Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum

If you are looking for something to entertain the whole family, then Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum has something to offer. A museum with a difference with indoor, outdoor, and underground exhibits, the museum gives a fascinating insight into an ancient industry.

Located in the fells above Keswick, the museum may not boast of modern features and lacks a café, but the views available from the picnic spots are unrivalled and there is plenty of fun to be had.

Things To See

The museum has an indoor display area with a Mining Room where you can learn about mining in the area and see samples of the minerals that can be found in the Cumbrian fells. There is also a quarry room with further displays of rocks and information.

Outside in the quarry, there is a large collection of vintage excavators on display. From here, for an additional fee, you can step on board the narrow gauge railway for a ten-minute ride to the top of the quarry that affords spectacular views.

'Sir Tom' is the railway’s classic steam engine that is available for rides during the weekends and various days during the summer holidays. On other days, a classic diesel engine is used, and there are other engines on display that will particularly delight young children who are fans of the Thomas the Tank Engine, and "old children" who love all things mechanical!

A guided tour of the replica mine is also available for an additional fee, however children must be aged 5 and up to attend this. The 45-minute long tour will take you through underground tunnels and you will learn about the hardships endured by miners working in this difficult and often dangerous industry. A more recent addition to the mine tour is an artificial caving system where you will be able to explore replica pre-historic cave paintings.

Finally, you can also try your hand at panning for gold, with plenty of Fools Gold available to find in the stream that runs through the site.

Useful Information

• There is plenty of parking available at the site, but the route up is narrow and worn in places, so should be taken with care.

• There is no café, but there is a shop selling snacks and a self-service area for hot drinks with an honesty box in use.

• During peak periods, the mine tours get booked up very quickly, so it’s best to check in advance if places are available.

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