Delabole Slate Quarry

Delabole Slate Quarry has been in operation for around 1000 years and over 10 million tonnes of slate has been quarried since it was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The quarry is now almost 500 feet deep and over 1.5 miles around. Once the largest man-made holes in Europe, it is an amazing sight to see.

From 1st May to 31st August, a short walking tour will start at 2pm each day Monday to Friday (not bank holidays). You can phone and book or just arrive around 1.45pm and a tour will run. There is a short version at £2.50 but go for the longer tour at £8.00. You will have an overview of the quarry from the viewing platform, then a walk around the works seeing rock cutting, different grades of slate blocks and the age-old skill of hand-splitting roof slates.

An interesting and recommended visit. Note that safety gear is provided and children need to be over 8 years of age.

Delabole slate quarry lies just over the hill opposite the lodge (the windmills you see to the right are on the adjoining Delabole windfarm). However, to reach the quarry don’t take the quickest route as the lane is narrow, windy and steep. Instead, head out on the normal road that goes to Trebarwith Strand/ Tintagel etc and follow the signs for Delabole. There are a few brown signs pointing to the quarry but they are small and easily missed. Head on through Delabole village, turn left at the Spa shop (opposite the Bettle and Chisel pub) into the road called Pengelly. The car park is right at the end.