Nenthead Mines 

Welcome to Nenthead Mines

• Nenthead Mines is an historic lead and zinc mining site in the valley of the River Nent at Nenthead, near Alston, in Cumbria, UK. 

• We are in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a key part of the North Pennines UNESCO Geopark. Most of the valley is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and part is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

• There are the remains of over 200 years of mining industry, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing-floors and buildings. 

Our exhibition and Carrs Mine Tours are open for visitors on Public Open Days or by arrangement in advance for Private Groups.

• You are strongly advised to book our guided mine trips in advance rather than turn up and hope to get a mine trip on the day. 

The site is open to visitors to walk around all year at no charge.  

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We are Nenthead Mines Conservation Society

Nenthead Mines Conservation Society owns and cares for the site. Society volunteers look after the site, provide visitor assistance, and support guided trips into Carrs Mine. 

NMCS is a 100% volunteer-run Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered in England, number 1166231.

How to get to Nenthead Mines - SatNav postcode: CA9 3NR

We are in the village of Nenthead, near Alston, in Cumbria. Follow the brown tourist signs on the A689, arriving in the carpark at the big blue "Nenthead Mines" sign.    

Unless guided otherwise, park in the Visitor Carpark and walk up up-stream on the track alongside the River Nent (350m) to the Smelting Mill buildings or go further to explore the wider valley.