Land of Oak & Iron are pleased to host this new solo exhibition by Holly M Scott, an artist and printmaker based in Middleton in Teesdale in County Durham.

Holly’s work can be seen on display in the ‘Inside Out Gallery’ windows at the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.

Known for her detailed, sensitive linocuts, Holly’s work conveys her lifelong enchantment with the natural world.
Long since spellbound by wildlife, and conscious of the significance of nature in her own everyday life, Holly’s work honours the tradition of mankind’s fascination and constant dialogue with the birds and animals
that surround us.

Borne from a strong connection to the land, and inspired by childhood memories and chance encounters with wildlife, her beautiful hand coloured lino prints touch upon folklore and seek to evoke the timelessness of animal lives.

All framed artworks are available to purchase, there will also be unframed works for sale in the shop.

Please speak to a member of staff if you are interested in purchasing one of the artworks.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

Land of Oak & Iron are excited to host the next of our regular ‘Meet the Maker‘ events at the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.  Our next Meet the Maker is with local author Peter Jackson.

Peter Jackson, a former journalist from County Durham, is a writer whose first novel Legions of the Moon has recently been published by indy publishing house WriteSideLeft.

Legions of the Moon is a historical thriller set in the North East 1,800 years ago when Britain was a province of the Roman Empire.  The Journal’s review said: “…well crafted tale pulsates with violence, intrigue and romance to say nothing of complex plot twists…add to this intelligent mix a sprinkling of dry humour and you have the perfect recipe for a good read.” And the Northern Echo wrote: “A gripping novel…page turner…convincing and colourful picture of Roman Britain. Legions of the Moon is as plausible as it is exciting.” 

It has also received rave reviews on Amazon and has recently been nominated for the prestigious annual Crime Writers’ Association Sapere Book Historical Dagger award. 

Legions of the Moon tells the story of Quintus Suetonius and his stepson Manius, who are frumenatarii, the Roman Empire’s secret police, sent to Britain on a mission whose real purpose is kept hidden.

As reluctant players in a struggle between a ruthless imperial government and others seeking control of the Empire, they travel from civilised Roman London to the wild North.  Here, with female spy Tita Amatia, they are caught up in rebellion and murder and are isolated, in snowbound, hostile country, in the fort of Longovicium (as Lanchester, County Durham, was called). Their survival becomes bound up with that of the Roman Empire.  

The action largely occurs in and around Lanchester, but also takes in Vinovia, now Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, and Vindomora, now Ebchester. 

Please drop by to say hello to Peter in person on Saturday 7th August when you can purchase Legions of the Moon, chat to Peter about his book and have your copy signed.

Legions of the Moon will also be available to purchase from the Heritage Centre shop (accessed via café shrub) in the 2 weeks running up to Peter’s Meet the Maker event. 

‘Meet the Maker’ will be outside under cover of the gazebo, social distancing will be in place for both the artist/makers and our visitors.  We have enhanced cleaning regimes in place, sanitiser and hand gel is available at both entrances to the Heritage Centre and we politely request that face coverings are still worn when entering the building to use toilets, shop area and café shrub, this helps keep our staff, other visitors and their families safe.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

Watch out! The Biking Vikings are back and on their way to the Land of Oak & Iron!

The Biking Vikings North East is a group of drumming, pipe playing and horn blowing bikers who entertain people with their music whilst dressed as Vikings. The Northumbrian piper also plays whilst walking on stilts!

The group are a charitable organisation who fundraise tirelessly for Brain Tumour Research.

Come along and join in the music, be entertained, dress up as a Viking, sit in their boat or buy a little gift from their stall of hand made goods all at pocket money prices.

Free event for all, but every single penny from donations and purchases goes to Brain Tumour Research.

Come along dressed as a Viking and join in the fun!

The Heritage Centre and all our events are fully risk assessed and Covid-19 compliant.

We have enhanced cleaning regimes in place, sanitiser and hand gel is available at both entrances to the Heritage Centre and  we ask that face coverings are still to be worn when entering the building to use toilets, shop area and order from café shrub.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

Booking essential.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

Social distancing will be in place for both the artist/makers and participants.  We have enhanced cleaning regimes in place, sanitiser and hand gel is available at both entrances to the Heritage Centre and face coverings to be worn when entering the building to use toilets, shop area and café shrub.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

We’re excited to be working with professional photographer Phil Punton on our new ‘Basics & Beyond’ photography course at the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.  Starting Wednesday 25 August for 10 weeks.

