Contact Us

The Weardale Museum
& High House Chapel

Ireshopeburn, Co. Durham, DL13 1HD

“Outstanding Volunteer Run Museum”

Terms and Conditions | Contact Us |                                                                         © Weardale Museum

Arts Council Award

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Who to Contact :

Mrs. Jean Proud, (01388)537417  

or Mr. D. T. Heatherington (01388) 517433

Contact by email

Where to Park :


Cars can park at the rear of the Museum.

A small coach or mini-bus can park outside the museum.

Larger coaches can off load and pick up at the Museum door. Museum staff will advise where coaches can park.

Parking is also available courtesy of the neighbouring Weardale Inn.

Where can you get Refreshments :


The Weardale Museum does not serve refreshments.


Groups may be able to organise a snack or meal:


Toilet facilities  :


We have a single disabled access toilet downstairs. To avoid queues we recommend a toilet stop before visiting the Museum.  

Disabled Access :


Group leaders should inform us beforehand of any special needs and we will do our best to provide an enjoyable and worthwhile visit. Access for wheelchairs is provided from the door by the main road and we can remove furniture to provide better access for wheelchair users. Two downstairs rooms and the chapel are accessible, and some of the upstairs galleries can be viewed on our downstairs computer.  Stewards will, where possible, bring items downstairs.  There are a number of chairs sited around the building for elderly visitors to take a rest. The Tapestry is upstairs.

How much does it cost :


Our charge of £3 includes a talk in the chapel.  To avoid queuing it is helpful if payment can be made by cheque to “The Weardale Museum” or if entrance fees have been collected beforehand.


Donations towards the upkeep of the Chapel are always welcome.

Your Visit on Arrival


(1) You should plan your visit to last at least 1¼ hours. This allows for a guided talk in the Chapel, viewing of the Museum, toilets, and disembarkation etc. We need to know beforehand the size of the group and your estimated time of arrival/ departure .It is also helpful to know your itinerary so that we can link our talk into other parts of your excursion.


(2) On arrival your group will be met at either the car park to the Weardale Inn or at the Museum door. A formal welcome will be given to the group in the Chapel.


(3) If there are more than 15 in your group it will probably be necessary to split them into two smaller groups (group A and group B) to ensure that your visit is comfortable, informative and enjoyable. Our steward will do this as part of the introduction in the Chapel.


(4) Group A will first visit the Museum. A steward will be available to answer questions but it is mainly a self guided visit.


(5) For your comfort and enjoyment it is best to spread out in the Museum because it is a small four roomed cottage. There are 2 rooms  downstairs and a larger gallery upstairs. Our galleries are explained in plain English but in the Cottage Kitchen room a steward will help to interpret objects. Careful handling is welcomed.


(6) Group B remain in the Chapel -  One of the stewards will provide a talk about the origins of the chapel and the early Methodists, putting it into a national context and linking it to the frequent visits of John Wesley.  


(7) After about half an hour or halfway through the visit Groups A and B will change places.


Our Museum specialises in visits by groups with members who are mainly in their third age e.g. Historical Societies, Adult Education Classes, Church/Chapel and Christian Heritage groups, Holiday Fellowships, U3A, Age Concern, Probus, Ladies Circle, WI, etc.


Information for Group Organisers


Things we need to know:


Groups are welcome, at any time, in or out of season by appointment