Silver Mines: Guernsey's Mining Heritage

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Discover Guernsey's Silver Mines: Explore historic mining remnants and scenic coastal beauty on the captivating Channel Island.

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Silver Mines

Explore the historic Silver Mines of Guernsey, a testament to the island's 19th-century mining past. Wander through the remnants of the mining operation and take in the scenic coastal views.

A brief summary to Silver Mines

CJ6F+8VJ, Guernsey, GG

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Silver Mines.

Wear sturdy shoes for navigating the uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the unique landscape views.
Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly.
Consider visiting nearby attractions like Little Sark and La Coupée.

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Getting There

Walking

From St. Sampson's, head north on Rue des Goddards. Continue for 15-20 minutes until you reach Rue de la Mare, then turn left. Follow Rue de la Mare towards the coast. The Silver Mines are located near the cliffs.
Public Transport

Take a bus from St. Sampson's to the nearest stop at the top of Rue des Goddards. From there, follow the walking directions along Rue de la Mare towards the cliffs. Bus fare is approximately £1.60.
Taxi

Taxis are available from St Peter Port. A taxi ride to the Silver Mines area will cost approximately £13.30 for a 5km ride.

Discover more about Silver Mines

The Silver Mines of Guernsey offer a unique glimpse into the island's industrial history. In the 1830s, British mining engineer John Hunt discovered silver ore on Sark and Herm, sparking a brief but intense mining boom. The Guernsey and Sark Mining Company was formed, bringing Cornish miners to the island. The primary mining activity took place on Little Sark, at a site known as Sark's Hope. Four deep shafts were sunk at Port Gorey, with one extending 100 meters under the sea. Miners toiled to extract silver and lead, but the operation faced numerous challenges. The ore was not as plentiful as hoped, and the costs of running the mines quickly mounted. Cave-ins and flooding further hampered the operation. By 1847, the mines were abandoned, leaving the Seigneur of Sark and many investors financially ruined. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the Silver Mines and imagine the lives of the miners who once worked there. While the underground tunnels are no longer accessible, the surface structures and surrounding landscape offer a fascinating glimpse into this chapter of Guernsey's past. The area provides excellent walking trails with stunning views of the rugged coastline.