Museum of Lead Mining
About This Museum
Believe it or not, this isn't just a museum—it's a portal straight down into the cold, dark depths of an 18th-century lead mine. You'll pull on wellies and a hard hat for the authentic, slightly claustrophobic experience of venturing into the hillside with a guide. Back above ground, the site is a charmingly rugged collection of whitewashed miners' cottages and sturdy stone buildings huddled in the Lowther Hills. It feels less like a curated institution and more like a preserved fragment of a working village, telling the raw story of Scotland's mineral wealth.
Collection Highlights
The star attraction is undoubtedly the guided tour down the Lochnell Mine shaft itself. You can also try your hand at 'hushing' for gold in the stream or see the massive water-wheel that once powered ore-crushing machinery. Inside the cottages, personal items and tools paint a vivid picture of the miners' tough daily lives.
Visitor Information
Just be aware that those mine tours are popular and spaces are limited, so booking ahead is a very good idea. Wrap up warm too—it's chilly down there no matter the season!
Architecture & Building
A cluster of modest, whitewashed miners' cottages and functional industrial buildings made from local stone, built for hard work rather than show.
Contact & Location
Address: Museum of Lead Mining, Toll Brae, Wanlockhead, Dumfries and Galloway, Alba / Scotland, ML12 6UT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1659 74387
Website: Visit Website
