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Grime's Graves - prehistoric flint mine

Grimes Graves
Aerial view. (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
Ceremony at Grime's Graves, reconstruction drawing by Peter Dunn. Late Neolithic. - Ceremony at Grime's Graves, reconstruction drawing by Peter Dunn. Late Neolithic. (c) Grimes Graves - Aerial view. (c) Interior - Interior (c)

Grime's Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. A grassy lunar landscape of over 400 shafts, pits, quarries and spoil dumps, they were first named Grim's Graves - meaning the pagan god Grim's quarries, or 'the Devil's holes' - by the Anglo- Saxons. It was not until one of them was excavated in 1870 that they were found to be flint mines dug over 5,000 years ago, during the later Neolithic and early Bronze Ages.

What the prehistoric miners sought here was the fine quality jet-black flint 'floorstone', which occurs some nine metres below surface level. This was prized as an easily 'knapped' material for axes and other tools - and much later elsewhere for well-sparking musket flints. Digging with red-deer antler picks, they sank shafts from which radiated gallery-tunnels, following the seams of flint. Today visitors can descend 9 metres (30 ft) by ladder into one excavated shaft an unforgettable experience.

The small exhibition area illustrates the history of this fascinating site.

Set amid the distinctive Breckland heath landscape,Grime's Graves is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the home of a wide variety of plants and fauna.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1-31 March 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am -5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov - 28 Feb Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£1.50 until 31 Mar 2010 / £1.60 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£2.60 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.70 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £7.50 until 31 Mar 2010 / £8.00 from 1 Apr 2010
Details:
No entry to the mines for children under 5 years of age

How do I get there?

Address:
Norfolk - IP26 5DE
Road Access:
Located 7 miles NW of Thetford off A134
Train Access:
Brandon 3 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
Mulleys 200/1, 333 Thetford - Brandon, alight Santon Downham; then2 miles
Map Location:
Telephone:
01842 810656

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Shop Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free parking for 3 coaches
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours
Guided Tours:

Discover Grime’s Graves
A guide helps to interpret the spectacular landscape at Grime’s Graves, helping to show how it reflects the ancient industries which were practiced here as long as 5000 years ago & the many theories which were put forward as to what the enigmatic earthworks were before their correct identification in the late 19th century. Tour includes admission to the Public pit at Grime’s Graves, via a 9 metre (30’) ladder.
Visitors are advised to wear ‘sensible’ shoes as the tour covers some areas of rough ground. There are no toilet facilities on the site. Under 5’s are not permitted in the public pit.

Duration: 1hour – 1hour and 20 mins

Price: Included in normal admission price

Minimum-maximum pax:  11-30

Advance booking required: YES – 2 weeks

Call to book: 01842 810656 

Further Info

Dogs on leads only in restricted in areas
Disabled access (exhibition area only; access track rough). Dogs on leads (restricted areas). Visitors intending to descend the shaft should wear flat shoes.
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