A museum has received national recognition for its success in bringing an important part of County Durham’s rich industrial heritage to life.
VisitEngland has awarded Killhope Lead Mining Museum a Best Told Story accolade in honour of the high standards achieved by the staff at the Durham County Council attraction.
It follows a recent assessment as part of the national tourist board’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme.
Located in Upper Weardale, in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Killhope is an award-winning museum where visitors can experience what life was like for local lead mining families in the 19th century.
Alongside its iconic waterwheel and Victorian crushing mill, the museum offers underground mine tours and a visitor centre with an exhibition showing a lead miner’s cottage.
There are also woodland walks, a hide for watching red squirrels, an action-packed programme of workshops and events and yurts that can be hired for special occasions.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “Killhope is such a special place where you really do feel as though you have stepped back in time.
“The Killhope team works so hard to provide exciting opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s fascinating history and so to receive a VisitEngland Best Told Story award means a great deal to us all.
“Attractions such as Killhope, which celebrate our past in engaging and inspirational ways, are one of the reasons we believe County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 is so strong.
“What’s more, the museum’s location within the North Pennines AONB highlights the diversity of our landscapes and cultural offer.
“The Durham 2025 campaign aims to celebrate all that County Durham has to offer so please continue to support the bid and help us to create even more opportunities for our communities.”