Land of Iron

About the museum

Land of Iron stands on the site of the first ironstone mine in Cleveland, in the Skinningrove valley. Ironstone mining shaped the area, and in its heyday the region and its people supplied over a third of the world's iron and steel.

The museum grew out of the collecting of Tom Leonard, a local newspaper reporter who in the 1950s saw the remains of the ironstone industry disappearing as the mines closed. He gathered all the memorabilia he could, and in 1978 a museum was founded to house the collection. The Tom Leonard Mining Museum opened to the public in 1983 and later became the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum.

After a redevelopment project costing £2.3 million, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the museum was rebranded as Land of Iron and reopened in 2023 in the old mine buildings. Visitors take a hands-on journey back about 150 years to the age of industrial revolution, and the tour includes the mine tunnel, which operates as an active mine for visitors. The museum is an independent charity that also offers learning workshops, room hire and family history help.

Highlights

• Guided tour of the ironstone mine tunnel
• Hands-on displays on 150 years of iron and steel heritage
• Located on the site of the first ironstone mine in Cleveland
• Learning workshops and loan boxes for schools
• Tickets valid for unlimited return visits for 12 months

Permanent exhibition

• Land of Iron mine tour and exhibitions – A hands-on journey through the ironstone mining history of Cleveland, including a guided visit to the mine tunnel.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Individual and family tickets are valid for unlimited return visits for 12 months from the date of the visit (not on special event days with an extra charge); call the museum for a booking code to re-use a ticket. Adult tickets are for ages 16 to 59.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout and has a separate, signposted disabled car park at the rear. Because it occupies old mine buildings, the tour is not suitable for large motorised mobility scooters; volunteers help in difficult areas of the tour. Helpers are admitted free. Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed in the museum and mining areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The museum describes its visit as a hands-on journey and offers family tickets. Family activity days and creative workshops are held in the summer programme, and children under 3 are admitted free.

Getting there & parking

Follow the brown signs; from the A174 between Loftus and Carlin How turn into Skinningrove and turn right after the narrow bridge. The museum is on the Cleveland Way, 6 miles from Saltburn.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a museum shop. Kaskane Café & Bar is nearby on Mill Lane. The website lists free Wi-Fi only for hired meeting rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 80 guests.

An adaptable events space seats up to 80 people and has two large screens, an optional stage, tea and coffee, optional catering, Wi-Fi and technical support; rates start at £15 per hour. A mine tour can be added.

Plan your visit