Lynford, near Thetford, Norfolk IP26 5DE

Grime’s Graves Prehistoric Flint Mine

Prehistoric

Source image

8.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Paid

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

Remote countrysideHistory loversFamilies

Why it's Wildland

8.2

More than 430 hollows mark a Neolithic flint-mining landscape. At Pit Number 1, visitors can descend 9 metres into the mine.

This is not simply a prehistoric site to view from above: at Pit Number 1, visitors can descend into a Neolithic mine. Above ground, more than 430 shafts and quarries turn the landscape itself into evidence of an industry that began around 2650 BC.

Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Quirky

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Lynford, near Thetford, Norfolk IP26 5DE

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The experience

Explore the above-ground mining landscape, visit the exhibition and, subject to current access arrangements, descend into Pit Number 1. The official visitor information also describes self-guided trails, an audio guide and a family trail.

Things to do

Descend into Pit Number 1

Enter the mine by descending 9 metres beneath the visitor building. The official listing says film projections introduce the lives of the people who worked here. Children under 7 are not allowed into the shaft; wear sensible flat shoes.

Explore the exhibition

See the exhibition space and handle replica objects relating to the site.

Walk the mining landscape

Follow one of the site's self-guided walking trails through the landscape of shafts and quarries.

Take the audio guide or family trail

English Heritage lists an audio guide and a family trail among the activities at the site. Check current availability on the official visitor page.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours; this is a suggested visit length, not an official duration.

Quick escape: see the mine from above and below

01
Begin at the visitor facilities and look across the landscape of shafts and quarries.
02
Visit the exhibition space and inspect the replica objects.
03
If open and suitable for your party, descend 9 metres into the mine at Pit Number 1.
04
Leave time for the self-guided trails if time permits.

Verified history

The official English Heritage account dates the flint mines to around 2650 BC, in the later Neolithic period. The landscape contains more than 430 shafts and quarries. The name Grime’s Graves was given by the Anglo-Saxons; English Heritage explains it as referring to the pagan god Grim and to pits. In 1870, excavation of one of the quarries identified the site as flint mines. At Pit Number 1, visitors can descend into a mine; the official account describes film projections about the lives of the miners.

Folklore & legend

The name is linked by English Heritage to the Anglo-Saxon pagan god Grim. This is an explanation of the place-name, not evidence that a legend about the site is historical fact.

Hidden details

The pits gave the landscape its name — English Heritage says the Anglo-Saxon name combines Grim, the pagan god, with graves meaning pits or hollows. The hollows visible today are the tops of the mine shafts and quarries.

A descent at Pit Number 1 — The visitor experience includes a 9-metre descent into the mine. Children under 7 are not allowed into the shaft.

When to go

· Not established by the supplied evidence.

No seasonal advantage is established by the supplied sources.

Wear sensible flat shoes for the mine visit, as advised by English Heritage. Check conditions and current visitor information before travelling.

What to look for

01
Look for the many hollows left by mine shafts and quarries, then compare the visible landscape with the underground workings at Pit Number
02
In the exhibition, replica objects offer a closer look at the material culture of flint mining.

The story

Archaeology

Best time to go

Not established by the supplied evidence; check current opening details before visiting.

The supplied evidence does not identify a best season or time of day. Check current opening information before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

History lovers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Lynford, Weeting, Thetford IP26 5DE

Phone

+44 370 333 1181

Website

english-heritage.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 10am-5pm
Tuesday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.4 · 535 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

English Heritage visitor site. The supplied official listing says open daily, 10am–5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm; admission is ticketed. Children under 7 cannot enter the mine shaft. Check current details before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

A wheelchair-accessible car park is listed in the supplied source data. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.

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Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The supplied source data identifies a wheelchair-accessible car park. It does not establish the accessibility of the site, paths, exhibition or mine descent. Children under 7 are not permitted into the mine shaft; sensible flat shoes are advised.

Cost

Paid