A museum which brings to life County Durham’s lead mining past reopens this Easter weekend following a major refurbishment.
Killhope Lead Mining Museum, a restored 19th century lead mining site, reopens on Good Friday 25 March following a £500,000 revamp.
The Durham County Council museum, famous for its waterwheel and mine tour, has been given a whole new look with a new café and shop, a renovation of the Buddle House and play areas, and new signage across the site.
The work was made possible thanks more than £500,000 funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Mike Boase, manager at Killhope, said: “We look forward to welcoming the public back following a lot of hard work on site.
“We are hugely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England for funding this renovation and I’m sure people will be delighted with the results.”
Visitors to Killhope can work as a washer boy for the day, see the working machinery in the Jigger House or have a picnic in the sunshine surrounded by the beautiful Weardale scenery.
They can also don a hard hat and take a tour of the underground mine.
Killhope is also famous for its rare red squirrels and home to Great Britain’s largest collection of spar boxes, unique works of art made of crystals and minerals found by the miners.
A number of Easter themed activities have been lined up following the reopening.
There will be Easter crafts and activities over the bank holiday weekend, free of charge.
Two Spar Box workshops will be held for children on Wednesday 30 March, at 1pm and 3pm.
Materials and supervision for this unique activity cost £8 and places must be booked, by phoning 01388 537 505.
An animal clay-play workshop takes place on 1 April, with admission £3, and there is free storytelling on the afternoon of 6 April.
The museum will be open this year until 30 October.
Admission prices are £8.60 for adults, £7.60 concessions and £4.70 for children.
Under fours enter free but are unable to take part in the mine trip.
An official opening of the museum is to take place in the summer by when even more new hands-on exhibits will have been completed with Heritage Lottery Fund support.
