An interactive museum dedicated to the story of the mineral mining past of the North Pennines. Launch on a voyage of learning about the people, places, tools, lifestyle, and legacy of the mining industry that once completely dominated the landscape.
North West
North Pennines Heritage Trust, Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3PD
MONTHS OPEN
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
DAYS OPEN
—-
AGE GROUPs
PreSchool, 5 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years, 11 to 13 years, 14 to 16 years, College, University
Listed under: Art and Design| Day Trip Destinations| Design and Technology| Ecology & Green Awareness| Engineering| English| Environment Centres| Environmental Studies| Geography| Historical Heritage| History| Museums| Outdoor Education| PE (Physical Education/Sport)| PSHE| Religious Education| Science| Technology|
What we offer on a school trip
Nenthead Mines, is a fantastic interactive museum dedicated to both showing and telling the ‘story’ of the mineral mining past of the North Pennines. Prepare to launch on a voyage of discovery at Nenthead Mines, learning more about the people, places, tools, lifestyle, and legacy of the mining industry that at one time completely dominated the landscape of the North Pennines!
What makes us a great choice for education
At Nenthead Mines visitor and education centre, near Alston in Cumbria, the Trust has developed a 200-acre site with a wide range of exhibits, attractions and facilities for groups to experience
Activities include:
The Power of Water Exhibition
Showing the workings of the water wheels at nenthead.
Carr’s Mine
Carrs level is part of an extensive underground network of tunnels and workings around Nenthead from which miners extracted lead and, later, zinc over a period of at least three centuries.
Mineral Panning
School pupils will have lots of fun while they pan for minerals.
Brewery Shaft
The Site consists of a complex water powered compressed air system. Over the last few years, the Trust has conserved the remains of the site and allowed access to the Brewery shaft building and shaft head itself which is now enclosed in a timber extension.
The Smelt Mill Complex
The smelt mill at Nenthead was constructed in 1737 and was in
production for almost 160 years. By the time it closed in 1896 it had
grown to 6 ore hearths, 1 slag hearth, 2 reverberatory furnaces, 2
refining furnaces and 1 de-silvering house.
What is typically included on our school trips
We cater for an extensive range of subjects and key stages aiming to help teachers and educators deliver the National Curriculum through a creative and cultural educational approach.
Group Sizes Catered For
Concessions are available for groups of 10 people or more – booked in advance
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
Please contact us regarding support and workpacks.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Yes photos, no restrictions.
Risk Assessment Details
Please contact the education department for pre risk assessments.
Call: 01434 382037 or e-mail:education@npht.com
Education Officer Information
Please contact the education department for pre risk assessments.
Call: 01434 382037 or e-mail: education@npht.com
Pricing Information
See link regarding costs:
http://www.npht.com/nentheadmines/
(Concessions are available for groups of 10 people or more – booked in advance)
Clothing Requirements
Dependant on weather conditions, sturdy shoes advisable for external tour in mines.
First Aid Information
First Aid on site, please provide first aiders within your groups.
Available Facilities
cafe and Shop selling souvenirs and provisions
Picnic Area
Self guided trails
FREE Car and Coach Parking
Bunkhouse Accomodation
The bunkhouses are situated within the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In the 19th century it was one of the largest lead and silver mining and processing areas in the country. This is an ideal location to explore the dramatic North Pennine area, with walks and the C2C cycle route passing the door, as well as the opportunity to visit the Heritage Centre (Open April to October).
Assay House Bunkhouse
The assay house was the laboratory of the Assay Master, whose job was to analyse ore samples to determine their lead and silver content, and thus set the prices paid to the miners. For 2007 it has been converted into a bunkhouse, sleeping up to 12 people in double bunks, in two upstairs bedrooms. There is a kitchen / dining room downstairs. The bunkhouse is fully heated, has hot water and showers, and a small kitchen / dining room on the ground floor
Mill Cottage Bunkhouse
In the 18th century it was part of the home of the smelt mill manager. For the 2007 season, the bunkhouse will sleep six in the upstairs bunkroom. Each bed is styled like a ship’s cabin bunk with curtains across for privacy and a small internal light and shelf. The former downstairs bunkroom has been converted into a sitting room / dining room.
The bunkhouse is fully heated, has hot water and showers. There’s a small kitchen, with a washing machine and tumble dryer
Booking Information
The rates are £12 per person per night and the bunkhouses are open all year. Bedding is provided (duvet, pillow and sheets). Please note that we can?t guarantee sole use of the bunkhouse for your group unless you arrange this with us in advance. The bunkhouses are open all year.
Bookings can be made through the Heritage Centre:
E-mail:bunkhouse@npht.com
Telephone: 01434 382726 or 01434 382294
A deposit of 50% is required to confirm a booking.
Please make cheques payable to: North Pennines Heritage Trust.
Meals, including breakfasts, are available from the local pub, the Miners Arms, telephone 01434 381427. Please note that breakfast must be booked in advance, and the pub would appreciate advance bookings for evening meals, especially for groups.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
Please contact us regarding your specific needs.
Opening Hours & Information
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