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KILLHOPE LEAD MINING CENTRE "A great
day out in the Country"
 | Just over the border from Cumbria into County Durham, Killhope is
a key part of the Regions lead mining heritage. The site brings the lead mining days back
to life with mine tours, workshops and a huge water driven wheel now fully restored. For
the trip into the mine you need to put on the hard hat and lamp. It's a fabulous
experience and gives the full sense of drama of working underground in what were very hard
conditions. The tunnel is only 1.45 metres in places and water flows along the
floor. If you decide to take this adventure, remember to bring wellingtons, warm
clothing (even in summer). Note that there is a charge for entering the site which
also has a gift shop and cafe. |
| One very important feature of Killhope is the "washing
floor". This area was the subject of painstaking archaeological
investigation in the 1980's, following which the whole area was reconstructed.
In Victorian times "washerboys" worked on the washing floor from
the age of 8 or 9. Today's visitors can do the same jobs of breaking up rocks, separating
lead ore and so on. Visitors may have seen shots of the washing floor on the
recent Fred Dibnah industrial archaeological programme on BBC2 (March 1999). |
| Prices are were adults £3.40 without the mine trip and £5.00
with the mine. Children and concessions are £1.70 without the mine and £2.50 with, or
take out a Family Ticket (2+2) which was £8.50 without the mine and £12.50 with the mine
trip. School visits are welcome, but arrangements should be discussed in advance. Please
check prices. |
| Killhope is on the A689 in upper Weardale, between Stanhope and Nenthead. In winter, the name often features in BBC Radio road
reports as the road is one of the highest in Britain at this point and drifting SNOW
regularly blocks the road. For more information on Killhope, telephone 01 388 537
505 |
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