Swan Mine - (Kingsdown Quarry) UK

The Swan Mines, Also known as the Kingsdown Quarry was our first adventure into exploring abandoned places. While this particular site isn’t the most ‘abandoned’—as it is a historical landmark and a bat reserve—it was far from the safest we’ve visited. We were also quite unprepared for the experience.

The Swan Mine

Beneath the rolling hills of Wiltshire lies Kingsdown Quarry, also known as Swan Mine—a place where history, mystery, and nature collide. Originally carved out to extract Bath Stone, this prized limestone was once used to construct some of the UK’s most iconic buildings, from the grand architecture of Bath to the historic streets of London.

But like many underground quarries in the region, Kingsdown Quarry’s story didn’t end with its mining days. During World War II, some tunnels in the area were repurposed for military use—though this particular mine wasn’t as extensively transformed as others nearby. Still, its vast network of tunnels and hidden chambers holds whispers of a past that remains largely untouched.

Today, the quarry has taken on a new role—not as a site of industry or war, but as a protected bat reserve. Its dark, undisturbed passageways provide the perfect sanctuary for various bat species, making it an important ecological refuge.

Despite being officially off-limits, Kingsdown Quarry has gained a reputation among urban explorers. Its eerie silence, abandoned tunnels, and rich history make it a magnet for those drawn to the forgotten and the forbidden. But with nature reclaiming its space and safety risks ever-present, those who dare to enter do so at their own peril.

Whether seen as an industrial relic, a wartime ghost, or a thriving wildlife haven, Kingsdown Quarry remains a fascinating glimpse into Wiltshire’s hidden underground world.

Pictures

This was our first time exploring with a brand-new camera, and our photographer, Harry, quickly ran into issues—poor lighting made shots difficult, and the battery drained faster than expected.

Luckily, we had a GoPro 7 Silver as a backup, allowing us to keep filming and venture deeper into the quarry.

The Writing On The Walls

The mathematical writing on the walls of Kingsdown Quarry (Swan Mine) is believed to be trigonometric calculations and survey markings left by quarry workers or explorers. These markings may have been used for measuring distances, angles, or planning excavation routes within the underground system.

Pictures

The Footage

Yet to be published.