Navigation Colliery Crumlin
A poignant historical landmark in South Wales, showcasing the evocative ruins of a former coal mine and its industrial past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best access and context
Navigation Colliery Crumlin
Best Time
Best access and context
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant historical landmark in South Wales, showcasing the evocative ruins of a former coal mine and its industrial past.
"Fascinating site but so sad to see it lying ruined and unloved. It deserves to be a museum."
Check for Events First
Access is often best during organized events by groups like the SNAP Network.
Respect the Site
This is a historical landmark in disrepair. Treat it with respect and do not attempt to access unsafe areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Engine House
Main structure
A striking brick engine house, a testament to industrial engineering and a key feature of the colliery's past.
The Baths and Chimney
Surrounding structures
See the remnants of the colliery's baths and the imposing chimney, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of miners.
Aerial Views
From above
Experience the full layout and scale of the colliery from a bird's-eye perspective, showcasing its historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Preservation Efforts & Access
Understanding Its History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Events First
Access is often best during organized events by groups like the SNAP Network. 
Respect the Site
This is a historical landmark in disrepair. Treat it with respect and do not attempt to access unsafe areas.
Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial shots of the colliery layout and surrounding landscape. +1
Research its History
Understanding the colliery's past enhances the appreciation of its ruins.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Events First
Access is often best during organized events by groups like the SNAP Network.
Respect the Site
This is a historical landmark in disrepair. Treat it with respect and do not attempt to access unsafe areas.
Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial shots of the colliery layout and surrounding landscape. +1
Research its History
Understanding the colliery's past enhances the appreciation of its ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Navigation Colliery Crumlin to be a fascinating and historically rich site, offering a poignant glimpse into Wales' industrial past. However, many lament its current state of disrepair and express a desire for better preservation or repurposing. While not a formal attraction, its historical significance is widely acknowledged.
"Fascinating site but so sad to see it lying ruined and unloved. It deserves to be a museum, or at least converted into something else."
Luke Busbridge
"Interesting building and history, unfortunately it looks beyond saving now."
Nick Fowler Photography
"Some nice initiatives are being worked on here. Hydro power, mine water heating, etc."
Vincent Vandeweijer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navigation Colliery Crumlin is located in Crumlin, South Wales. While public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to reach the site. Parking availability can vary, especially outside of organized events.
The colliery is a prominent historical landmark in the area. Using GPS or a mapping app with the address or name should guide you effectively.
The nearest major towns with transport links would be Newport or Caerphilly. From there, you may need to arrange local transport or a taxi to reach the colliery directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As Navigation Colliery Crumlin is not a formal tourist attraction, there are typically no tickets required for general viewing from the perimeter. However, access to specific areas or during organized events might have associated costs.
There are no set opening hours as it's an historical site. Access to the grounds may be restricted or unsupervised. It's best to visit during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
Generally, direct access into the crumbling buildings is not permitted due to safety concerns. The site is largely viewed from the exterior or during specific, supervised events.
Guided tours are not consistently available. Your best bet is to check for special events organized by local heritage groups or photography networks, which sometimes offer guided access.
📸 📸 Photography
The engine house, chimney, and the overall layout of the former industrial site offer compelling photographic opportunities. Aerial shots from a drone can provide a unique perspective.
Drone photography is possible and has been used to capture impressive views of the site. Always ensure you comply with local drone regulations and fly responsibly. +1
Urban exploration (urbex) and historical photography are popular. The site's atmospheric ruins and industrial heritage make it a draw for photographers.
Yes, the colliery has been used as a location for professional photoshoots, often organized by networks like SNAP Network, featuring various themes.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You can see the remains of the engine house, baths, chimney, and the general layout of the former coal mine, offering a poignant look at industrial history.
While historically significant, the site's current state of disrepair means it may not be ideal for young children due to safety concerns. Adult visitors interested in history would find it more engaging.
The colliery is described as being in a state of ruin and disrepair, with some parts looking beyond saving. It's a historical landmark rather than a preserved attraction.
There have been discussions and some initiatives related to hydro power and mine water heating, suggesting ongoing interest in the site's potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents interested in industrial history might find it a valuable educational stop, but it's best suited for older children or teenagers who can appreciate the historical context and understand the need for caution around the ruins. Visiting during an organized event might offer a more structured and potentially safer experience.
📸 Photographers & Creatives
Consider bringing a drone for breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the colliery's footprint and its place in the landscape.
+4🏛️ History Buffs
While the site is not a museum, its preserved ruins speak volumes. Researching the colliery's history before your visit will greatly enhance your appreciation of the structures and the stories they hold. Look out for any organized events that might offer deeper insights or guided perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Welsh Mining Heritage
Visiting Navigation Colliery offers a unique opportunity to connect with this heritage. While it's not a polished tourist attraction, its raw, unvarnished state allows for a powerful reflection on the era. The site's historical significance is undeniable, representing a crucial chapter in Welsh economic and social history.
Recent discussions and initiatives hint at potential future developments, possibly involving renewable energy solutions like mine water heating. These efforts underscore the ongoing relevance of the site, even as its primary function has ceased. For history enthusiasts and photographers, it remains a compelling destination to explore the legacy of coal mining.
Photography and Creative Inspiration
Many visitors and creators have utilized drones to capture the colliery's layout from above, revealing the scale of the former operation and its integration with the surrounding landscape. This aerial perspective offers a unique way to appreciate the historical significance of the site.
+1Beyond general photography, the colliery has also hosted professional model photoshoots, with organizers like the SNAP Network leveraging the unique setting for various themes, from vintage styles to more avant-garde concepts. Artists have also found inspiration here, using the site as a muse for drawings and potential printmaking projects, highlighting its enduring appeal to the creative community.
+5
Social
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