Land of Iron invites you to experience the story of Britain’s people power

The doors to a significant Tees Valley visitor attraction have now opened after a £2.3million pound investment.

Land of Iron stands on the site of the first ironstone mine in Cleveland and is the much anticipated newly developed visitor attraction, based in Skinningrove, formerly known as the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum.

The attraction makes a welcome return to the region’s tourism offer after being closed since 2018, offering visitors a new state of the art interactive exhibition and a fully guided tour. Throughout the year, Land of Iron will also host events, and changing exhibitions that will keep visitors coming back for repeat visits.

The redevelopment also sees two new education rooms within the new museum, providing a rich and varied education offer for school children from Tees Valley and providing space to hire for events and workshops.

Rev Adam Gaunt, Land of Iron Board Chair said: “Land of Iron allows visitors to really get up close and explore a rich and fascinating history! This hands-on journey takes you back 150 years to a time of industrial revolution when our area and its people supplied over a third of the world’s Iron and Steel.”

He went on to say: “Not only are we attracting thousands of visitors each month with an exciting new attraction, but we are also creating four new jobs with more to come, an engaging education offer and a comprehensive volunteering programme, this really is a significant development for the Tees Valley.”

Highlights of the new experience include previously unseen artefacts, the original mine’s ambulance cart complete with gruesome discoveries inside, and being plunged into total darkness as you listen to the story of twelveyear-old Fred, and his memories of his first day underground as a trappy lad.

Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We are thrilled that this fantastic attraction is open bringing our fascinating history to life. We are proud to have played a part in this redevelopment and hope members of the public will enjoy all that it has to offer, including exhibitions, tours, and events, for many years to come.”

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to have supported the major redevelopment of Land of Iron, thanks to money raised by National Lottery Players. It is incredibly exciting to think that our funding will ensure that local communities and visitors from further afield can explore the rich heritage of ironstone mining in the North of England and the significant role it played in powering the