Land of Iron — Attraction in Loftus

Brilliant place to visit. You get an hour and a halfs tour. Lead by three different volunteers. Who were all were really passionate about the mine and really knowledgeable. First you go through the museum, which has a collection of maps, photographs, old helmets, lanterns, iron stone nodules and even a mounted horse, which kids love. From learning about those and air ventilation we are passed on too volunteer two. Who sits us down in the tally cabin and explains why the men had tallies and more whilst going down the shaft. It's not far, but I would recommend shoes rather than sandals. Best bit afterwards was being put in the dark room, where of listened to a story about Fred a trappy boy on his first day. The third volunteer came and we went down a created tunnel, showing us how to dig, and blow up the walls of the mine to get the stone out. Fantastic. Both adults and the kids enjoyed it. Really recommend it as great value for money. If you gift aid, then it becomes a year pass. Bargain. Will be back for some of their special events later on...

We chanced a visit as we happened to be nearby, but without any great expectations (or interest in iron mining). As it was we had a really enjoyable visit. The museum is obviously quite new and the whole place had a new paint / clean feel to it. The galleries were interesting enough (standard museum fare - information boards and exhibits in glass cases), but the mine tour is really the heart of the experience. Everyone has to wear a hard-hat (which was a bit pointless for us as the main drift was closed when we visited, so we only got to see the brick-clad periphery of the mine) and a local guide talks you through the experience of a new recruit (normally aged 12) arriving on his first day. Our guide (Michael) got the balance just right and really brought the place to life.

I've only given four stars as we didn't get to visit the mine itself (as it was closed for refurbishment) - they are extending ticket validity to a year while this is the case (not much use to us as we live 250 miles away).

Definitely worth a visit if you're...

A very interesting museum detailing the history of ironstone mining in Cleveland. This area was once the largest producer of ironstone in the world. There is a fantastic guided tour around site and into the entrance of the drift mine. Our guide, Adele, was very interesting too as she explained the history of the ironstone mining industry. Adele also told a brilliant human story of the miners' lives, their families and how hard life was going back 200 years up to the 1960s when ironstone mining in the area ceased. It was a very enlightening experience. The museum is in a modern building with plenty of clean toilet facilities. Prices: Adults £10 Over 60s concessions £7.50 Don't be put off...