
Big Pit National Coal Museum
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier tour booking

Big Pit National Coal Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier tour booking

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

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Winding Engine House
Winding Engine House
Witness the powerful machinery that once lowered and raised miners and coal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Underground Tour
Accessibility & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for the underground tour and exploring the site.
Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales
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.
🚫 No Belongings Underground
You can't take bags, phones, or cameras into the mine. Lockers are available.
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!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for the underground tour and exploring the site.
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's cool 90m underground. Bring a jacket or warm layers for the mine tour.
🚫 No Belongings Underground
You can't take bags, phones, or cameras into the mine. Lockers are available.
☕ Cafe on Site
Grab a coffee and cake at the onsite cafe after your visit.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, Big Pit is well-signposted from the main roads in the Blaenavon area. Follow the brown tourist signs.
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.
Yes, there is a car park available at Big Pit. A parking fee applies, which contributes to the museum's upkeep.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
The underground mine tour is a free experience, offering incredible value for the immersive history you gain.
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.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Big Pit, but other pets are generally not permitted, especially within the museum buildings and underground tour areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The underground mine tour typically lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive look at the mining environment.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and warm clothing, as it's cool 90 meters underground. You'll be provided with a helmet and lamp.
No, personal belongings, including cameras and phones, are not allowed on the underground tour for safety reasons. Lockers are available.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Picnics are generally welcome, and there are often designated areas where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches.
The cafe typically offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pasties, cakes, and other snacks, catering to a casual dining experience.
📸 📸 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.
The exterior of the colliery buildings, the winding engine house, and the general industrial landscape offer great photographic opportunities above ground.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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.
Above-Ground Exhibits and Industrial Heritage
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit