Killhope is a multi-award winning 19th century mining museum in the centre of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where you can experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the North Pennines.
Famous for its iconic working waterwheel, the venue offers so much more to do and see, including a stunning landscape, captivating art installation, fascinating lead mining history, scenic walks and amazing wildlife. Maybe you’ll spot one of the famous red squirrels.
You can also accompany one of our guides on an unforgettable underground mine tour.
Killhope offers an amazing day out for the whole family, whether you’re looking for fun or to immerse yourself in history.
Explore our woodland and visit the Killhope 1853 café and shop to complete a grand day out.
Whatever the weather, you’ll always get a very warm welcome at Killhope!
Visitor Reviews
“Fantastic museum. Staff helpful and very knowledgeable. Mine tour was amazing – really brought home the awful conditions that the miners had to work in. The Showman pavilion exhibition with the fluorescent light changes of the various minerals was really fun to see. Nice cafe too. Really worth a visit.”
“Great site with a good little café for snacks and/or a drink (try the Killhope Pie).”
“Lots of interesting information in the exhibition inside, as well as the things to do outside. Short walk around the mill reservoir at the top of the site is worth it as well.”
“Absolutely brilliant day out. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Big thank you to the man with the ponytail (sorry, didn’t catch your name) for helping my son on the washing floor and Carole who was lovely through the mine tour and let my son be second in command! Defo recommend.”
“Had an amazing afternoon here today, went expecting to have a little look around and hopefully learn something about the local area’s mining history, but we learnt even more with the help of the brilliant and passionate staff – highly recommend a visit here for any age, and they are very dog friendly too!”
“A fascinating museum with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great location & interesting buildings.”
“Visitors can join small group tours through the mine…not something we did ourselves.”
(Please note that you need to bring your own wellingtons to wear down the mine. Knee high, not short ones. Helmets & torches are provided.)
Blacksmith workshops and demonstration days
“Brilliant day out. Alex was excellent, good banter, patience beyond words. He was very enthusiastic which rubbed off on us all. We made two objects which will now become family heirlooms.”
“I have had a brilliant day on the blacksmith course. It would have been useful to have had an e-mail telling us what to wear etc.”
“Alex, the blacksmith was great, and I am really pleased with the two items I made to take home.”
“Brilliant! Thank you. Great day, going to go back.”
You can find out more about our Blacksmith workshops and demonstration days on our events page.
