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Keswick Mining History, Keswick Lake District Attractions
Explore the social history of local workers at the Threlkeld Mining Museum & Quarry. Threlkeld is just outside Keswick, and just follow the signs off the A66 for the Mining Museum, which includes underground tours and a range of exhibits including photographs, vintage mining machinery including excavators, and a geology room.
Mining in the Northern Lakes is integral to its history and a range of minerals, including graphite, baryte (used for glass and paint), copper, coal and gypsum to mention a few, were all mined in the Northern Fells.
Keswick Mining History & More Keswick Museums!
At the Threlkeld Mining Museum just outside of Keswick you'll find possibly one of the best collections of mining and quarrying artefacts, including chisels, hammers, wedges and drills.
Also, you'll find an extensive pictorial library of women and men who worked in the mines and how they lived. There's also a fascinating (approximately 40 minutes) guided underground trip, so you can see the mine in Threlkeld for yourself.
It's not quite the experience of the miners that worked down there (you're not actually digging from dawn till dusk!), but it's certainly an insight with background dripping water, Elizabethan workings on the mine walls, and the dark and cold (take warm clothing!).
Mining Museum Details
The Mining Museum is open daily from 11 March to 31st October from 10am to 5pm.
Please check winter opening times with Keswick Tourist Information, Moot Hall, T: 017687 72645
Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TT, T: 017687 79747
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