Under Phil’s expert guidance, the sessions will enable you to discover what you and your camera are capable of, developing camera skills that will allow you to capture images you would not have thought possible.

Many people own cameras but never progress beyond using the ‘auto’ function – auto equals average and that’s what you will learn how to surpass.

Lessons will be delivered using visual tutorial material which are shared after each lesson.  Practical challenges will underpin your development along with access to a private on-line site which will allow you to upload images and get weekly feedback on your photographic development.

You will not learn how to just take a picture, but how to ‘make’ a picture. Whatever your photographic interest is e.g. wildlife, landscape, portrait photography etc. this course will equip you with the camera skills to capture beautiful images that get noticed.

Become part of this small photography course, making new photography friends who will share your passion while you learn and develop your photography skills and understanding.

The 10  week course costs £150 with a maximum of 14 places available to ensure the quality of tutoring.  Includes a hot drink from café shrub.

You will need to bring your own SLR camera.  Any questions please get in touch.

Join us for an evening of live music and fresh wood-fired pizza on the last Friday of every month.

Treat yourself to a delicious freshly made, wood-fired pizza from Lucca Pizza’s Vintage Trailer, which will be situated towards the rear of the Heritage Centre near the Courtyard area.

On the 30th July, the amazing and talented Bill Elliott and Kevin Youldon will be performing a variety of folk songs live in the courtyard for you to enjoy while you tuck into your pizza.  Musicians for our other pizza evenings will be announced soon.

Alcoholic drinks (along with non alcoholic drinks) and sweet treats will be available to purchase from café shrub to enjoy alongside the pizza and music.

No need to book, just turn up and enjoy yourself on the last Friday of every month, between 6pm – 9pm (last food order 8.30pm).

Masks must be worn when entering the Heritage Centre to use the café, shop or toilets.  Sanitising spray and hand gel is available at both entrances.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

It’s nearly time for the big school summer break and we have lots of fun craft activities planned for families to take part in.

Each week we will have a different activity for you to take part in, including mobiles, seed bombs, bird feeders and planting a bean to grow at home!

No need to book, just drop in anytime between 11am & 3pm on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays (the same activity will run across all 3 days, with a new activity the following week).

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is no charge for these sessions, though a suggested donation of £3 would be welcome towards the cost of materials and running our family friendly events.

Week 1 – Paper Mobiles (26, 27 & 28 July)

Week 2 – Grow a Bean Stalk (2, 3 & 4 August)

Week 3 – Nature Crowns (9.10 & 11 August)

Week 4 – Wildflower Seed Bombs (16, 17 & 18 August)

Week 5 – Nature Twig Weaving (23, 24 & 25 August)

Week 6 – Bird Feeders (30 & 31 August & 1 September)

Please note activities may change dependant on materials.

Local writer Val Scully has spent ten years researching the history of the Gibside estate, at the heart of the Land of Oak & Iron and will be hosting this fascinating evening talk and launch of the new book ‘ A People’s History of Gibside’.

George ‘Glory’ Bowes erected his golden statue to British Liberty in 1757, at the height of his power and influence, the family’s wealth having been built on coal.  He collected fine art, bred the finest racehorses and brought world-famous musicians, architects and landscape designers to his estate.

Gibside, once one of the finest landscape gardens of the Georgian era, is a lasting testament to hard graft: the miners who gouged the coal out of the ground, the workmen who moved huge weights of earth, the carpenters, stonemasons, gardeners, servants, the men and women, the skilled and the unskilled, the craftsmen and the labourers.  And their families, generations of whom lived and worked on the estate.

This book ‘A People’s History of Gibside’ is about them, but it’s also about the history of the Derwent Valley and all the settlements around the edges of Gibside.  It’s about the way the geology shaped our history – the mining, the transport systems developed to get the coal to market, the coming of the Crowley ironworks, the influxes people from elsewhere, the navvies who built the Derwent valley railway.

The story of Gibside is a very human one, and part of the collective memory of the people who grew up in the area, for whom the derelict and overgrown estate was an adventure playground, a spooky ruin, a place of thrilling danger from falling masonry, abandoned mines and huntsmen’s guns. This book began as an investigation into the gap in the records: what happened between the death of the last Bowes owner in 1885, and the coming of the National Trust almost a hundred years later?

