Peak District Mining Museum
The Peak District Mining Museum in Matlock is fun for all the family. The Museum gives an insight into the history to the lead mining industry in Derbyshire.
Located on Derbyshire’s Peak District’s boundary, the Museum also highlights the family life of those who had the backbreaking job of being a Derbyshire miner, and also includes a museum shop and cafe.
The Museum exhibits over 6000 artefacts to explore and learn about, providing a great day out for the family. The tunnels in which you can crawl and climb prove to be a very popular exhibit amongst visitors, as well as the 1819 pumping engine.
The Museum also welcomes well behaved dogs, providing they are on a short lead at all times.
Opposite the museum, visitors can also explore what the Temple Mine has to offer. Guests can take a guided tour round this working 1920s mine, and learn about the tools, locomotives, rocks and minerals featured there. Hard hats will be provided for this tour, and appropriate footwear is recommended as guests will reach the mine via a steep, short slope, with a low roof in places.
A popular attraction of the mine is the Gold Panning. Using traditional techniques, you can pan for a range of crystals, fool’s gold and galena, although unfortunately no real gold!