What's on at Killhope Lead Mining Museum this October half term

Situated in the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty, our attraction is free to enter and open seven days a week from 10am to 4.30pm.

Tours of the Park Level Mine are available every day, and there is also a gift shop and the 1853 Café which make an ideal stop off for both visitors and passers-by exploring what the area has to offer.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "If you are looking for something to keep your family entertained for free this half term, Killhope offers a fantastic day out.

"You can explore for hours, enjoying the wonderful landscape and wildlife, all whilst learning about the county's fascinating lead mining and industrial heritage.

"Our cultural attractions play a key role in creating a varied and exciting visitor offer and they support our ambition to make County Durham the culture county."

Drop in leather craft workshop

On Sunday 29 October visitors will be able to drop in on Mark Rowney for a leather craft workshop. Mark produces leather art, journals, sculptures and interior designs and will show visitors the technique of carving and tooling leather.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at tooling leather and leave their mark on a communal piece of art which will be displayed in the museum. They will also be able to make a small individual piece to take home.

Theatre performance 

At 11am and 2pm on Wednesday 1 November, Killhope's popular promenade theatre performance I'm Not One to Gossip is back. The show tells the tale of what life was like for the lead mining community in Victorian times.

Science Rocks

On Thursday 2 November drop in any time to uncover the deep time history of our planet with Science Rocks. Presented by geologist and education specialist The Rock Showman it promises to be a unique and entertaining educational experience.

Blacksmith workshop

Become a blacksmith for the day with a course led by Alex Sowden, the award-winning blacksmith who last year appeared on the TV show The Prince's Master Crafter: The Next Generation to create a piece to present to King Charles III.

The only paid-for event in the museum's half term programme, the workshop costs £150 for the day and includes lunch. Attendees can learn the craft and make their own forged gift to take home.

Held in Killhope's own blacksmith shop, the experience runs from 10am to 4pm on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November.