Threlkeld Quarry Museum - Attractions - Keswick

Visitor Attraction Museum Just Outside Of Keswick

The Threlkeld Quarry & Mining Museum is situated three miles east of Keswick, in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District in Cumbria. Threlkeld quarry was opened in the 1870's by Mr H Harkewitz, The quarry and museum have been lovingly run by our knowledgeable and dedicated staff for more than ten years, and the site continues to expand through the dedication of the staff and volunteers.

Situated in a disused microgranite quarry, the museum has been open now for ten years and takes full advantage of its position within the Northern Lake District. It is close to many of the classic, well-documented sites used by geologists for their excursions. The quarry itself is a RIGS site and displays contacts between the "Skiddaw Slate" and the granite intrusion, as well as other fascinating features.

The Mining Section The museum now has a new mining section which has been developed with the help and cooperation of the Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society and a number of individuals.

The Mining Room The Mining Room contains artifacts, plans and photographic records of explorations of many local mines, which, in this area, exploited copper, iron, lead, zinc, tungsten, graphite, barites and fluorite. A representative display of local minerals can be seen and there is a new section on lighting, drilling and explosives.

The Quarry Room The Quarry Room explains the relationship between the geology of the Lake District area and the quarrying of local limestone, sandstone, granite and slate. Samples of rocks from all the important local formations are keyed to a large table map. Photographs and rock samples from more than fifty old and more recent quarries are displayed to illustrate the special features of each.

The Quarry Site The extensive quarry site has ample space for the display of the unique collection of vintage excavators and old quarry machinery. The 2ft gauge mineral railway has been relaid and will eventually provide a ride into the inner quarry for visitors to view the faces in safety.

Guided Tours and Panning A 45 minute guided tour through a reconstructed lead/copper mine is one of the highlights of our extensive musum. Mineral panning is also available as an extra.