Grime's Graves - prehistoric flint mine 

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 flintlock muskets. 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?

Dates	Opening Times	Opening 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.

Details:

No entry to the mines for children under 5 years of age

How much does it cost?

Adult:

£2.90

Children:

£1.50

Concession:

£2.20

English Heritage Members:

Free

Other:

Family Ticket: £7.30

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:

Burton’s 200 Thetford – Newmarket, alight SantonDownham; then 2 miles

Telephone:

01842 810656

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:

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.