To help you get the most out of a visit to Killhope remember to read our top tips
Underground tours in the mine, a stint of ‘hard labour’ as a washer boy processing the raw lead ore and a short spell next to the fire in the miners’ lodgings but what else can Killhope offer?
Did you know that Killhope is home to Britain’s largest spar box collection? The bonniest crystals the miners found were incorporated into enchanting underground scenes and housed in ornamental cabinets. They provide evidence of an artistic interest that we don’t normally associate with mining.
If you are able to spend longer here, you can explore the woodland trails. The reservoirs that feed the mighty water wheel and the gentle Killhope Burn that wends its way through the site, provide a variety of habitats for a wealth of different creatures. We have a purpose built hide from which our local red squirrel and bird population can be studied in relative comfort.
While history will always be our main focus, a visit to Killhope can breathe life into a whole host of different areas of the curriculum. Feedback from teachers confirms subjects such as ‘Rocks and Soils’ and ‘Forces and Motion’ can be explained more successfully here on site than in a classroom.
We have a number of history resource boxes which we are more than happy to loan to schools free of charge. They can either be used in preparation for a visit to the site or back in the classroom post visit to reinforce information introduced here. They each contain a selection of handling objects, dressing- up clothes, related literature and ideas as to how they can be most effectively used in school.
Although our open season finishes at the end of October, we always welcome pre-booked groups at any time of year.
So much to see, so much to do – we continually strive to provide a truly memorable learning experience.
Times
Tours normally start at 10.30am and run until 2.00pm (working within the school day and school bus times). Outside of the constraints of school buses – everything is possible.
Groups are given half an hour for their packed lunches. We have a large class sized picnic area and an indoor room for storing bags or eating lunch if the weather is poor.
Admission prices for three hours mine tour (including Park Level Mine)
- £6 per student
- £6 per adult
- one free adult with every 14 children
School party sizes
The school staff to child ratio is one to 14, plus one Killhope Information Assistant
Maximum party size: 100
Minimum party size: 10
See our getting the most out of your visit page for further information about facilities, suitable clothing and information about preliminary planning visits.
Contact us
If you have any questions or wish to book, please contact us.
