Killhope Lead Mining Museum

About

Killhope is open to visitors for free this summer, offering people the chance to celebrate the county’s lead-mining heritage seven days a week.

A number of outdoor events will be held at the Victorian lead-mining museum throughout the summer. Small groups will also be able to take part in guided tours of the underground mine and look for lead ore and minerals on the washing floor.

The museum will open seven days a week from 10.00am until 4.30pm, with final admissions at 3:30pm. Cafe open 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Killhope is a multi award winning Victorian lead mining museum offering a great day out for the family. Guided mine tours, working water wheel, original machinery, exhibitions, workshops, family events, performances, stunning scenery, shop and cafe.

New for 2023

Bling Box

Art installation Bling Box takes its inspiration from the world class collection of spar boxes at Killhope.

There are approximately 600 casts of traditional spar boxes that have been painted and decorated by school children and visitors to the museum during a series of workshops led by Bridget Kennedy. Half were taken home by their creators and half were left for the construction of Bling Box.

Leadscape

Inspired by the rich botanical landscape and the lead tolerant flowers that grow at Killhope, this art exhibition features a wall mounted mural piece made from 165 individual prints created by artist Carole McCourt.

The prints were produced during 2022 in workshops with the public and local Weardale schools and were made using a metal point technique, where metals such as silver and copper are used to make marks on paper.

Special events will take place throughout the year. Check Killhope's website for details.