irregular layout with four rectangular turrets round a core of the same height and an embattled parapet. The building is built into a large stone outcrop with a steep drop on the rear; Carn Brea means ‘rocky hill’ in Cornish. The building was designed as a hunting lodge rather than a dwelling and measures just 18 metres x 3 metres.
Originally built in 1379, possibly as a small chapel, the site has been built upon numerous times to its present state. Its use as a castle was first mentioned in 1478 as the “Tower Castle owned by Sir John Bassett, Knight.”
Nearby, along the hill’s ridge, stands the 90-foot high granite obelisk known as the Bassett Monument that can be seen for miles on a clear day. On a clear day you can see both the north and the south coasts of Cornwall, one of only a few areas in the county where this is possible.
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- Restaurant
- Dogs allowed (All year)
History of Carn Brea Castle
Carn Brea Castle is a castle located on the top of Carn Brea Hill near Redruth, Cornwall. The castle has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, when the hilltop was home to a hillfort.
In the 14th century, the hilltop was granted to the Basset family, who built a castle on the site. The castle was later destroyed during the English Civil War in the 17th century, and the ruins of the original castle can still be seen today.
In the 18th century, a new castle was built on the site by the local mine owner Francis Basset. The castle was designed by John Foulston and built using locally quarried granite. The castle was used as a hunting lodge and was later converted into a private residence.
During World War II, the castle was used as a lookout post and was equipped with anti-aircraft guns to protect against German air raids.
Today, Carn Brea Castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The castle is also home to a restaurant and bar, and the site is used for weddings and other special events. The hilltop also features several other historic sites, including the remains of the hillfort and a monument dedicated to the mine owner Francis Basset.
Travel / Parking information for Carn Brea Castle
Directions to Carn Brea Castle
Directions from Redruth to the Carn Brea Castle: On Foot: The Basset Monument is a popular walking spot. It's a steep but relatively short climb to the monument from the base of Carn Brea. Walking can take between 30 minutes to an hour depending on your starting point in Redruth and your pace. Public Transport: As of my last update, public buses operate in the area, but you would still need to walk up Carn Brea to reach the monument. Check local bus timetables for the most current information. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes if you're walking. The top provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, so you might want to bring a camera. Check the weather before heading out. The area can be windy and misty.
Parking for Carn Brea Castle
Head southeast on Falmouth Rd/A393 toward Chapel St. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sandy Ln. Turn left onto Carnkie. There is a narrow and bumpy track that leads to the top of Carn Brea, there are limited laybys to park in at the summit, near to the castle itself.