Florence Mine Heritage Centre is based at the last, deep, iron ore mine in Western Europe, nestled midway between the Lake District fells and the Cumbrian coast.

The rich iron ore deposits, known as haematite, are the best quality iron ore to be found anywhere in the world. They are found in abundance in the limestone layers of West Cumbria, which led the area to become home to one of the great industries of the twentieth century.

The Heritage Centre offers a mining museum, geology and mineral room, mock drift, shop, refreshment area and research facility, but the jewel in the crown is the opportunity for the public to join tours of some of the underground areas of a working iron ore mine.