Tickets £12.50

No need for tea, your ticket includes nibbles and a glass of wine.

Booking essential

Photograph copyright and thanks to Digi-Fin.

Join in on the 1st Sunday of every month to make new discoveries while exploring the beautiful green spaces surrounding the Heritage Centre.  Activities will include discovering more about mini beasts, bees, trees, wild art and much more! 

There will be 6 different sessions to explore and discover many aspects of nature and wildlife.

Our September session we will be Kings and Queens for the morning –  using our imaginations to create a unique story all about the Land of Oak & Iron and some of the many animals and characters that live here.

You will also design your own crown from the natural resources we find and create settings along the way to bring our story to life.

£9.50 for 1 child + 1 adult

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Hang onto those hazy days of summer with an outdoor yoga course in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.

Give yourself room to breathe, stretch and totally relax.  Fully qualified yoga teacher Sarah will give you a chance to restore your energy, release tension and find calm in your hectic day.

Suitable for beginners and those with experience of yoga.  For men and women 15 years or older, any level of fitness level.

Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, we can lend you one if you need it.  Put on comfortable fitness/sportswear and throw off your shoes and socks.  Time to make time for you!

This short course consists of four lunchtime sessions – come along to as many as you like.

No need to book – just turn up and pay at café shrub before making your way to the meadow at the side of the Heritage Centre building.

£7 per session.

Booking essential.

Was Crowley’s Mill No. 1 the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? Find out all about Crowley’s Ironworks and then decide for yourself at this informative guided walk as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Our guided walk will take you from the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill through Derwenthaugh Park to see the low dam and spillway which were uncovered as part of our Heritage Lottery Funded project.  These are the only visible remains of what was once the largest ironworks in Europe, employing over 1,500 men.

Hear all about the remarkable social structure Ambrose Crowley imposed on the workers, with it’s own ‘laws’, courts, schools, welfare and pensions system.

Tickets are free as part of Heritage Open Days.

There are 3 dates available – limited places on each, booking essential.  Follow the link and choose which date you would like to book.

BOOK NOW

The walk to Hollinside from the Heritage Centre passes some 800 years of history, including the site of Crowley’s Iron works, Butterfly Bridge, the Derwent Walk, Hollinside Manor, Nine Arches viaduct, Kite Hill and Crowley’s Dam.

Many aspects of the heritage of the area has been claimed back and hidden by nature – but if you know where to look there are still signs of the extensive industry that once dominated the landscape.

Tow dates available. Free to attend, places limited and booking essential.

BOOK NOW

Access

This walk has some steep steps on the way up and down to Hollinside. Not suitable for pushchairs or for those who might struggle walking up inclines and on uneven pathways. Some of the paths can also be muddy at times depending on the weather.

Please wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and suitable waterproof clothing. No dogs allowed.

Regarding social distancing there are a couple of places on the way up to Hollinside where the path is very narrow, plus on the board walk section on the way down.

Max 10 people per guided walk.

COVID-19 Considerations

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus please cancel your booking and do not attend the event.  We’re asking visitors to still wear a mask when entering the Heritage Centre building to order from the cafe or use the toilets – this is to help keep our staff and other visitors safe.  Masks do not need to be worn outside or on the walk.

Was Crowley’s Mill No. 1 the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? Find out all about Crowley’s Ironworks and then decide for yourself at this informative guided walk as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Our guided walk will take you from the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill through Derwenthaugh Park to see the low dam and spillway which were uncovered as part of our Heritage Lottery Funded project.  These are the only visible remains of what was once the largest ironworks in Europe, employing over 1,500 men.

Hear all about the remarkable social structure Ambrose Crowley imposed on the workers, with it’s own ‘laws’, courts, schools, welfare and pensions system.

Tickets are free as part of Heritage Open Days.

There are 3 dates available – limited places on each, booking essential.  Follow the link and choose which date you would like to book.

BOOK NOW

The walk to Hollinside from the Heritage Centre passes some 800 years of history, including the site of Crowley’s Iron works, Butterfly Bridge, the Derwent Walk, Hollinside Manor, Nine Arches viaduct, Kite Hill and Crowley’s Dam.

