Big Pit National Coal Museum

A real coal mine and a leading mining museum, Big Pit National Coal Museum near Blaenafon in Torfaen offers one of the best free family days out in South Wales. Exciting, educational and fun, it is located in a fascinating industrial landscape that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2000.

The highlight for kids is likely to be the chance to descend 300 feet down the Big Pit mineshaft for a thrilling underground tour around original workings. An important part of the experience will be putting on a helmet, cap lamp and other equipment used by miners. Join your guide, a former miner, for a 50-minute walk to see the coal faces, engine houses and stables. Learn the various ways coal was mined and transported, and listen to the guide recount some of his own experiences.

After the tour, head for The Pithead Baths building to discover the story of Welsh coal mining and glimpse what life was like for miners and their families. Displays also cover geology, mining disasters and rescue.

Move on to explore historic colliery buildings housing vital machinery such as the winding engine, which would raise and lower cages transporting men, coal and materials up and down the shaft. Look out for the Explosives Magazine, built well away from other buildings, and the all-important Fan House.

Allow plenty of time for the Mining Galleries. Set into the hillside above the colliery, the galleries offer a fascinating audio-visual experience including displays of modern mining equipment. Families can explore simulated underground workings and gain an understanding of how the mining industry in Wales developed.

Height restrictions may apply for underground tours.

If you would like to book a timed slot for your underground tour, Job-A-Knock tickets are available at £5 per person.

Please see the website of Amgueddfa Cymru to find out more.