View of the shaft
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Big Pit National Coal Museum

4.8
·6k reviews·, United Kingdom

Step back in time at Big Pit, a former coal mine offering an authentic underground tour led by ex-miners. Explore Welsh industrial history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier tour booking

CrowdLow
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View of the shaft

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier tour booking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Big Pit, a former coal mine offering an authentic underground tour led by ex-miners. Explore Welsh industrial history.

4.8
(6k reviews)

"An amazing experience! Truly a great experience to have and learn about."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Underground Tour Early

The underground tour is free but has limited spots. Arrive early to book your slot for the day!

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for the underground tour and exploring the site.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Mine Tour

Underground Mine Tour

Mine shaft

Descend 90m underground with ex-miners for an authentic, immersive experience of colliery life.

Pithead Baths

Pithead Baths

Pithead Baths building

Explore the historic changing rooms and see how miners prepared for their shifts.

Winding Engine House

Winding Engine House

Winding Engine House

Witness the powerful machinery that once lowered and raised miners and coal.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Underground Tour

The highlight is the underground tour, guided by ex-miners. It's free but requires booking on arrival due to limited capacity. Arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Accessibility & Comfort

The underground tour involves ducking and navigating tight spaces, making it unsuitable for those with claustrophobia or significant mobility issues. Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as it's cool 90m below ground.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier tour booking
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Tour slots may be limited
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Big Pit National Coal Museum tour in Wales

🎯 Book Underground Tour Early

The underground tour is free but has limited spots. Arrive early to book your slot for the day! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for the underground tour and exploring the site. Reddit

reddit.com

Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales

reddit.com

Which mining museum should I visit: Newport (Wales) or Wakefield (England)?

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's cool 90m underground. Bring a jacket or warm layers for the mine tour. Reddit

🚫 No Belongings Underground

You can't take bags, phones, or cameras into the mine. Lockers are available. Reddit

reddit.com

Traveling to Wales and would like to see a mining museum/exhibit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Underground Tour Early

The underground tour is free but has limited spots. Arrive early to book your slot for the day! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for the underground tour and exploring the site. Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's cool 90m underground. Bring a jacket or warm layers for the mine tour. Reddit

🚫 No Belongings Underground

You can't take bags, phones, or cameras into the mine. Lockers are available. Reddit

☕ Cafe on Site

Grab a coffee and cake at the onsite cafe after your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Big Pit National Coal Museum for its authentic and immersive underground tour, guided by knowledgeable ex-miners. The historical exhibits above ground are also well-regarded for detailing Wales' industrial past. While the experience is highly recommended, potential visitors should be aware of the physical demands of the underground tour and the need to book slots on arrival.

"Amazing experience!

Had visited well over 20 years ago as a kid and it was great to come back and see the mine again.

We didn’t tour where you go down the shaft and it was incredible, (you will need some degree of flexibility as there’s lots of ducking involved)

The rest of the museum is equally impressive, lots to see and do and loads of great historical items. Really enjoyed the visit and would definitely recommend."

Benjamin McHenry

"This was one of the best tours ive ever been on! The history was amazing to learn on the underground tour. Your not allowed any of your belongings on you in the mines, but the tour guides were amazing friendly happy to answer any questions and told the story amazingly it truly was a great experience to have and learn about. Definitely recommend a visit the gift shop was full of amazing goodies too!"

lauren loveridge

"This is a truely amazing place - it’s not theme park - it’s real history that you experience - right from the guides who are all ex miners or from mining families - to wearing a helmet with light and belt with a gas mask - to descending in the cage that would have taken 30 men to the coal face. I strongly recommend visiting here"

Debbie Hicks

What People Like

Authentic underground tour
Knowledgeable ex-miner guides
Immersive historical experience

What People Dislike

Underground tour limitations
Parking fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Big Pit is located in Blaenavon, near Newport, Wales. It's accessible by car via the A4042 and A465. Parking is available on-site for a fee. Public transport options include bus services from Newport, though they can be infrequent. Reddit

Yes, Big Pit is well-signposted from the main roads in the Blaenavon area. Follow the brown tourist signs. Reddit

Big Pit is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last underground tour at 3:30 PM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park available at Big Pit. A parking fee applies, which contributes to the museum's upkeep. Reddit

While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport. Bus services from Newport are available but may require careful planning around schedules. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Big Pit National Coal Museum is free! However, there is a charge for parking. The underground mine tour is also free but requires booking on arrival. Reddit

