Allenheads Heritage Centre
Community-run heritage centre in a former lead-mining village in the North Pennines, with a mining exhibition, blacksmith’s shop and Armstrong water engine.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Allenheads Heritage Centre is run by the Allenheads Trust, is owned by the community and stands in the middle of the village in the North Pennines. It looks back at the lead-mining past of Allenheads and also covers the upland farming of the local dale.
The centre has a permanent exhibition on lead mining, a restored traditional blacksmith’s shop and a nature walk that leads back to the village. A water-powered Armstrong engine from the 19th century, which once drove the machinery in the mine yard, is shown in a purpose-built exhibition hall in the village. The trust also runs a café next to the heritage centre.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on lead mining
- Water-powered Armstrong engine of the 19th century
- Restored blacksmith’s shop
- Displays on upland farming
- Nature walk from the village
Permanent exhibitions
- Lead mining and dale farming – A permanent exhibition on the lead-mining history of Allenheads and on upland farming in the dale.
- Armstrong engine and blacksmith’s shop – A water-powered engine of the 19th century in its own exhibition hall, and a restored traditional blacksmith’s shop.
- Operated by
- Allenheads Trust Limited
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
There is no fixed charge; visitors are asked to make a small donation.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Listings describe the access as partial; no further details are published.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus route 688 serves the area. The nearest railway station is Hexham, about 20 miles away.
By car
Parking available
Car parking is available in the village; there is also coach parking.
The centre is on the B6295 in the middle of Allenheads village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The Hemmel café is run by the trust. Toilets are available. Wi-Fi is not mentioned.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
