The North of England Lead Mining Museum, Co. Durham

The North of England Lead Mining Museum is an industrial museum standing on the site of the former Park Level Mine, which is being restored to show the workings of a 19th century lead mine.

The Park Level mine was opened in 1853 by W. B. Lead. As the mine developed, so also did the surface workings.

But not long after the Park Level Mill came into use, the price of lead plummeted, rendering lead-mining in Weardale uneconomic and, in 1883, W B Lead closed all its operations in the district. The Park Level Mine was taken over by another company, which continued to operate it until 1910, when production ceased.

The mine was re-opened briefly in 1916, during the First World War, after which it lay derelict for over 60 years, during which time the buildings crumbled and any equipment that could be removed was salvaged for scrap.

By 1980, the Killhope Wheel was facing demolition, but Durham County Council took over the site and began a programme of restoration. The Killhope Wheel was restored to working order in 1991 and the mine itself was opened in 1996.

Opening Times

10.30am to 5.00pm
April 1 - 30 October

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Ticket Prices

Adult £7.00
Concession £6.50
Child (4-16) £4.00
Under 4's Free

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Disabled Facilities

Wheelchair access to the Visitor Centre
Designated parking for disabled visitors
Mobility scooter available to borrow (donations welcome)
Accessible wildlife hide located on woodland walk
Accessible toilets in Visitor Centre and on site
Baby changing facilities are located in the cafe toilet
Trained First Aiders on site
Automated Main Doors to the visitor centre

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More Information

Telephone: 01388 537 505

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