While the name may suggest it’s a burial site, Grime’s Graves is not about death or ghosts. It is the only prehistoric flint mine in Britain that is open to visitors.
During your visit, you will be able to see an exhibition and descend into one of the mine shafts. Let me tell you more about Grime’s Graves and why you need to check out this unique ancient site.
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About Grime’s Graves
Grime’s Graves is the largest of only ten known prehistoric flint mines in England and also a Site of Special Scientific interest. The mining created an unusual chalk landscape in the sandy area which has become an important habitat for rare plants and fauna.
The mound that gives the site its name, Grimshoe Mound, was believed by the Anglo-Saxons to be the burial mound, or “hoe,” of their god Woden, also known as Grim. “Graves” was the word used at the time for hollows or earthworks, which is how the wider landscape came to be called Grime’s Graves. From around AD 939, the mound became the meeting place for a local “Hundred,” a group of 16 parishes who gathered there to settle disputes.
The History of Grime’s Graves
Human life at the Grime’s Graves site dates back 8,000 to 10,000 years, long before the first mines were dug. During the Mesolithic period, hunter-gatherers lived in the densely wooded landscape in the area. Evidence of their activity was found in two possible hearths and several flint tools.
Around 2650 BC, at the same time stones were being raised at Stonehenge and Avebury, flint mining began at Grime’s Graves. There are 433 known pits across the site, with estimates suggesting there could be as many as 1,000 more scattered through the surrounding forest. The miners dug shafts to reach the best flint, which was easy to recognise because of its deep black colour, compared to the grey or white of surface flint.
They used tools made from deer antlers, ox shoulder blades, and flint axes to extract it, and built timber platforms partway down the shaft as staging levels to make it easier to get the heavy rock out. It’s estimated that between 16,000 and 18,000 tonnes of flint were mined here in total. The fine black flint from Grime’s Graves would be traded over long distances through the extensive trade networks in operation at the time.
Excavations at Grime’s Graves
The earliest excavations took place in 1852 and 1866, but not much is known about them. The most significant early excavation was led by Canon William Greenwell between 1868 and 1870, in the pit that now bears his name. Digging deeper than earlier archaeologists, Greenwell was the first to realise that the hollows across the site were the result of prehistoric flint mining, rather than burial mounds as the name suggested. His discovery of a greenstone axehead allowed him to date the mine to the Neolithic period.
Greenwell’s Pit is the oldest, deepest, and best preserved pit excavated so far at Grime’s Graves. It was reopened between 1974 and 1976 by the British Museum and the Dutch Geological Society, who found the carefully buried remains of a Neolithic dog in one of the galleries, quite possibly someone’s beloved pet. The pit itself is not generally open to the public, though access can sometimes be arranged for specialist groups. A board beside the pit has a QR code for a virtual tour that any visitor can take using their own phone.
Later, in 1914 and 1915, excavations were done on Pits 1 and 2 by A.E. Peake to investigate the possibility of flint mining before the Neolithic period. Pit 2 produced some of the most intriguing finds at the site, including 118 sherds of highly decorated pottery, almost 100 antler picks, and mysterious graffiti carved into the walls whose purpose is still unknown. Traces of hearths, burned material, and animal bones suggest feasting or sacrifices may have taken place as the mine was closed.
Then in 1939, Leslie Armstrong excavated Pit 15 to try to find earlier origins for the site, and discovered the chalk goddess as part of a ritual group of objects, alongside a phallus and cup carving and an altar with seven antler picks. The discovery proved controversial from the start. Armstrong’s fiancée, Ethel Rudkin, carved a copy of the figurine on the very day it was found, which led to a bitter argument and reportedly ended their engagement. No similar figurines from the Late Neolithic period have ever been found in Britain, and the carving bears a closer resemblance to much earlier Palaeolithic styles, so debate over its authenticity continues to this day. The chalk goddess is now part of the British Museum’s collection.
Further excavations were done in the early 1970s using the latest scientific techniques. They showed Middle Bronze Age activity at the site along with Iron Age burials in the upper fills of some shafts. Recent geophysical surveys suggest that the mines covered a much greater area than the earthworks that are visible today.
Visiting Grime’s Graves
When you arrive at Grime’s Graves, head to the visitor centre where you can check in or purchase your ticket. It has two rooms, a gift shop and exhibition.
The exhibition is a good introduction to the site and includes information about Neolithic mining, a virtual tour of the mines and landscape, and reproduction Neolithic tools that you can touch. You can also learn more about the discoveries that have taken place at Grime’s Graves.
