Despite much excitement over the return of Poldark to our TV screens, the mine itself is on the market for £350,000 after going into administration.

Poldark Mine near Helston was rescued from receivers in 2000 by local mining heritage enthusiasts, and is described as a 'Jewel in the Crown of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site' with tours giving an insight into working conditions in 18th and early 19th century tin mines and into Cornwall's geology.

It is the only complete underground mine open to the public in Cornwall and Devon.

The tin mine, museum, visitors' centre and cafe and associated car parking will be sold by Christie and Co, Acting on behalf of joint administrators Hamish Adam & Giles Frampton of Richard J Smith & Co, Insolvency Practitioners and Chartered Accountants for Transcroft Limited t/a Poldark Mine & Heriatge Complex for a guide price of £350,000.

Once the scene of intense industrial activity, the site sits in attractive surroundings and gardens that belie its industrial past.

The site extends to approximately three acres and has “substantial owner's accommodation”, a large restaurant and cafe and a license for civil ceremonies.

Described as offering huge potential for a prospective buyer to develop the business, the tourist destination attracts around 18,000 visitors annually.

Matthew Smith, director of Christie + Co's Exeter office said: “We expect the business to attract a variety of potential purchasers from throughout the UK, including investors and local individuals or residents keen to ensure the continuation of the attraction. We are already receiving interest from local residents and expect the marketing campaign to generate a high volume of interest.

“And with the BBC about to start filming a new adaptation of the 18th century set drama Poldark in Cornwall, the Poldark Mine will have a whole new resonance for visitors, and potential buyers, in the 21st century.”

Deborah Boden, World Heritage Site coordinator, said: “As an attraction within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site (CMWHS), we are saddened to hear that Poldark will be entering into administration, however we will continue to support the site through these difficult times.

“CMWHS tourism initiatives have created greater awareness of and interest in visiting mining heritage sites, and the majority of our partner businesses are reporting impressive growth in visitor income as a result. We would therefore hope that Poldark can be sold as a going concern.”