Killhope Cafe in County Durham

A very interesting place to visit with its history in the lead mining industry and the work and lives of the miners. There's Plenty of the ruins of this industry throughout durham and Yorkshire dales and this is the only place that information is given on lead mining. Well worth the visit

Always a great place to visit. We've visited multiple times now and even pleasant to stop off for the cafe. Great educational place for the family of all ages.

Called in for coffee and cake. Hubby had a bacon sandwich. Full of great quality bacon. My cheese scone was really tasty. So full we took the Victoria sandwich and lemon drizzle with us. Really tasty and excellent value.Georgia who served us was a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and everything done with a smile.Would recommend Killhope to everyone. A must visit place.We've been before and gone underground. Recommend that too.

Great day out and very educational. Andy and Bridget really know their petrology and are happy to explain about the mine and its history. If you're lucky you can also see the blacksmith perform his art.The café has a nice seating area and a variety of tea, coffees, and snacks.Of course the mine tour is not to be missed; don't forget your wellies!

A small but well laid out museum. Weatherwise we had a lovely day which is essential because most of the things to do are outside and it's in a bleak but beautiful location. Well looked after in the cafe and the cheese pies were very moorish.

Absolutely fantastic day out. Tour of the lead mine was amazing, the rest of the site set in fabulous weardale countryside was great. Seeing the red squirrels from the hide was out of this world, to top it of the kids play park with its mining theme was superb. Going to be going back soon a reallg great day out.

Surprisingly free entry. A good couple of hours spent learning sabot some local history on lead mining. There was a performer, who conducted a 30 plus minute monologue around some of the grounds. We had lunch, it was delicious. If you're interested in looking down a mine, take your Wellington boots. We missed it on that, but loved the time spent there.

Interesting insight into the local history free to get in as water wheel not working Nice walk around the forest

Loved this place kids spent couple of hours there this afternoon n came home with lots of shinning stones x I loved the scenic area the mill but did not get down the mine . Maybe another day well worth a visit

Killhope (pronounced Kill-up) is an absolutely fantastic day out. There are various things to do here, including an indoor exhibition, a mine tour, outdoor play areas and various bits of working machinery to see, as well as a nature area. Our mine tour guide, Julie was friendly and knowledgeable. Wellies and warm socks are available for the mine tour, which are really necessary because you're often walking through a couple of inches of water. Also, the air can feel very close, almost suffocating when you're down there. I've been in other caves and mines and been fine; for some reason I wasn't such a fan of being inside this one! I did stick it out though. The information in the exhibition is really great, and many jargon words you'll hear (e.g. Galena) are explained in the museum if you don't feel like asking. One of the real highlights for me was the opportunity to see red squirrels up close - we saw 5 or 6 entertaining us for the best part of 30 mins. As far as a wet weather activity goes, it's not perfect; bits are outside and you have to walk between places, but some areas are inside. As a general activity, it's excellent. Informative, good value (tickets are valid for a year), and well presented. Recommended!