Before heading to the mine shaft, take some time to follow the family trail around the site. Despite the name, this isn’t just for children, anyone will enjoy it, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete. Information boards along the route cover everything from the site’s flint and folklore to its Bronze Age and Iron Age history. When we visited in late June, the wildflowers were lovely, with plenty of butterflies and bumblebees about. Please note the trail crosses uneven, grassy terrain and is not wheelchair accessible.
Once you’ve finished the trail and the exhibition, you can head to Pit 1, now housed in a permanent building a short walk from the visitor centre.
Before you are allowed to go down in the mine, you will need to put on a safety helmet and get briefed on safety procedures. The stairs are steep so they recommend that you go down backwards.
When we visited in 2022, I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement they made with the new stairs. The old stairs were more of a ladder and quite scary for me. The new stairs are metal with handrails on both sides and felt much safer.
Note: Even with the new stairs, kids need to be at least 7 years old to go down in the mine shaft.
Once you reach the bottom, take your time and look around. It was bigger than I expected. You can see the entrances to six horizontal galleries that would have linked to at least five adjacent shafts. A film projection show down in the pit brings the site’s history to life.
Down in the pit, it is noticeably colder than above ground. You should bring a jacket even when you visit in the summer.
When you are ready, make your way back up the stairs. Then you can take some time to relax at one of the picnic tables and appreciate the landscape. You are welcome to bring your own food or pick up snacks and ice cream from the gift shop.
Find out more about visiting Grime’s Graves.
How to Get to Grime’s Graves
Grime’s Graves is located 7 miles northwest of Thetford off the A134. It is signposted, just look for the brown signs.
It’s easiest to drive to Grime’s Graves since the closest train station is Brandon 3.5 miles away. From there you would have to either walk or take a taxi.
Things to Do Near Grime’s Graves
Since it doesn’t take very long to see Grime’s Graves, you could combine your visit with some other nearby attractions to make a day out of it.
Thetford
The town of Thetford was an important place from the late Iron Age through medieval times. Today, you can go to museums, a castle, a priory, and more. If you are interested in history, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Find out more in our guide to the best things to do in Thetford.
Thetford Forest
With 18,730 hectares of pines, heathland and broadleaves, Thetford Forest is the UK’s largest man made lowland forest. You can easily spend a whole day here walking, cycling, picnicking, and visiting several popular attractions like Go Ape, High Lodge, and Lynford Arboretum.
Wayland Wood
Wayland Wood may be best known as the setting for the Babes in the Wood children’s tale, but don’t let that scare you away. It is free to visit and there is a short circular walk through the woods. During the spring, it’s one of the best places to see bluebells in Norfolk.
Read our guide to Wayland Wood here.
Grime’s Graves FAQs
Opening hours and dates vary by season, so check the Grime’s Graves website for the latest information before you visit. Please note the site closes for several months over winter.
Prices vary depending on the date of your visit, with standard, saver, and super saver rates, so it’s a little more expensive on summer weekends, for example. Booking online in advance gets you the best price, so it’s worth checking the English Heritage website for the most up to date prices before you go.
Like other English Heritage sites, Grime’s Graves is free for members. Learn more about English Heritage membership.
It’s best to book online in advance here to avoid disappointment and save a little money, but most likely tickets will be available on site the day you visit. Note that sometimes as a remote site they have internet issues and are not able to accept credit cards.
It is excellent for kids that are 7 or older. They need to be 7 to go down into the mine shaft.
The site has lots of space for kids to run around. They allow you to play ball games or even fly a kite.
If you need more suggestions for family-friendly attractions, check out our list of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids.
Yes, dogs are allowed on leads. Keep in mind they won’t be able to go down into the mine shaft with you, as the stairs are too steep, so you’ll need to take turns if you’re visiting with both dogs and family.
They have a car park that will fit around 50 cars on site. There is no charge for parking.
No, but they do have a vending machine which sells tea, coffee and hot chocolate. During the summer months, they have a small selection of snacks and ice cream available for purchase.
You are also welcome to bring your own food to enjoy on site. There are picnic tables by the visitor centre.
While there is a ramp to access the visitor centre that has the gift shop and exhibition, the mine shaft is not accessible for wheelchair users, the only way down is the steep stairs. The family trail also crosses uneven, grassy terrain and is not wheelchair accessible.
I would allow around an hour and a half to see the exhibition, follow the family trail, and go down in the mine shaft.
Yes, it’s a unique experience to be able to go into what was a prehistoric flint mine. The exhibition is also informative. Also, keep in mind, if you are an English Heritage member you can visit for free.
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