Big Pit: National Coal Museum

Blaenavon

Former coal mine and industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon in south-east Wales, United Kingdom

Opening Open daily 9.30am-5pm. Last entry: 4pm. Underground tours: 10am-3.30pm.

Price Entry to the museum is free. Underground tours £5 per person, bookable on arrival only (limited availability); an £8 'Job-a-Knock' timed entry ticket can be purchased in advance to guarantee a spot. Underground tours are free for UK school visits.

Typical visit Not provided yet

Age fit Not specified

Setting indoor/outdoor

The experience

About this day out

Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenafon, Torfaen, is a coal mining museum offering 'The Real Underground Experience'. Entry to the museum is free, with daily underground tours lasting about an hour that involve walking 700 metres underground wearing a helmet and carrying a 5kg lamp.

When to go

Opening calendar

Open daily 9.30am-5pm. Last entry: 4pm. Underground tours: 10am-3.30pm.

Check the venue calendar ↗

What it costs

Prices at a glance

Admission: Entry to the museum is free. Underground tours £5 per person, bookable on arrival only (limited availability); an £8 'Job-a-Knock' timed entry ticket can be purchased in advance to guarantee a spot. Underground tours are free for UK school visits.

Prices can change. Confirm ticket terms with the venue before booking.

Practical details

Facilities & accessibility

At a glance

♿ Wheelchair accessible🎟️ Free entryaccessible toilets on all three levelsbaby changing facilities in the Pithead Bathscoffee shopseating at King Coal, the Pithead Baths Exhibition and various outside areasfree sensory backpacks to borrow from the Welcome Deskinduction hearing loops in the Reception and Enquiries buildingmuseum maps at the information desk

Accessibility: Level access to the main entrance, with accessible parking on each of the 3 main levels (free for blue badge holders). Accessible toilets on all three levels and induction hearing loops in Reception. Wheelchair users are welcome but must transfer to a manual chair for the underground tour (maximum 4 wheelchair users underground at a time) and must be accompanied; some ramps between levels are long and steep. The museum is a member of the Hynt access scheme offering free carer/companion tickets, and offers pre-bookable Dementia Friendly Tours. Underground areas are dark and cold with no toilets or seating, and the 700-metre tour requires walking in a helmet while carrying a 5kg lamp.
Parking: Parking is available on each of the 3 main levels, allowing access to the main entrance, underground tour, coffee shop, Pithead Baths exhibition and other outer buildings. Parking is free for blue badge holders.
Dogs: Appropriately trained service/assistance dogs are admitted on site if kept on a lead; guide dogs are welcomed but cannot be taken underground.

Getting there

Where you'll find it

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