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
The processing mill at Force Crag Mine holds the most complete assemblage of metal ore mining machinery preserved in-situ anywhere in England. Although the underground tunnels have collapsed, we would like to give you this rare opportunity to take a look around the processing mill. Come and see how the rock ore being extracted from the mine was turned into the finished product sold to market. A rusty ‘tin shed’ beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity’s impact on the planet. Being the last working mine in the Lake District, having closed in 1991, it has been designated as an Ancient Scheduled Monument and a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Whether for its historical or geological significance, or simply for the views, come and take a look for yourself!
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £5.00 |
The basics
- Suitability
This event is not designed for small children, ages 12 and up welcome!
- 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.
- 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.
- Accessibility
In an effort to make this event more inclusive, we are offering transportation from the parking lot to the mill so please book via the second event page if you require transport. The processing mill is off-grid and so there is neither heating nor lighting. It contains steep narrow staircases, narrow passageways and is dimly lit. A hill must be climbed on gravel paths to access the building.
- Other
This event will go ahead come rain or shine. Tours are an hour long. When you arrive at the mill building you may need to wait 15-20 minutes for the next tour to start. You will not go underground – the tunnels have collapsed and are unsafe. You will get a tour of the mill building. The mill is at the end of 2 miles of unsurfaced track from Braithwaite village (access by foot or bicycle only unless you book with transport through our other event page). There are no shops nearby, bring your own food and refreshments. 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
Community coppicing days
Come and enjoy a day out in the Borrowdale Rainforest National Nature Reserve to help us with coppicing and take home some wood for gardening stakes, firewood or whatever you like.
Force Crag Mine Open Day for GeoWeek (including transport)
Brought to you by the National Trust for GeoWeek. Come and join us for the rare opportunity to explore the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.
Force Crag Mine Open Day for GeoWeek
A rusty ‘tin shed’ beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity’s impact on the planet.
Paddleboard taster sessions
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.