Temple Mine
Panning for ‘gold’
After the mine tour you will have the opportunity to try your hand at ‘gold panning’. Using a traditional style pan in water, you can find fool’s gold, galena and a variety of crystals which you can take home with you (but not any real gold!).
Temple Mine is a working 1920s lead and fluorspar mine, just across the road from the Museum. A guide will take you around the mine, providing an authentic insight into life underground.
At Temple Mine you will see:
- Mine workings from the 1920s, 1950s and some that are over 200 years old
- The tools and equipment used by the miners
- A rare 1936 locomotive
- A variety of rocks and minerals
- Evidence of the geological processes that formed the surrounding landscape
Please note that there are some low ceilings, uneven floors and that the mine can be wet, muddy and slippy underfoot .Hard-hats are provided and sensible footwear is recommended.
The Temple mine tour lasts about 1 hour.
Guided Tour Times
Visits to Temple Mine are by guided tour only. Numbers per tour are limited, so please call in advance or arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Tours are at 11am & 1pm on days when the Museum is open. *Please call in advance to check during term time as the mine may be closed due to school visits.*
‘Phone 01629 583834 to book places on a tour.
Please read the information on Accessibility further down the page to prepare for your visit.
Accessibility
The mine is accessed via a short but steep slope. The roof is low in places and there are steps and uneven floors within, which can get wet and slippy. This means that unfortunately it is not fully accessible. However, a DVD of the tour through Temple Mine is available to watch in the museum.
