Threlkeld Quarry initially opened in the 1870’s to supply railway ballast to the Penrith-Keswick line. The quarry is now run by volunteers as a museum which includes; exhibits about the history and significance of the quarry, displaying artefacts, plans and photographic records, a guided tour of the quarry site (itself a Regionally Important Geological Site) and its own narrow-gauge railway.

Threlkeld Quarry is also the home of the Vintage Excavator Trust. The aims of the organisation, as stated in a document produced at the initial meeting, are "to acquire, preserve, restore and keep in working order, a comprehensive collection of rope-operated excavators, associated plant, machinery and equipment, literature and models and to display, demonstrate and explain to the general public, schools, industrial history societies etc their history, evolution, construction and working principles"

The visit will include a guided tour of the quarry, museum and vintage excavators by a representative of the museum, followed by a ride on the railway.

Please note that booking is required as places are limited and although booking a place is free, there is a £5 charge payable to the museum on the day.