Killhope Lead Mining Museum
About
The North of England Lead Mining Museum, popularly known as Killhope, is a living museum that tells the story of lead mining in the North Pennines. The site sits on the old Park Level Mine, a 19th‑century underground mine that has been fully restored to let visitors walk through the same shafts, wash floors and smelting works that miners once used. In the foreground, a 10‑metre‑diameter metal waterwheel – the Killhope Wheel – has been rebuilt and is still operational, offering a rare mechanical display of the era’s ingenuity. The museum combines immersive, fibre‑glass mine replicas with a curated collection of tools, photographs and documents that chronicle the industry’s rise and fall. Open every day from 1 April to 31 October, the museum is a recognised family‑friendly attraction, having earned the Guardian’s Family‑Friendly Museum award in 2004 and being named the North East’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2008.
Highlights
- Killhope Wheel
- Reconstructed Underground Mine
- Industrial Heritage Collection
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
The museum is open from 1 April to 31 October – the best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is usually mild and the full range of exhibitions is available.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 3 hours