We stayed at Sheldon, a great little place which is a 10 minute walk from Magpie Mine.
1 / 10

Magpie Mine

4.6
·581 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Magpie Mine, a remarkably preserved 19th-century lead mine with a poignant history set on the Peak District moors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, better for photos

CrowdLow
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We stayed at Sheldon, a great little place which is a 10 minute walk from Magpie Mine.

Magpie Mine

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, better for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Magpie Mine, a remarkably preserved 19th-century lead mine with a poignant history set on the Peak District moors.

4.6
(581 reviews)

"A fascinating place with some very good information boards. Easy walk from the parking location."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Park Smartly

Use the layby parking on the opposite side of the mine to avoid farmland and potential bull encounters.

🐕 Dogs on Lead

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead due to livestock.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cornish Engine House

Cornish Engine House

Main site

The iconic engine house stands as a testament to the mine's industrial past, offering a striking visual against the moorland.

Miner's Cage

Miner's Cage

Underground access point

A chilling reminder of the miners' descent, this metal cage evokes the harsh realities of underground work.

Informative Signage

Informative Signage

Throughout the site

Detailed boards explain the mine's history, structures, and the tragic events that unfolded here.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Magpie Mine

Navigating to Magpie Mine can be tricky; some GPS routes lead to private farmland with livestock. Look for layby parking on the opposite side of the mine for easier, free access. Be prepared for potential encounters with cows, especially if you have dogs.

Understanding the History

Magpie Mine is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century lead mine. Informative boards detail its industrial past and the tragic events that occurred here, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of miners.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Dry, calm weather
Why
More pleasant exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 Incredible Hikes in the Peak District and how to find them! 1 - The Roaches 2 - Dovedale Valley 3 - Cheedale Valley 4 - The Dragons Back 5 - Luds Church #Hiking #peakdistrict #ukhiking #hiddengems #howto #explore
@samrculley
48.5K likes • 907.4K views

🎯 Park Smartly

Use the layby parking on the opposite side of the mine to avoid farmland and potential bull encounters. Reddit

🐕 Dogs on Lead

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead due to livestock. Reddit

Did you know you can visit a crashed US B-29 Bomber in the Peak District? #visitmanchester #visitpeakdistrict #bleaklowbomber #manchesterhistory #worldwar2history #untoldmanchester #thingstodoinmanchester #thingstodoinmanchesterwithkids
@thehistorymagpie
45K likes • 772.9K views
Magpie Mine isn’t just a relic of Derbyshire’s lead mining past — it’s the site of a haunting legend. In 1833, a fierce dispute between Magpie Mine and the neighboring Maypitt Mine led to a tragic incident where three Maypitt miners were suffocated by smoke from fires lit by Magpie miners underground. Though 24 Magpie miners were tried for murder, all were acquitted due to conflicting evidence. ...
a.step.outdoors
22 likes • 1.9K views

📖 Read the Boards

The information boards are excellent for understanding the site's history and significance. InstagramReddit

🌬️ Embrace the Elements

The remote moorland can be windy; dress appropriately for an atmospheric experience. Reddit

One of the best historical sites in the Peak District 👇 📍 Magpie Mine, near Bakewell It's no secret that mining was an important industry in the Peak District but this site is just incredible to visit. The buildings are so well preserved thanks to some lottery funding and a few information boards give you a little bit of information about the site. I wish I'd known before I visited that th...
wild_0utdoors
153 likes • 5.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Park Smartly

Use the layby parking on the opposite side of the mine to avoid farmland and potential bull encounters. Reddit

🐕 Dogs on Lead

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead due to livestock. Reddit

📖 Read the Boards

The information boards are excellent for understanding the site's history and significance. InstagramReddit

🌬️ Embrace the Elements

The remote moorland can be windy; dress appropriately for an atmospheric experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

The walk from the layby parking is generally easy and level, making it accessible for many. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(581 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Magpie Mine a fascinating and thought-provoking historical site, appreciating its well-preserved industrial structures and informative displays. The remote moorland setting adds to its atmospheric appeal. Some visitors have encountered challenges with navigation and livestock, but the free access and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in the Peak District's mining heritage.

"Interesting place. At first the sat nav took us to a farmer’s land to get there but the gate was guarded by a bull watching a lot of sleeping cows - so we thought better of that route.

Locals guided us to level access on the other side of the mines. It looked easy and level from there - but we had run out of time to walk it from there."

Caroline Greenwood

"Lovely little visit here only issue was the cows but they soon moved when they saw dogs. There is a good information board on the site showing you what and where things used to be."

alana leeks

"Fascinating place with some very good information boards. Easy walk from the parking location."

