Name: Nenthead Mines
Rating: 5.0

Nenthead Mines

Nenthead, Alston CA9 3NR, UK

6-90 Years

Paid

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Contact

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Description

An Underground Adventure – See how people worked in times past, with Geology and Industrial History Nenthead Mines, located near Alston in the North Pennines, is a historic and scenic site that provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's mining past. This remote valley is filled with remnants from the lead and zinc mining industry, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing-floors, and various buildings.

The site is also notable for its rare lichens and plants, which thrive on the metal-rich mine dumps, making it a unique spot for natural history enthusiasts. With much of the valley designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Nenthead Mines stands as a protected historical site, offering visitors the chance to explore both its industrial heritage and natural beauty.

Nenthead Mines Conservation Society is a volunteer charity which owns and cares for the site. Carrs Mine is an old lead and zinc mine which is open to visitors on special days. The NMCS volunteer team provide guided trips into the mine.

If you are looking for Best Caves and Mines in Alston , Cumbria then you can visit Nenthead Mines. Nenthead Mines is one of the places in Alston Cumbria for day out with kids and families. If you are searching for Best Landmarks and Attractions, then you can get all the information here.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Carrs Mine Visits (Open Days): Open Days, offer Carrs Mine trips that last approximately 90 minutes.
- During the trip, you'll explore:
  - Old mining methods
  - The history of the site
  - Geology and fluorescent minerals
- Provide lamps and helmets for all visitors.
- Temperature underground is around 8°C.
- Wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.
- The mine is usually dry, but may be a little muddy in places.
- Children who can walk and climb stairs are welcome
Geodays: An in-depth exploration of the local geology:
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Surface geology and rock studies.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM): Underground study of minerals and faults in Carrs Mine.
Brewery Shaft Visit: After your Carrs Mine visit, take a trip to the Brewery Shaft, which drops 100 meters. It’s a unique and educational experience.
You'll be able to:
- Watch lights switch on down the deep shaft.
- Learn how miners used renewable energy in the past.
Organized Group Visits: Custom group visits to Carrs Mine throughout most of the year, except for July and August.
- A minimum donation of £110 is required to confirm a group visit.
- Availability of a volunteer guide is needed.
- Please contact for more details or to arrange a group visit.
The Mineral Display Collection at Nenthead Mines features a diverse range of fascinating minerals and specimens, highlighting the rich mining history of the region.
They also provide the Assay House Bunkhouse at Nenthead Mines, offering 8 beds on weekends and 12 beds on weeknights, with guests required to bring their own pillows, bedding, and sheets.

Facilities

Parking onsite.
Toilets.
Onsite restaurant and snacks are available.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Open Day Visits: Suggested donation £11 for adults, £5 for children.
Geodays: Suggested donation £17.50 per person.
Organised Group Visits: Minimum donation £110 for groups of 8 or more.
NENTHEAD 200 Anniversary (2025): Celebrate Nenthead’s 200th anniversary on 23rd-24th August 2025 with Carrs Mine trips and enhanced displays.

Pricing URL: http://www.nentheadmines.com

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Opening hours: 10:30 - 17:00 on open days which are very limited.

Address: Nenthead, Alston CA9 3NR, UK

Post Code: CA9 3PD

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

Visit us at Nenthead Smelting Mill, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3NR. Look for large “Nenthead Mines” sign.
Drive through the first car park and follow the byway up the valley.
Parking onsite.