On a windswept headland near Spanish Town stand the roofless stone walls and tall chimney of an old copper mine. Cornish miners worked the site in the nineteenth century, digging ore from beneath the cliffs and shipping it to Wales for smelting, and the engine house and chimney still dominate the point today. Paths lead around the ruins, and the setting is dramatic, with waves crashing on the rocks below and Tortola, Salt Island and the cays beyond. The site is a national park, run by the National Parks Trust, with a small visitor center that explains the history of the mine and the people who worked there.
The walk is short and mostly flat, but the ground can be uneven and the cliff edges are unfenced in places, so supervise children closely and keep to the paths. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, since there is little shade. Interpretive signs describe how shafts were sunk, how ore was moved and how the mine fared in its short life.
The colorful stains in the rocks, green and turquoise, show the minerals that drew the miners here. Take time to look at the stonework, which was cut and laid by hand, and think about the hard conditions of the workers.
The point is also a good place to watch the sea. Pelicans and boobies fish offshore, and in winter the swell can send spray high on the rocks. The sunset from the headland is lovely, though it is better to arrive in the afternoon and leave before dark, since there is no lighting. Check opening times and any entry fee with the National Parks Trust before you go, as arrangements can change with the season.
Copper Mine Point is near The Baths, so the two combine well. Many visitors tour the Baths in the morning and then drive the short distance to the mine for a quick history lesson before lunch in Spanish Town. Taxis are available from the ferry dock and from hotels, and a rental car gives more flexibility. If you are staying at a resort on the north side of the island, allow time for the drive across, since roads are narrow and winding.
The mine is a reminder that the BVI have a layered history beyond sailing and beaches, from plantation agriculture to mining, shipping and emancipation. Pair it with Mount Healthy's windmill on Tortola for a history day, or visit it when sea conditions cancel a boat trip. Respect the site as a protected heritage place: do not climb on the walls, remove stones or leave litter, and keep to marked paths to protect both visitors and the ruin.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk around nineteenth-century mine ruins on a coastal headland, with interpretive signs and a small visitor center.
Best time
Afternoon, with soft light and sea views, leaving before dusk.
How long
About 45 minutes.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, bring a hat, watch the unfenced cliff edges and check entry arrangements in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A short history and scenery stop on Virgin Gorda.
- Families
- Fine with close supervision near the cliff edges.
- Couples
- Afternoon light and crashing waves.
- Pair with
- The Baths, or lunch in Spanish Town.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
What is Copper Mine Point?+
The ruins of a nineteenth-century copper mine worked by Cornish miners, with an engine house and chimney on a rocky headland.
Is there an entry fee?+
The National Parks Trust may charge a small fee. Check with the Trust for current arrangements.
Is it safe for children?+
Yes with supervision. The ground is uneven and cliff edges are unfenced in places.
How long do I need?+
About 45 minutes is enough for most visitors.
How does it fit with The Baths?+
The two are close, so you can visit both in a morning or afternoon on Virgin Gorda.
