About us

The North Pennines Heritage Trust works to conserve the historic remains of man's activities in the landscape of the North Pennines and to help people to understand and enjoy them.

A registered charity, founded in 1987, The Trust has carried out conservation and restoration work at Smeaton's water wheel, High Mill, Alston; lime kilns at Middleton-In-Teesdale and Piercebridge; Gaunless smelt mill chimney at Copeley; Dukesfield smelt mill chimneys; Lambley viaduct and the mineshop and water balance at Coldberry near Middleton-In-Teesdale.

At Nenthead Mines, The Trust has carried out archaeological recording and interpretation, conservation and restoration work regarding the London Lead Company joinery, engineering work shops, smelt mill remains, lead mine workings, water courses and wheel pits. It has developed the 200 acre site as a visitor centre with a wide range of exhibits, attractions and facilities.

At Dilston Castle the site has been enhanced for visitors with work carried out on the castle and chapel buildings.

In 2004 The Trust secured a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to recruit an Education Team to develop and deliver a broad ranging Education Programme based around its resources in the North Pennines.