Julian wooldridge

What People Like

Well-preserved industrial heritage
Informative history boards
Atmospheric moorland setting

What People Dislike

Navigation can be tricky
Encountering livestock

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Accessing Magpie Mine can be a bit of an adventure. While some GPS systems might direct you to private farmland, it's best to look for the layby parking area located on the opposite side of the mine. This offers easier and free access to the site. Be aware that livestock, including cows, may be present in the fields you cross. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available in a large layby adjacent to the site. This is the recommended access point to avoid issues with private farmland. Reddit

Public transport options to Magpie Mine are limited. It's primarily accessed by car. Some visitors might combine it with longer hikes in the Peak District, but direct public transport to the mine itself is not readily available. TikTok

The walk from the designated layby parking to the mine is generally described as easy and level, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

Be cautious of your GPS directions, as they can sometimes lead to private farmland. Always aim for the designated layby parking. Also, be prepared for the possibility of encountering cows in the fields you need to cross. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Magpie Mine is open and free to visit. There are no admission fees required to explore the site. InstagramReddit

Magpie Mine is an outdoor historical site and is generally accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the site. Instagram

The walk from the layby parking is described as easy and level, which is promising. However, the terrain around the mine itself might be uneven in places. It's advisable to wear sturdy footwear. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed at Magpie Mine, but they must be kept on a lead at all times due to the presence of livestock. Reddit

There isn't a formal visitor center, but there are informative boards on-site that provide details about the mine's history and structures. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the well-preserved 19th-century lead mine structures, including the striking Cornish Engine House and the cage used for miners' descent. Informative boards explain the site's industrial heritage and tragic past. InstagramReddit+1

While the site is generally safe to explore, it is an abandoned mine. Exercise caution, stay on marked paths where possible, and be mindful of uneven terrain. The remote moorland can also be exposed to wind. InstagramReddit

Magpie Mine was a lead mine operating for over 200 years, closing in 1958. It's known for its industrial significance and a tragic incident in 1833 where three miners from a neighboring mine were suffocated due to fires lit underground by Magpie miners. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Magpie Mine offers a unique and atmospheric setting for photography, with its industrial ruins and remote moorland landscape. It's a popular spot for photographers interested in industrial heritage and 'ghost buildings'. Instagram+1

The terrain around the mine is moorland, which can be uneven in places. While the walk from the layby is easy, exploring the mine site itself requires sturdy footwear and awareness of your surroundings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Cornish Engine House is a prime subject, offering a dramatic silhouette against the sky. The miners' cage and the overall atmospheric ruins of the mine are also excellent for capturing the site's industrial heritage. Instagram+1

Magpie Mine is ideal for industrial heritage photography, urban exploration (urbex) style shots, and capturing atmospheric, moody landscapes. The 'ghost buildings' aesthetic is particularly popular. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the old buildings. Overcast days can also enhance the moody atmosphere. TikTok

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography. However, always be respectful of the site and any potential private property boundaries. Instagram

A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the engine house and surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing long exposures. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Magpie Mine can be an engaging visit for families interested in history and a bit of adventure. The walk from the layby parking is easy, and the visible structures like the engine house and the miners' cage are visually interesting for children. The informative boards, while detailed, can spark curiosity about past lives. Remember to keep children close and supervised, especially around the mine structures, and ensure they stay on paths. Dogs are welcome on a lead, which can be a bonus for families with pets. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Photographers

For history enthusiasts, Magpie Mine is a treasure trove. The well-preserved 19th-century lead mine, with its Cornish Engine House and other remnants, offers a tangible connection to the region's industrial past and a tragic historical event. Instagram+1 Photographers will find the atmospheric ruins, the stark industrial architecture against the moorland, and the 'ghost building' aesthetic highly appealing. Instagram+1 The remote location and potential for dramatic weather add to the photographic opportunities. Visiting on a weekday can offer a more serene experience for focused exploration and photography. TikTok

🐕 Dog Owners

Magpie Mine is a dog-friendly location, provided your canine companions are kept on a lead at all times. This is crucial due to the presence of livestock, such as cows, in the fields you may need to cross to reach the mine. The easy walk from the layby parking makes it a pleasant outing for both you and your dog. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Haunting History of Magpie Mine

Magpie Mine is not just a relic of the Peak District's rich lead mining past; it's also steeped in a dark and tragic history. In 1833, a bitter dispute between Magpie Mine and its neighbor, Maypitt Mine, escalated dramatically. Three Maypitt miners were tragically suffocated by smoke from fires deliberately lit by Magpie miners underground. This event led to the trial of 24 Magpie miners for murder, though all were ultimately acquitted. Instagram

This history adds a layer of poignancy to the visit. As you stand amidst the well-preserved structures, you can't help but imagine the harsh conditions and the human drama that unfolded here. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the dangerous and often contentious nature of mining in the region. Instagram

The preservation efforts, partly funded by lottery grants, have ensured that the Cornish Engine House and other remnants of the mine remain standing, offering a tangible connection to this industrial heritage. It's a place that sparks reflection on the lives of those who worked and suffered here. Instagram

Exploring the Industrial Landscape

Magpie Mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage of the Peak District. The site boasts remarkably well-preserved structures, most notably the imposing Cornish Engine House. This building is a key feature, showcasing the engineering prowess of the era and standing as a stark monument on the remote moorland. Instagram+1

Beyond the engine house, visitors can see other remnants of the mine's operational past, including the cage used by miners to descend into the earth. These structures, set against the backdrop of the open countryside, create a unique and atmospheric scene. The site's preservation allows for an immersive experience of what life might have been like for the miners. Reddit

For those interested in industrial archaeology or simply seeking a site with a strong sense of place, Magpie Mine is a compelling destination. The combination of historical significance, architectural remnants, and its remote setting makes it a standout location for understanding the region's mining legacy. Instagram

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