Living in Camborne

Camborne has a strong sense of local identity, shaped by its mining history and Cornish heritage. The community is warm and welcoming, with various events and festivals throughout the year, the most famous of which is Camborne Trevithick Day, a celebration of engineering history and Cornish culture that attracts thousands each spring. Traditional markets, community centres, and local sports clubs are at the heart of daily life in the town.

The area offers easy access to outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Parks such as Camborne Park and Tehidy Country Park provide green spaces within and around the town. Camborne’s community spirit is evident in its volunteering opportunities, charity fundraisers, and neighbourhood projects, fostering an inclusive, supportive environment.

Camborne, like many Cornish towns, generally enjoys lower crime rates than urban areas elsewhere in England. Most crimes in the area are related to minor anti-social behaviour or property offences rather than violent crime. The town centre has benefited from regeneration efforts, improved lighting, and active neighbourhood policing that work alongside residents to keep the community safe.

Residents consider Camborne a safe place to live, with several neighbourhood watch schemes and community initiatives in place. The wider Camborne and Redruth area is policed by Devon and Cornwall Police, who engage actively with locals to address concerns and provide regular crime updates and support services for vulnerable residents.

Parking in Camborne is generally accessible, with several pay-and-display car parks conveniently located near the town centre and train station. On-street parking is available on many residential streets, with some areas operating residents’ permit schemes to ensure spaces for locals. Camborne is less congested than Cornwall’s busiest tourist areas, though traffic can increase during the summer.

The town benefits from excellent road access via the A30, a major dual carriageway which runs nearby and links Camborne directly with key Cornish and national destinations:

• Redruth – approx. 10 minutes via A3047 (4 miles)
• Truro – approx. 20 minutes via A30 (14 miles)
• Penzance – approx. 25 minutes via A30 (14 miles)
• St Ives – approx. 25 minutes via B3301/A3074 (12 miles)
• Newquay – approx. 35 minutes via A30 (23 miles)

National Express coaches and local bus routes also serve Camborne, making it practical for those who do not drive.

Camborne offers a variety of traditional Cornish pubs, cosy cafés, and takeaways reflecting the town’s community spirit. The John Francis Basset is a landmark Wetherspoon pub in a former cinema, known for its grand architecture. Smaller pubs and microbreweries in the area provide a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

For dining out, you’ll find family-run restaurants serving classic British and Cornish cuisine, as well as several Indian, Chinese, and other international takeaways. Cafés like Trevithick Market Café offer homemade cakes and snacks, popular with both residents and visitors. While Camborne is not a major nightlife hub, there are traditional pubs hosting live music, quiz nights, and local events, while more vibrant nightlife can be found in nearby towns such as Redruth or Truro.

School Quality: Camborne's primary and secondary schools, like Rosemellin Community Primary and Camborne Science and International Academy, are generally well regarded, ensuring families have solid educational options within easy reach.

Parks and Green Spaces: There are ample parks and green areas such as Camborne Park and the nearby Tehidy Country Park, providing space for outdoor play and family picnics, as well as trails for cycling and walking.

Childcare: Multiple nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs operate in Camborne, making early years childcare accessible for working parents.

Safety: Camborne is considered relatively safe, with active community groups and neighbourhood policing contributing to a secure environment for families.

Family Activities: The town hosts family-friendly events like Trevithick Day, summer fairs, and regular activities at community venues. The proximity of beaches and countryside means weekends can be spent exploring Cornwall’s outdoors together.

Camborne is ideal for pet owners, particularly those with dogs, thanks to its many green spaces and proximity to the Cornish countryside. Tehidy Country Park, a short distance from the town centre, is a favourite for dog walkers and nature lovers, with woodland trails and open spaces.

Local vet practices, including Camborne Veterinary Centre and several pet supply shops, provide support for pet health and care. Many local pubs and cafés are pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs, and rental options often cater for those with pets. The nearby north Cornwall coast also offers many dog-friendly beaches, making Camborne suitable for those who value outdoor life with animals.

Camborne enjoys good transport links within Cornwall and beyond. The Camborne railway station sits on the mainline between Penzance and London Paddington, offering direct services to Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, and further afield. Local bus services connect Camborne to nearby villages, coastal towns, and major Cornish destinations.

Road access is convenient via the A30, which is Cornwall's principal trunk road. Cyclists and walkers benefit from local trails and national cycle routes. For air travel, Cornwall Airport Newquay is approximately 45 minutes away by car, providing regional and seasonal international flights.

Commute times to key destinations from Camborne:

• Truro – approx. 20 minutes by train or car
• Penzance – about 20 minutes by train or car
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by train
• London Paddington – around 5 hours by direct train

Primary Schools in Camborne
Camborne offers several primary schools catering to younger children in the town and surrounding areas. Rosemellin Community Primary School is one of the largest, with a reputation for inclusive teaching and a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2019). St Meriadoc CE Infant Academy and St Meriadoc Junior Academy both serve the centre of Camborne, with strong links to the community and positive Ofsted feedback.

Secondary Schools in Camborne
Camborne Science and International Academy is the primary secondary school, known for its STEM specialism and strong results. The school is well regarded locally, with a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2019). Pool Academy, located just a short distance away in Pool, also draws students from Camborne.

Colleges and Further Education
Cornwall College Camborne is the area’s leading provider of further education, offering a wide range of courses for school leavers and adults, including vocational, technical, and apprenticeship programmes. This college is renowned throughout Cornwall and beyond for its historic connection to the Camborne School of Mines (which is now part of the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus).

Universities
While Camborne itself is not home to a university, nearby Penryn (around 14 miles away) hosts the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus and Falmouth University, making higher education easily accessible by car or public transport.