A number of venues across County Durham will reopen to the public next week as coronavirus restrictions further ease in line with the government roadmap.
Durham County Council will open Killhope museum and Bishop Auckland Town Hall café from Monday (17 May) followed by Durham Town Hall on Wednesday (19 May).
Killhope will open its doors to visitors for free this summer, offering people the chance to celebrate the county’s lead-mining heritage seven days a week.
A number of outdoor events will be held at the Victorian lead-mining museum throughout the summer including a brand-new theatre production of ‘The Body on Killhope Moor’ produced by local group Drama in the Dale alongside writer David Napthine. Visitors can also enjoy the ‘Architect of Ruins’ art installation by artist Steven Messam, some Victorian promenade theatre, and, guided walks that will take place later in the summer months.
Small groups will also be able to take part in guided tours of the underground mine and look for lead ore and minerals on the washing floor.
Alongside the exhibitions, a play park, gift shop and new café will open to visitors and the museum has a number of yurts available for hire for special occasions.
As a result of some essential maintenance, which has been delayed because of the pandemic, Killhope’s waterwheel and jigger house will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
The museum will open seven days a week from 10.30am until 5pm, with final admissions at 4pm.
Bishop Auckland Town Hall café will also welcome back visitors from Monday.
In addition to a new, locally sourced menu at Bishop Auckland Town Hall café, visitors will also be able to view Norman Cornish’s famous Miners’ Gala mural and stained-glass artwork by local artist Tom McGuinness.
The town hall also features a contemporary gallery space which will open later this month and a fully digitised cinema that is set to open later in the summer.
The café will open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, including Bank Holiday Monday (31 May).
Meanwhile, Durham Town Hall will open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm following an ongoing structural repair and restoration programme. However, as a result of these essential works, some areas of the town hall will be inaccessible before opening later in the year.
The building has attracted almost 16,000 visitors since it first opened to the public in 2018, with people able to learn about the Prince Bishops who ruled the county from the 11th Century, the evolution of local government, and how the town hall has developed from the first timber structure of 1356 into the complex building it is today.
Alison Clark, Durham County Council’s head of culture, sport and tourism, said: “We are pleased to be able to reopen these venues once again and hope visitors are looking forward to returning.
“Much has been done to improve the visitor experience at all three venues so we hope that everyone enjoys their visit. Although some parts of Killhope and Durham Town Hall remain inaccessible for now, there is still much to look forward to as restrictions further ease and we prepare for our programme of summer events.
“Care has also been taken to ensure visitors feel safe on their return and we would like to reassure members of the public that coronavirus secure measures are in place at all of our venues.”
Entry to all three venues is free. To find out more visit www.killhope.org.uk, www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk and www.durham.gov.uk/durhamtownhall
