Kresen Kernow

Things to do · Redruth

About Kresen Kernow

Kresen Kernow is Cornwall's archive centre, opened in 2019 on the site of the former Redruth Brewery, with its public spaces in the old brewhouse. It holds the world's largest collection of documents, maps, books and photographs about Cornwall's history, around 1.5 million items on more than 14 miles of shelving, including over 100,000 books, 40,000 maps and 220,000 photographs and postcards. Visitors can see changing exhibitions drawn from the collections, and the reading rooms are open to anyone researching family history, local history or the story of a house or parish. The centre also runs talks, drop in creative workshops and family activities through the year, such as summer holiday sessions, and occasional behind the scenes tours of the strongrooms during events like Heritage Open Days. The building is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with lifts to all levels and accessible toilets. It is a good wet weather option in the Camborne and Redruth area, especially for anyone with Cornish roots. Check the website for opening hours and for any booking needed to use the reading rooms.

Good to know

• Opened in 2019 in the former Redruth Brewery
• Around 1.5 million items on Cornwall's history
• Exhibitions, talks and workshops through the year
• Lifts to all levels and accessible toilets

Address: Little Vauxhall, Redruth, TR15 1AS.

Official site: Kresen Kernow website, for opening times and tickets.