Durham Mining Museum

Mining Memories

Hear local miners and families share memories of working life, community spirit and the changing story of coal mining in County Durham.

Free; donations welcome

Book a place
The image features a museum exhibit displaying mannequins dressed in historical military uniforms. Various framed photographs and documents are showcased on the walls and in display cases. A large poster or mural of a historical figure is visible in the background.

Family Heritage Day

Bring the family for a hands-on heritage day with object handling, traditional crafts, mining stories and activities for curious young visitors.

Free for all visitors

View event details
A wall with a large sign for The Children's Museum in Arabic and English, featuring a simple drawing of a child and an adult in traditional clothing. The background is made of brick-like material, and the entrance with glass panels is visible.

Guided Museum Tour

Bring the family for a hands-on heritage day with object handling, traditional crafts, mining stories and activities for curious young visitors.

£3 per person

Plan your visit

Upcoming Events

A spacious museum gallery featuring large dinosaur skeleton exhibits, including a prominent Tyrannosaurus rex and other species. The room has high ceilings with intricate architectural details, large windows, and digital displays providing information. Visitors are observing the exhibits closely.

Miners’ Memories

Hear local miners’ stories, handle historic tools and learn how coal shaped families and communities across County Durham.

A young child stands in a corridor of a museum or exhibit, gazing at a large satellite model or space-related machinery. The setting is filled with educational displays and blue informational panels on the walls. A red railing lines the path, adding a vibrant contrast to the metallic and orange hues of the machinery.

Family Activity Day

Join a friendly family craft day, with hands-on activities inspired by mining life, machinery and the people of Spennymoor.

A museum exhibit features informational panels about historical events from the 1980s and 1990s. A prominent bald eagle sculpture is mounted above the displays, with various photographs depicting landscapes, a rocket launch, and industrial scenes on the surrounding walls.

Community Talks

Meet fellow history enthusiasts at our community talk series, featuring fascinating memories, photographs and artefacts from Durham’s mining past.