You don't need to book tickets in advance for the underground tour, but you must book your slot on the day of your visit upon arrival. Due to popularity, it's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. Reddit

The underground mine tour is a free experience, offering incredible value for the immersive history you gain. Reddit

While the museum is suitable for all ages, the underground tour involves ducking and confined spaces, so it's not recommended for very young children or those with claustrophobia or mobility issues. Reddit

Assistance dogs are welcome at Big Pit, but other pets are generally not permitted, especially within the museum buildings and underground tour areas. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The underground mine tour typically lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive look at the mining environment. Reddit

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and warm clothing, as it's cool 90 meters underground. You'll be provided with a helmet and lamp. Reddit

No, personal belongings, including cameras and phones, are not allowed on the underground tour for safety reasons. Lockers are available. Reddit

Above ground, you can explore the Pithead Baths, Winding Engine House, and various exhibitions detailing the industrial heritage of Wales and the lives of mining communities. Reddit

The above-ground exhibits are generally accessible. However, the underground tour involves ducking, uneven surfaces, and confined spaces, making it unsuitable for those with significant mobility issues or claustrophobia. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site at Big Pit that serves coffee, cakes, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Picnics are generally welcome, and there are often designated areas where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pasties, cakes, and other snacks, catering to a casual dining experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the above-ground areas of Big Pit for personal use. However, cameras and phones are not allowed on the underground mine tour for safety reasons. Reddit

The exterior of the colliery buildings, the winding engine house, and the general industrial landscape offer great photographic opportunities above ground. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Big Pit offers a unique educational experience for families, though the underground tour has specific considerations. While the above-ground exhibits are engaging for all ages, the underground tour requires children to be able to follow instructions and navigate potentially tight spaces. It's a fantastic way to teach kids about history and the importance of coal mining in a tangible way. Ensure children are dressed warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Consider the interactive displays above ground, which can keep younger visitors entertained. The cafe provides a good spot for a family break. Remember that the underground tour is free but requires booking on the day, so arriving early is key to ensuring everyone gets a chance to experience it.

🚶‍♀️ History Enthusiasts & Day-Trippers

For history buffs, Big Pit is an absolute must-visit. The authenticity of the underground tour, guided by those with firsthand experience, offers unparalleled insight into the realities of coal mining. The extensive above-ground exhibits further enrich the historical narrative, covering the social, economic, and technological aspects of the industry. Reddit

As a day trip from nearby cities like Cardiff or Bristol, Big Pit provides a deeply engaging and educational experience. Plan for at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the site, including the underground tour. The minimal entry fee (for parking) makes it an excellent value for a full day of historical immersion.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Immersive Underground Experience

The heart of the Big Pit National Coal Museum experience is undoubtedly the underground tour. Led by guides who are often ex-miners or from mining families, this tour offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the challenging lives of those who worked the coal face. Visitors descend 90 meters via a cage, experiencing the same journey miners took daily. Inside, the guides share personal anecdotes and historical facts, bringing the dark, damp tunnels to life. The tour includes moments of complete darkness, simulating the conditions miners worked in, which can be both eerie and profound. Reddit

It's crucial to understand that this is not a sanitized theme park ride. The environment is real, and the experience requires a degree of physical capability. Visitors must be able to duck and navigate potentially uneven surfaces. For those who can manage it, the underground tour is an unforgettable journey into a vital part of Welsh industrial history, offering a deep respect for the bravery and resilience of the mining community. Reddit

Above-Ground Exhibits and Industrial Heritage

While the underground tour is a major draw, the Big Pit National Coal Museum also boasts extensive above-ground exhibits that provide a comprehensive understanding of the colliery and its impact on Welsh industrial heritage. The Pithead Baths building, where miners would wash and change, offers a stark look at their daily routines and the social aspects of colliery life. You can explore the locker rooms and washhouses, imagining the camaraderie and exhaustion of the workers. Reddit

The Winding Engine House showcases the powerful machinery that was the lifeblood of the mine, responsible for lowering and raising the cages. Seeing these massive engines, even if not in operation, gives a sense of the scale and engineering prowess involved in coal extraction. Throughout the site, various displays and artifacts further detail the history of coal mining in the region, its economic significance, and the social changes it brought. These exhibits are crucial for understanding the broader context of the miners' lives and the industry's role in shaping Wales. Reddit

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