Nent Valley and Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre Museums

At the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, near Alston, the Trust has carried out archaeological recording, conservation, restoration and interpretation of one of the largest the Lead Mining centres in the North Pennines. It has developed the 200 acre site as a visitor and education centre with a wide range of exhibits, attractions and interactive displays.

In our workshop courses you will find a range of programmes on a variety of subjects including science, technology, history, geography, english and art. These workshop programmes give both teachers and pupils an opportunity to learn beyond the restraints of the school and classroom environment, to participate in practical experiments and to make use of the Heritage Centre interactive displays. The Heritage Centre has experienced staff and specialist facilities, all of which make the site a fantastic choice for an educational visit.

On the disused Haltwistle-Alston branch line crossing the Valley of the River South Tyne between Lambley and Coanwood. Now forming part of the South Tyne Trail.

The viaduct was designed by one of the great names of railway engineering in the North East, Sir George Barclay-Bruce. It stands to a height of 110ft above the River South Tyne, and has nine 58ft span arches and seven 20ft spans. On 17 November 1852 this last link in the Haltwistle-Alston branch line was opened by the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company. Sir George was only 31 years of age when the viaduct was opened. .