English Heritage

The lunar landscape of more than 430 shafts and quarries was first named Grim’s Graves by the Anglo-Saxons – meaning ‘pits of the pagan god Grim’. Only when one of the quarries was excavated in 1870 were they identified as flint mines dug around 2650 BC, during the later Neolithic period.

Today, you can go inside the spectacular building above Pit Number 1 to begin your 9-metre descent into the mine, where film projections immerse you in the lives of the people who lived and worked here.

Above ground in the exhibition, you can handle replica objects and take a virtual tour of Greenwell’s Pit. Then explore the landscape with self-guided walking trails for adults and families.

Please note that children under 7 years of age are not allowed into the mine shaft and visitors are advised to wear sensible flat shoes.