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Grime's Graves - prehistoric flint mine

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) English Heritage
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.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
1-31 March 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-5pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Please note last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.    
Details:
No entry to the mines for children under 5 years of age

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.00
Children:
£1.50
Concession:
£2.40
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £7.50
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 plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free parking for 3 coaches
Group Booking:
When visiting with a group it is advisable to contact the property in advance. Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1842 810656
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours

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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