The Peak District Mining Museum

The Pavilion, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NR

Tel: 01629 583834

e-mail: mail@peakmines.co.uk

website: www.peakmines.co.uk

Visit a hands-on museum where you can experience and wonder at the almost forgotten world of a Derbyshire lead miner. For centuries men have toiled underground in cramped and hazardous conditions to earn a meagre living by extracting the mineral galena, lead ore.

See the tools they used and the clothes they wore and encounter the problems that the miner overcame - flooding, explosions and roof falls. Experience the maze of twisting tunnels and shafts and observe the advances in technology and the great importance of lead in our modern day lives. Refresh yourself in the cafe and browse in the well-stocked shop. See the magnificent water pressure engine that was rescued from deep down in a local lead mine.

You can find out what "nicking" means and discover for yourself the amazing network of tunnels that exist under your feet and wonder at the crystals glistening in the walls. This two-man, working lead and fluorspar mine will give you an authentic insight into life underground and the tools and equipment involved. Gold! Gold! The magic word in mining. Stand in a real gold strike, then try your hand at panning for "gold" - but you won't get rich quick with the sort of gold that you recover! Don't think that the museum is a dry-as-dust, wet weather activity. The average family will be enthralled by the many hands-on, interactive and novel opportunities.