Callow Rock quarry

Callow Rock quarry is a limestone extraction site in Shipham Gorge on the Mendip Hills, working deposits of white Burrington Oolite limestone. The facility processes extracted material on site into products used by concrete manufacturers.

Operations began in 1919 to provide work for soldiers returning from World War I, initially loading lime by hand. The business grew from this post-war enterprise into a major production facility serving construction projects across the country.

The quarry supplied materials for the plastering of the Royal Festival Hall in 1951, marking its role in British architectural development.

The site is vehicle accessible, but unpaved roads can become slippery in wet weather and require careful driving. Visiting the information centre and checking current access guidelines with staff is recommended before arriving.

The quarry maintains specific driving safety measures due to mud conditions caused by vehicle wheels on Shipham Hill road.

GPS coordinates: 51.29850,-2.79973

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24