Many aspects of the heritage of the area has been claimed back and hidden by nature – but if you know where to look there are still signs of the extensive industry that once dominated the landscape.

Tow dates available. Free to attend, places limited and booking essential.

BOOK NOW

Access

This walk has some steep steps on the way up and down to Hollinside. Not suitable for pushchairs or for those who might struggle walking up inclines and on uneven pathways. Some of the paths can also be muddy at times depending on the weather.

Please wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and suitable waterproof clothing. No dogs allowed.

Regarding social distancing there are a couple of places on the way up to Hollinside where the path is very narrow, plus on the board walk section on the way down.

Max 10 people per guided walk.

COVID-19 Considerations

If you have any symptoms of coronavirus please cancel your booking and do not attend the event.  We’re asking visitors to still wear a mask when entering the Heritage Centre building to order from the cafe or use the toilets – this is to help keep our staff and other visitors safe.  Masks do not need to be worn outside or on the walk.

Hang onto those hazy days of summer with an outdoor yoga course in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.

Give yourself room to breathe, stretch and totally relax.  Fully qualified yoga teacher Sarah will give you a chance to restore your energy, release tension and find calm in your hectic day.

Suitable for beginners and those with experience of yoga.  For men and women 15 years or older, any level of fitness level.

Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, we can lend you one if you need it.  Put on comfortable fitness/sportswear and throw off your shoes and socks.  Time to make time for you!

This short course consists of four lunchtime sessions – come along to as many as you like.

No need to book – just turn up and pay at café shrub before making your way to the meadow at the side of the Heritage Centre building.

£7 per session.

Was Crowley’s Mill No. 1 the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution? Find out all about Crowley’s Ironworks and then decide for yourself at this informative guided walk as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Our guided walk will take you from the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill through Derwenthaugh Park to see the low dam and spillway which were uncovered as part of our Heritage Lottery Funded project.  These are the only visible remains of what was once the largest ironworks in Europe, employing over 1,500 men.

Hear all about the remarkable social structure Ambrose Crowley imposed on the workers, with it’s own ‘laws’, courts, schools, welfare and pensions system.

Tickets are free as part of Heritage Open Days.

There are 3 dates available – limited places on each, booking essential.  Follow the link and choose which date you would like to book.

BOOK NOW

Enjoy live music in the courtyard with the ‘Cloth Cap Temperance Band’ at Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre (Winlaton Mill) on the last day of this year’s Heritage Open Days celebration.

Put together a group of some of the most experienced folk singers in the North East, point them at an audience and what do you get? Songs, tunes, humour, audience participation and a lot of fun!

The Cloth Cap Temperance Band is a lively mix of excellent singers and musicians who have a wealth of entertaining material and play a multitude of instruments. Expect to hear Geordie songs, expect to laugh, expect to join in but, most of all, expect to have a really good time!”

Live performances outside near the courtyard, with sessions being played between 12 noon and 3.30pm (subject to weather).

‘Scoops n Smiles’ will also be selling lots of lovely flavours of ice cream from their heritage ice cream van too!  So lets hope for sunshine so we can eat ice-cream whilst enjoying an afternoon of local songs and tunes in celebration of Heritage Open Days.

café shrub will be open as usual for delicious breakfast, lunch drinks, home baked cakes, scones and snacks.

To help keep our staff and visitors safe, we’re asking people if they could please continue to wear masks when entering the Heritage Centre to order from the café, or use the toilets.

Sanitising spray and hand gel is available at both entrances.

Hang onto those hazy days of summer with an outdoor yoga course in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.

Give yourself room to breathe, stretch and totally relax.  Fully qualified yoga teacher Sarah will give you a chance to restore your energy, release tension and find calm in your hectic day.

Suitable for beginners and those with experience of yoga.  For men and women 15 years or older, any level of fitness level.

Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, we can lend you one if you need it.  Put on comfortable fitness/sportswear and throw off your shoes and socks.  Time to make time for you!

This short course consists of four lunchtime sessions – come along to as many as you like.

No need to book – just turn up and pay at café shrub before making your way to the meadow at the side of the Heritage Centre building.

£7 per session.

Join us for an evening of live music and fresh wood-fired pizza on the last Friday of every month.

