Matlock Bath, Matlock, DE4 3PG
Temple Mine - Peak District Mining Museum
Museum & collection
Place photograph
6.9
Wildland
Half day
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.9Go underground on a guided tour of an authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine, then explore a museum devoted to Derbyshire’s mining industry and the families whose livelihoods depended on it.
This is more than a museum display: the visit can take you into Temple Mine itself, connecting Derbyshire’s mining history with the physical conditions underground. The combination of museum exhibits, a guided mine tour and gold panning gives the visit a distinctive, hands-on focus.
Atmospheric · Hands-on
Find your way
Open mapMatlock Bath, Matlock, DE4 3PG
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow at least 2–3 hours to combine the museum with a Temple Mine tour. Explore the museum’s mining-history displays, then descend on a guided tour and try gold panning. Mine-tour places are limited, so contact the museum ahead.
Things to do
Explore the mining-history museum
Discover the museum’s account of Derbyshire’s mining industry and the families who made their living from mining.
Around 1–2 hours
Take a guided tour of Temple Mine
Join a guided tour into the authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine. Tour places are limited; contact the museum to check availability.
At least 1 hour
Try gold panning
The museum lists trying your hand at panning for ‘gold’ as part of its Temple Mine visitor offer.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: Explore the museum
- 01
Check the museum’s current opening arrangements before setting out.
- 02
Explore the museum displays about Derbyshire’s mining industry and the families who worked in it.
- 03
Allow time for the exhibits; the museum estimates that a museum-only visit usually takes around 1–2 hours.
Half day · At least 2–3 hours
Make a half day of it: Museum and mine tour
- 01
Contact the museum to check opening arrangements and reserve a place on a Temple Mine tour; places are limited.
- 02
Explore the museum’s mining-history displays.
- 03
Join a guided tour into Temple Mine, described by the museum as an authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine.
- 04
Try gold panning, as described on the museum website.
Verified history
The museum presents the history of Derbyshire’s mining industry and the families who made their living from it. It describes Temple Mine as an authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine, visited on a guided tour. The supplied sources do not establish further dates or historical events, so these are not added here.
Hidden details
Mining history told through working lives — The museum specifically frames its displays around both Derbyshire’s mining industry and the families who depended on mining for a living.
A mine tour with a defined period setting — The museum describes Temple Mine as an authentic 1920s lead and fluorspar mine; confirm tour availability directly before visiting.
When to go
· Choose a tour time confirmed with the museum; check current opening information before travel.
The supplied museum information describes seasonal opening arrangements. No season-specific advantage is established by the available sources.
The mine tour involves a short steep slope and steps, according to the museum FAQ. Check current conditions and suitability with the museum.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between the museum’s displays about Derbyshire’s mining industry and the underground experience of Temple Mine. The museum describes its exhibits as including mock tunnels and shafts to climb, moving models, and a chance to try gold panning.
The story
Derbyshire lead and fluorspar mining; mining work and the families who depended on it.
Best time to go
Check current seasonal opening arrangements before visiting. The museum’s website lists seasonal hours and mine-tour times.
Plan around a mine-tour time confirmed directly with the museum. Its supplied website information lists daily tours at 11:00, 13:00 and 14:10 during the stated 2026 opening period; schedules can change.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
History lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A visitor museum with guided tours of Temple Mine. Mine-tour places are limited; contact the museum ahead to check availability and current opening arrangements.
Check before visiting
Parking
The museum’s FAQ describes a two-hour pay-and-display car park adjacent to the museum, plus other car parks within a ten-minute walk. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The museum says it has staff toilets available on request. Its FAQ identifies public toilets at the north end of the village; check current availability.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Cold drinks and confectionery are available at the museum; the museum says other food and drink options are available in Matlock Bath.
Dogs
The museum says well-behaved dogs on short leads may be admitted, including on mine tours, but reserves the right to refuse entry. Contact the museum before visiting with a dog.
Accessibility
The museum’s ground floor is described as wheelchair accessible; the upper level is reached by stairs and has no ramp. Temple Mine has a short steep slope and steps and is not accessible to wheelchair users or pushchairs. Check with the museum about individual access needs.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Temple Mine - Peak District Mining Museum
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
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Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
12.7 km away
Place photograph8.2Arbor Low Stone Circle and Gib Hill Barrow
Long Rake, near Monyash, Derbyshire DE45 1JS
14.3 km away
