Explore, Heritage, Café & Events

The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, Winlaton Mill near Blaydon

Opening Times 9:00am to 4:00pm

7 Days a week

Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre

Winlaton Mill, Near Blaydon. NE21 6RU

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Call: 01207 524898

Email: info@landofoakandiron.org.uk

Café

We are inspired by the fantastic ingredients which the North East of England has to offer us, and the passion of the local producers and suppliers.

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Explore & Discover

We are set within the beautiful steep-sided Derwent Valley, and with an abundance of natural woodland, rare and iconic wildlife, a hidden heritage of British sword making and world leading iron and steel industry

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Events & Workshops

The Heritage Centre hosts a year round programme of great events for all ages and interests, including creative and traditional skills workshops, short courses, live music, evening talks, heritage and nature walks, foodie evenings, family activities, trails and much more.

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Meetings & Event Space

Our unique and beautiful Heritage Centre is available for hire. It has previously been hired for business meetings, social events, book launches and the like. It has a license for alcohol. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available.

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Hundreds of Years of Heritage, History & Habitats

Land of Oak & Iron covers 177 sq kilometres of the beautiful and historic Derwent Valley and its surrounding areas. This is one of the North East’s most rewarding and exciting areas to explore. The Derwent Valley hasn’t always been the tranquil place you’ll find today. It was a cradle of the Industrial Revolution, with a booming iron and steel industry, that lasted from the 1690s right up until the 1980s.

You’ll find the legacy of metalworking throughout the Land of Oak & Iron. Industry left its mark on the landscape with forges and furnaces. It also shaped local communities, influencing traditions such as rapper dancing, and the writings of Tommy Armstrong, known as the pitman poet.

Nowadays, the old industries have fallen silent. Nature is reclaiming the valley, creating a rich patchwork of woodlands, riverbanks and grasslands. These habitats support a wide range of species such as otters, kingfishers and red kites, which are making a comeback. Exploring this wonderful landscape is easier than ever before, thanks to an extensive network of paths and trails. Whether you want to walk, cycle, ride a horse or paddle a canoe, the Land of Oak & Iron has something for you.

Explore our Heritage

Explore, Cycle, Walk, Discover, Eat, Enjoy!

At the heart of the Land of Oak & Iron is the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill – here you can enjoy a variety of events, creative workshops, guided walks & talks, along with the local delights our café & shop have to offer. There’s something for everyone – so come and discover what makes the Derwent Valley the perfect destination to visit.

Explore
Cycle
Walk
Learn
Eat
Enjoy!

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Heritage Centre

Heritage Centre

Our main visitor centre is open 9:00-16:00, 7 days a week.

Derwent Gorge & Muggleswick Woods

Derwent Gorge & Muggleswick Woods

An ancient oak woodlands with diverse bird life.

Allensford Blast Furnace

Allensford Blast Furnace

The earliest surviving ore roasting furnace in Britain

Allensford Country Park

Allensford Country Park

A beautiful country park located along the River Derwent, ideal for family days out.

Hownsgill Viaduct

Hownsgill Viaduct

Railway viaduct built as part of the Consett Branch of the North Eastern railway.

Shotley Bridge

Shotley Bridge

Famous for their sword making in the 1700s.

Cherryburn

Cherryburn

The birthplace of Thomas Bewick- National Trust site

Prudhoe Castle

Prudhoe Castle

Beautiful Northumberland fortress- English Heritage site

Tyne Riverside Country Park Centre

Tyne Riverside Country Park Centre

A great location for walking, dog walking, cycling and boating.

The Spetchells

The Spetchells

Northumberland's largest area of chalk grassland habitat.

Derwentcote Steel Furnace

Derwentcote Steel Furnace

Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain

Chopwell Wood

Chopwell Wood

Stunning 360-hectares of mixed woodland to explore.

Winfield Coke Ovens

Winfield Coke Ovens

Part of the last beehive coke ovens to operate in Great Britain.

9 Arches Viaduct

9 Arches Viaduct

Spectacular views of the Gibside Estate from this 80ft heigh viaduct.

Gibside

Gibside

Historic estate in Tyne & Wear- National Trust site

Derwent Walk Country Park & Derwenthaugh Park

Derwent Walk Country Park & Derwenthaugh Park

Amazing location containing woodlands, meadows, wetlands and riverside linked by a series of waymarked walks.

Butterfly Bridge

Butterfly Bridge

Beloved footbridge originally built in 1842 by local stonemason Jack English, popularly known as 'Lang Jack.

Path Head Water Mill

Path Head Water Mill

Family friendly day out including a restored water wheel set in beautiful surroundings.

The Lodge, Blackhill & Consett Park

The Lodge, Blackhill & Consett Park

A charming public park, including a fantastic play area for the family.

Holliniside Manor

Holliniside Manor

Crowleys Iron Works & Dam

Crowleys Iron Works & Dam

About us

There is so much to learn and explore at the Land of Oak & Iron. Find out more about our cafe, shop, events and current exhibition today.

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Land of Oak & Iron Trust

The Land of Oak & Iron Trust was formed in 2021 to celebrate the Landscape, heritage and culture of the Land of Oak & Iron.

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Contact Us

Want to find out more about an event or have an enquiry? Get in touch with our team today.

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Latest News

Discover the art of metal embossing at our Mexican Heart Embossing Workshop

Posted in Events, News

Looking to learn a unique craft that combines culture, creativity, and fun? Mark your calendar for Sunday, 9th March 2025, and join the Mexican Heart Embossing Workshop at the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill. Guided by the talented Carrie Dennison of Crafts for Wellbeing, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity…

October Newsletter

Posted in Newsletters

What’s On at The Land of Oak & Iron October is here – let the spooky season begin! We are planning a jam-packed spooky October half-term for the whole family to enjoy! Don’t miss our Howl-O-Ween event on Saturday, 27th October, where a variety of talented artists and makers will be joining us for a fun…

September Newsletter

Posted in Newsletters

What’s On at The Land of Oak & Iron Autumn is Here—Let the Spooky Season Begin! As we welcome the autumn months, we’re excited to announce a series of seasonal and spooky events coming your way! A Look Back at August A big thank you to everyone who joined us last month for our Bark…