Dark Cornwall, a passion project founded by former startup venture capitalist Rob Vickery, aims to uncover and celebrate the dark and fascinating aspects of Cornish folklore, Celtic history, and the county’s hidden stories.
Vickery, driven by a personal obsession with all things Cornish folklore and mythology, found inspiration for the venture after attending Falmouth University’s Dark Symposium at Bodmin Jail. The event sparked ideas for tackling challenges such as boosting Cornwall’s summer
tourism through dark tourism and reigniting passion for the county’s rich heritage.
Since its launch just seven weeks ago, Dark Cornwall has already made a remarkable impact, drawing global visitors and amassing nearly 1 million views on its content. Social media channels are also nearing 10,000 followers, with daily updates eagerly anticipated by
fans of Kernow’s mysterious history. To mark this success, Dark Cornwall commissioned acclaimed folklore artist Morgana Weeks to create a first-of-its-kind map highlighting the county’s most iconic and lesser-known dark sites. This unique map, designed to encourage
exploration during the atmospheric shoulder months, showcases Cornwall’s haunting beauty. “The response has been overwhelming, and we’re so grateful to see such a growing community of people who share our passion for Cornwall’s mysterious past,” says Vickery.
Dark Cornwall’s mission is bolstered by collaborations with local organizations. Suzie West, Lead Programme Manager for Creative UK in Devon & Cornwall, commented: “Creative UK is excited to be supporting this venture and connecting Dark Cornwall to the talented
creatives in Cornwall that can provide immersive, authentic experiences for visitors. This is much-needed infrastructure in Cornwall, extending the excellent work of recent comparisons to connect local authorities, BIDs, and hospitality venues with creatives. Together, we can
offer a circular economy that fosters collaboration and sustainability during the shoulder months.”
In addition to launching the map, Dark Cornwall is proud to donate all profits from its sale to two local charities: Man Down Cornwall and The Women’s Centre Cornwall in Bodmin. Vickery adds, “These causes are close to my heart, and we’re proud to support them through this project.” Beyond the map, future plans include an animated series in Kerwenek (Cornish) created by local artists, a podcast titled Droll featuring live music and performances, and a pilot dark tourism experience incorporating sustainability and innovative technology. With support from Falmouth University, Creative UK Cornwall, and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Dark Cornwall is poised to become a vital force in preserving and sharing Cornwall’s rich cultural legacy.
For more information, visit darkcornwall.com.
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