Best attractions and places to see around Lezant, a village in east Cornwall, offer a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Situated in a tranquil rural setting, portions of the area fall within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The River Tamar forms the parish's eastern boundary, with the River Inny bordering to the south and west, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Wheal Anna Maria – a copper and arsenic mine – covered 3.2 hectares and had over 6,850 cubic metres of arsenic flues! It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! Her main workings were on the ‘Main Lode‘ (the largest sulphide deposit in southwest England). When its rich copper waned, Devon Great Consols became the largest arsenic mine in the world because the margins of the copper-rich lode were dominated by arsenopyrite. In 1860 the copper lode at Anna Maria was up to 45 feet wide and yielding up to 80 tons per fathom, but by around 1880 the copper boom was over. Thankfully, arsenic production sustained the mine into the 1900s, until the company folded. Arsenic ore, unlike copper ore, was refined on site using the ‘calcination’ process – and at Wheal Anna Maria they yielded over 72,000 tons of refined arsenic! – Whoop!
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Please note: Bodmin Moor is notorious for its changeable weather conditions, so please bring suitable clothing as the location is remote and very exposed.
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This landmark is located next to the Cheesewring Quarry (which provided the granite cladding for the structure of Tower Bridge in London) and is surrounded by other granite formations. In the late 19th century, this landmark was threatened with destruction due to its proximity to blasting operations, but was saved through local activism.
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Three beautiful Neolithic or Early Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line, a unique grouping in England. The Hurlers Stone Circles are probably the best examples of ceremonial circles in the South West. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hurlers-stone-circles/
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Kit Hill sits high above the Tamar Valley, overlooking the river and the valley it formed. The hill boasts a wide array of history, including 18 burial mounds, neolithic and bronze-age barrows, as well as pointers towards Cornwall's more contemporary mining history.
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The Hurlers are three stone circles on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Legend has it that these were Cornish Hurler players, caught out on a Sunday and punished. They are thought to date to between 2,100 & 1,500 BCE.
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The Cheeswring is a granite tor on the south-east edge of Bodmin Moor. It's a naturally formed structure, although the local legends say it was formed in a contest between giants and saints. Granite from the quarry below was used to clad Tower Bridge.
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Wheal Anna Maria was originally a copper and later an arsenic mine. The biggest arsenic mine in the world. The ruins you can see are from the arsenic calcining complex where the arsenic-ore was crushed then roasted (calcinated). The white powder of arsenic would coat the walls of the flues and be scraped off by men and children. They were protected from the extremely toxic poison only by cotton wool in their ears and noses and rags covering their mouths! They even had to scrape the white powder off their boots before going home.
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Lezant is nestled within the beautiful Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering scenic views along the River Tamar and River Inny. You can visit the historic Greystone Bridge, a 15th-century arched stone bridge, and the adjacent Greystone Quarry, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Further afield, explore the distinctive granite formations of The Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor, or enjoy panoramic views from Kit Hill Trig Point.
The area around Lezant is rich in history. You can explore the ancient The Hurlers Stone Circles on Bodmin Moor, dating back to between 2,100 and 1,500 BCE. Visit the scheduled ancient monument of Trecarrel, which includes a Neolithic camp, Bronze Age burial site, and the impressive Great Hall. The St. Briochus Parish Church in Lezant itself features parts from before 1336 and 15th-century architecture. Additionally, the region's mining heritage is visible through sites like the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex and South Phoenix Mine Ruins.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The The Hurlers Stone Circles offer an engaging historical experience for all ages, with legends about players turned to stone. Exploring the natural formations of The Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor can also be an exciting adventure for children.
Lezant and its surroundings are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, mountain biking, and road cycling. For specific trails, explore the MTB Trails around Lezant, Running Trails around Lezant, or Road Cycling Routes around Lezant. These guides offer various routes, including moderate mountain biking trails like the 'Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop' and running routes such as the 'Tregoiffe Wood loop from Lezant'.
The best time to visit Lezant and its attractions is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and more conducive for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. This period also allows for better enjoyment of the natural landscapes and historical sites.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from locations like Kit Hill Trig Point and The Cheesewring. The rich history, particularly the ancient stone circles and mining heritage, also captivates many. The tranquility of the rural setting and the opportunities for exploring unique natural formations are often highlighted as key attractions.
Beyond the well-known sites, consider exploring the Greystone Bridge and its adjacent quarry for a blend of history and geology. The ancient monument of Trecarrel, with its Neolithic and Bronze Age history and the impressive Great Hall, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past away from the more crowded spots. The local community events, such as the Lezant Lunch Club or Horticultural Show, can also provide a unique insight into village life.
The mining ruins, such as the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex and South Phoenix Mine Ruins, are remnants of Cornwall's significant 19th-century copper and arsenic mining industry. These sites are part of Cornwall's World Heritage Site, showcasing the region's global impact on metal extraction. They offer a poignant look into the industrial past and the lives of the miners.
Yes, a hike from the village of Minions on Bodmin Moor can take you through areas rich in history. This includes the prehistoric The Hurlers Stone Circles and the ruins of the mining industry, such as the South Phoenix Mine Ruins. These routes offer a comprehensive journey through the area's ancient and industrial past.
Public transport options directly to all attractions around Lezant can be limited due to its rural setting. While some bus services may connect Lezant to larger towns like Launceston, reaching specific sites like those on Bodmin Moor or more remote historical locations often requires personal transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance if relying on public transport.
For more details on local community events and general parish information, you can visit the Lezant Parish Council's official website. Specific information about local attractions can be found at lezantparishcouncil.gov.uk/local-attractions, and general parish news is available at lezantparishcouncil.gov.uk.


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