City: England
Top Things to do in England
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Top 10 Mines in England, United Kingdom
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in England
1. Graphite Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. King Edward Mine Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
The award winning King Edward Mine Museum which specialises in the mining history of Cornwall. The mine dates from the 19th century and most of the equipment in the mill has been restored to working order.The buildings are all Grade II* listed and are of National importance. The site is part of the World Heritage Area of Cornwall. The Museum is open during the summer - see website for opening times.
Reviewed By Smudgynasher7
Personal 2 hour tour with lots of interesting detail and demonstrations about the tin mining process. Well worth a visit. Probably suit 10 year old plus.
3. Hopewell Colliery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By whiteleybob - Fareham, United Kingdom
Fascinating one hour tour with a short walk down the pit. Very informative and insightful. Couldn’t fault Richard who was our patient guide (and also a miner) - a real character with a great sense of humour. Loved it. Great cafe too.
4. Levant Mine and Beam Engine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 610 reviews
Opened in 1820 and closed in 1930, Levant is one of Cornwall's most famous coastal mines where a good part of the mining operations took place far beneath the seabed.
Reviewed By Digidiverdeb - Holbeton, United Kingdom
What a stunning location and the knowledge of the guides here covering the fascinating history of the people who worked these mines was exceptional and delivered with enthusiasm, thank you National Trust and especially Steve our guide!
5. Geevor Tin Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,277 reviews
This preserved mining site features a museum, underground tour and visitor center all perched on the rugged cliffs of Penwith, offering magnificent coastal views high above the crashing surf below.
Reviewed By GillianP519
I think I have to say that this visit was one of my favourite days of our holiday. We've been to a couple of mines in Cornwall but this one by far had the most to look at, read and learn about. The guys that work here are so knowledgeable and great fun to chat with, the sheer amount that there is to look at is incredible and for me I think the dry room etc was my favourite bit, it's so evocative as it's literally been left exactly as it was the day the mine sadly shut. All their clothes and towels and personal bits were left hanging up and it actually made me feel quite sad that they'd lost what they had. There is so much to see that we split it with a visit to the lovely cafe which has the most amazing views over the sea from full length windows and the food was amazing. Their baguettes are delicious. We then went and wandered the rest of the site and visited the mine. For me the mine was great fun if a little scary but I had expected it to be bigger as Poldark had been. I still loved it and would come back with my other two girls as they missed this trip but the whole family really enjoyed it and it's well worth the money.
6. Honister Slate Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
Honister Slate Mine is a unique award winning experience, England's last remaining working slate mine and England's very first Via Ferrata!! All weather adventures available & activities to suit all ages. Pre-booking is essential!
7. Wheal Betsy Tin Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
8. Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By kaparobi - Reigate, United Kingdom
The museum is very interesting to find out about the geology of the area. Then a short walk up to the machinery for exploring. Followed by a nice little ride on the steam train and some panning for "gold"! Mine tour currently closed for Covid reasons but everything else open and measures in place. A good couple of hours well spent and good value.
9. Peak District Lead Mining Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Currently closed due lockdown - hope to be open every day from the 3rd December. Find out about the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire from Roman Times to the present. Interactive exhibits, mock tunnels and shafts to climb, moving models. The new Matlock Bath Through Time exhibition tells the story of a village that was one of the top Georgian Spas in the country. Then visit Temple Mine and find out what it was really like working underground followed by a try at gold panning. Suitable for all ages. Family ticket £28 (2A and 3C)
Reviewed By Navigate775700
Due to Coronovirus we had a guided tour of the mine just to our little family. Chris, our guide, was really friendly and very knowledgeable on the mine and its operations. After the mine, we did some gold panning and all came away with a little haul of fools gold and amethyst. The museum was great with loads of information about the area and its mining history. Some interactive exhibits for the youngster's too. Its a shame covid has forced them to close the climbing tunnels but perfectly understandable. Great shop as well with loads of rocks and gems available to buy as well as books on mines and the local area. Really friendly staff topped the visit off. Would definitely recommend.
10. Clearwell Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,052 reviews
While discovering the Forest of Dean, go beneath the Forest floor and discover a whole new world. This is a natural cave system mined for ochre pigments and iron ore for over 4,500 years. Nine caverns have now been opened to visitors, with exciting displays, on your journey through. The Lamp Room Cafe serves delicious cakes, soups, coffees and snacks. There's a great Gift Shop with studio ceramics, jewellery, gems and gifts; a picnic and children's play area. The Cafe, Gift shop and play area, can also be visited separately from the Caves. Nice walks over the surrounding common land (Clearwell Meend). Plenty of free parking. Exciting special events through the year, including underground music and theatre. Try the adventure caving, to the lower levels - check website for dates. Discover the Wonder of Under.
Reviewed By powdies - Bristol, United Kingdom
We went on a rainy weekday afternoon in term time and were lucky enough to have the caves to ourselves throughout our visit. A fascinating self-guided tour through tunnels and caves (part natural, part mined) with a history of local iron-mining given on signboards along the route and effective audiovisual effects and display artefacts. The projection mapping at skeleton pool is stunning. The caves were all the more atmospheric for being crowd-free. Cool underground, so sensible shoes and warm clothing required. Well worth the visit.
