A museum that brings to life an important part of County Durham’s industrial heritage and a medieval castle and deer park have received national recognition.
VisitEngland has awarded Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Weardale a Best Told Story accolade for the exciting and engaging way it tells the story of what life was like for lead mining families in the 19th century.
Raby Castle in Teesdale, meanwhile, has received the prestigious Welcome award in recognition of its high-quality visitor experience.
Surrounded by 200 acres of lush green parkland, home to herds of wild red and fallow deer, Raby Castle dates back to the 11th century and also boasts 18th century ornamental walled gardens and a woodland adventure playground.
Killhope is located in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is run by Durham County Council.
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 and Raby Castle, 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 location of both attractions 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.”
Killhope has now closed for the winter but will reopen on Friday 1 April 2022. To find out more, visit Killhope Lead Mining Museum.
For more information about Raby Castle, visit Raby Castle.
County Durham is one of just eight locations from across the UK to have made the next stage of the UK City of Culture 2025 competition, following a record-breaking 20 entries.
Durham County Council, Durham University and Culture Durham are spearheading the Durham 2025 campaign, which aims to secure the prestigious title for the whole of the county.
