Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum
Opening Hours
About
This museum explores Cumbria’s industrial heritage through vintage mining machinery, narrow-gauge steam trains, and geology displays. Visitors can ride the steam train to the quarry face, see working excavators, and try gold panning. The site focuses on local mining history, with exhibits on rocks and quarrying. Knowledgeable volunteers share insights into the railway’s past and future. The compact museum packs in detailed information, while the scenic train ride provides views of the surrounding landscape. Dogs are welcome throughout, including on the train and in exhibition areas.
Customer Reviews
Visited October half term 2025. Had a great day out here with the kids and dogs too. Dogs are welcome anywhere, even in the museum and on the steam train, which was a bonus. The museum is only small but it’s very well laid out, packed full of items and history. The steam train takes you around to the end of the quarry site, where you can get out and briefly explore a large dumper truck and excavator, before heading back to the engine house. There is a lot of surrounding grounds to explore at your leisure full of endless old heavy duty machinery, including trucks, excavators, and cranes etc. The staff were also very friendly. Highly recommend a visit.
A fantastic place to spend a few hours! You can immerse yourself in the area’s rich mining history and explore fascinating vintage machinery. Hop aboard the steam train for a scenic ride up to the quarry face and back, then enjoy panning for gemstones in the stream — a hit with both kids and adults.
If I'm completely honest, I think we had high expectations coming here having visited some excellent mining museums in the past. The museum itself has a lot of information about mining in the area, and the geology. Around the grounds are lots of pieces of equipment, which parents seem to let their kids climb all over (not sure they're supposed to). There's also a place for kids to pan for something. There is a steam train which is cool, and although it does take you to the quarry - it's a little underwhelming when you get there. There's plenty of parking, and it looks like it might be a campsite of sorts as well. Canbot fault the staff or their enthusiasm and dedication however!
