Big Pit National Coal Museum

Big Pit National Coal Museum is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, we offer an exciting and informative day out.

You can enjoy a multimedia tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner, see exhibitions that tell the story of coal in Wales, and explore historic colliery buildings and machinery that were crucial to the mining operations at Big Pit.

All thisand the world famous Underground Tour. Take a seat in the miners waiting rooms before embarking on your journey, and you'll soon be heading 300 feet (90m) down the mineshaft!

Once underground you'll begin an amazing journey around a section of original underground workings with a real miner to guide you. Visitors walk about 700 yards on the tour, wearing their own helmet and lamp weighing 5 kilos.

You will be guided (a 50 minute walk) around the coal faces, engine houses and stables, and your miner will explain the different ways coal was mined and transported and share some of his own experiences.

The Mining Galleries are particularly fun for children, with plenty of crashes, bangs and flashes to excite the whole family.

Other activities include discovery trails and activity packs (especially suitable for younger children), which are available free of charge from Reception, on request.

There is an increased programme of themed family activities during each school holiday including craft activities, story telling, dressing up as mini miners.

Wheelchair users should book in advance for underground tours. For details on a range of provisions including physical mobility, visual and hearing impaired, use the link provided.