Week of free half-term activities at mining museum

A family enjoying a visit to Killhope Lead Mining Museum.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum, in Weardale, is hosting a variety of events to keep families busy. The museum, which is run by Durham County Council, is open every day during the October half term holiday from 10.00am to 4.30pm. Entry to the museum is free with the museum's café and shop open throughout.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We know that it can be sometimes difficult to keep youngsters entertained during the school holidays, which is why we're pleased to be able to offer such a variety of free activities at Killhope. 

"There's so much to do across the week so we'd encourage people across the county to make a day of it and visit what is an always popular family-friendly attraction."  

Events throughout the week 

On Saturday 22 October, the museum is hosting a blacksmith demonstration day from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Killhope's in-house blacksmith Alex Sowden will be showing key techniques used in traditional forge work, while also telling visitors all about the history and heritage of blacksmithing in the North East.

On the same day, I'm Not One to Gossip, a promenade theatre performance, will tell tales of what life was like for the lead mining community in Victorian times. Performances are at 11.30am and 2pm and at the same times on Wednesday 26 October.

On Sunday 23 October, join Mark Rowney for a leather craft workshop. Visitors can try their hand at tooling leather and make their mark on a communal piece of art. They will also be able to make a small individual piece to take home.

Contribute to a giant mural at a workshop from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Tuesday 25 October. Inspired by the rare lead-tolerant flowers and other plants found at Killhope, artists Bridget Kennedy and Carole McCourt are creating the mural, which will be on display at the museum next season. The mural will be made up of small pieces of work created using printmaking methods.

Last chance to see displays

There will also be a last chance to see several displays currently running at Killhope before the attraction closes for the winter on Sunday 30 October.

An exhibition of sculptures, /W/under, by Stuart Langley which is inspired by the minerals found underground at Killhope remains on show. Handworked, a series of photographic images sited around the museum and Love IRL heart, a sculptural art installation which is an ode to the contrasts between human connections in the digital and real worlds, are also available to view.