As part of the family holiday programme at East Pool Mine this Easter, staff and volunteers are running hands-on activities on 15 April to find out more about the science behind the great steam-powered pumping and winding beam engines.

During the 19th century Cornwall was the greatest tin-producing nation in the world and East Pool Mine is at the very heart of what is now the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Richard Trevithick, the mining engineer and inventor of the first high-pressure steam engine, was a local hero and inspiration behind this event.

Visitor Services Officer, Anita Pryor, said: "The activities are a chance to try out basic scientific principles in a simple kitchen-sink way that’s also a bit of fun The challenge on the day will be to build the tallest tower, and drop an egg without breaking it."

Families can also follow our brass rubbing trail and carry out inspections in Taylor’s Pumping Engine House.

Anyone who would like to have a go, simply turn up on the day and get stuck in. Normal admission applies, with no extra charge for these activities.