Open Day at Force Crag Mine for the Festival of Archaeology
Brought to you by National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for the rare opportunity to explore the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.
- Booking not needed
Force Crag Mine was the last working metal-ore mine in the Lake District, closing in 1991, it’s now an Ancient Scheduled Monument and a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. The underground tunnels have collapsed, and this is a rare opportunity to go round the processing mill to see how the rock ore brought out of the mine was turned into the finished product. Force Crag Mine's processing mill holds the most complete assemblage of metal ore mining machinery preserved in-situ anywhere in England. Whether for its historical or geological significance, or simply for the views, come and take a look for yourself!
No need to book: Make your own way on foot or by bicycle and drop in to the mill any time between 10am and 2:00pm. You’ll be able to join the next tour on which there is space. Tours are flexible and run approximately every 20 minutes.
This is a free event, cash donations are appreciated if possible for you as they help us to care for this special place.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £5.00 |
The basics
- Accessibility
The processing mill is at the end of a 2 mile unsurfaced track in Coledale, accessible only on foot or by bicycle. There is no heating or lighting. A steep hill must be climbed on gravel paths to access the building. In an effort to make this event more inclusive, we are offering transportation from the parking lot to the mill from 10am-3pm, with the last trip back at 3pm - no booking needed.
- Meeting point
Force Crag Mine, Coledale, Braithwaite, Keswick What3Words///admire.amounting.martini Please meet us at the mill itself which must be accessed by foot or bicycle.
- Suitability for children
This event is not designed for small children, ages 12 and up welcome!
- What to bring and wear
Please remember that It is always much colder in the mill building than it is in Keswick. Bring warm layers, gloves and a hat. Please bring cash - there's no signal for card payments.
- Other
No refreshments available on site - a shop, cafe and pubs available in Braithwaite village. You will not go underground - the tunnels have collapsed. When you arrive at the processing mill you may have a waiting time of up to 20 minutes before the next tour starts. This event will go ahead if it is raining. There is no parking at the mine - nearest parking is at Braithwaite village school, (£5), CA12 5TD The mill can be a bit tricky to find so if unsure, please search for and download the map for the trail "Miles Without Stiles 30: Braithwaite to Force Crag Mine" on the Lake District National Park website.
Upcoming events
Himalayan Balsam Bash
Join us for a day in the woodlands helping us clear invasive Himalayan Balsam to help give our woodlands a better chance to thrive.
Heritage Open Day at the processing mill at Force Crag Mine
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days, come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.