Treat yourself to a delicious freshly made, wood-fired pizza from Lucca Pizza’s Vintage Trailer, which will be situated towards the rear of the Heritage Centre near the Courtyard area.

On the 30th July, the amazing and talented Bill Elliott and Kevin Youldon will be performing a variety of folk songs live in the courtyard for you to enjoy while you tuck into your pizza.  Musicians for our other pizza evenings will be announced soon.

Alcoholic drinks (along with non alcoholic drinks) and sweet treats will be available to purchase from café shrub to enjoy alongside the pizza and music.

No need to book, just turn up and enjoy yourself on the last Friday of every month, between 6pm – 9pm (last food order 8.30pm).

Masks must be worn when entering the Heritage Centre to use the café, shop or toilets.  Sanitising spray and hand gel is available at both entrances.

Late summer is a great time to enjoy the delights of birdwatching.  September is a time of change and the ‘autumn passage’ has begun, with migrant birds moving through the Derwent Valley.

Join local ornithologist Michael Turner on another of our regular guided walk through this rich and diverse landscape –  Michael will help you identify the many different bird species by sight and sound.

On returning to the Heritage Centre, there is the option to purchase brunch or a drink from café shrub as you chat about the birds spotted on your walk.

Leaving from the Heritage Centre, the walk will be on regular footpaths with varying gradients.

Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately for the weather.

Limited places to allow for social distancing. Sorry no dogs.

Tickets £9.50 per person

(Photograph by Bill Cowings)

Booking essential

Hang onto those hazy days of summer with an outdoor yoga course in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.

Give yourself room to breathe, stretch and totally relax.  Fully qualified yoga teacher Sarah will give you a chance to restore your energy, release tension and find calm in your hectic day.

Suitable for beginners and those with experience of yoga.  For men and women 15 years or older, any level of fitness level.

Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, we can lend you one if you need it.  Put on comfortable fitness/sportswear and throw off your shoes and socks.  Time to make time for you!

This short course consists of four lunchtime sessions – come along to as many as you like.

No need to book – just turn up and pay at café shrub before making your way to the meadow at the side of the Heritage Centre building.

£7 per session.

Join in on the 1st Sunday of every month to make new discoveries while exploring the beautiful green spaces surrounding the Heritage Centre.  Activities will include discovering more about mini beasts, bees, trees, wild art and much more! 

There will be different sessions to explore and discover many aspects of nature and wildlife.

Our October session will be all about bush craft and outdoor skills!  More details coming soon.

£9.50 for 1 child + 1 adult

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Local ornithologist Michael Turner will lead you on this guided walk around the lower Derwent Valley identifying the different species by sight and sound – it’s a perfect time to spot winter migrants but also enjoy the autumnal colours surrounding Derwenthaugh at this time of year.

Booking essential.

Join us for an evening of live music and fresh wood-fired pizza on the last Friday of every month.

Treat yourself to a delicious freshly made, wood-fired pizza from Lucca Pizza’s Vintage Trailer, which will be situated towards the rear of the Heritage Centre near the Courtyard area.

On the 30th July, the amazing and talented Bill Elliott and Kevin Youldon will be performing a variety of folk songs live in the courtyard for you to enjoy while you tuck into your pizza.  Musicians for our other pizza evenings will be announced soon.

Alcoholic drinks (along with non alcoholic drinks) and sweet treats will be available to purchase from café shrub to enjoy alongside the pizza and music.

No need to book, just turn up and enjoy yourself on the last Friday of every month, between 6pm – 9pm (last food order 8.30pm).

Masks must be worn when entering the Heritage Centre to use the café, shop or toilets.  Sanitising spray and hand gel is available at both entrances.

Local ornithologist Michael Turner will lead you on this guided walk around the Lower Derwent Valley, helping you to identify the birds of autumn and uncovering some of their ancient folklore.

Why do we have a ‘murder’ of crows? What garden bird was hunted and sacrificed on St Stephen’s Day and which of the nation’s favourite birds has a darker side?

All will be revealed and much more on this fascinating walk.

We will then return to the Heritage Centre, where there’s the option to purchase brunch and a hot drink to warm you up after the walk.

Please bring binoculars if you have them and dress appropriately with stout footwear.

No dogs please.

Suitable for adults only.

Tickets £9.50 per person.

Booking essential.