Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum
1 / 10

Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum

4.9
·107 reviews·Pleasley, United Kingdom

Journey 180ft underground into a historic coal mine and explore a rich industrial museum, preserved by dedicated volunteers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday mornings

Guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum

Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum

Best Time

Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday mornings

Guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Journey 180ft underground into a historic coal mine and explore a rich industrial museum, preserved by dedicated volunteers.

4.9
(107 reviews)

"The mining museum was great to visit, we REALLY LOVED AND ENJOYED it!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's a chilly 50°F underground year-round. Don't let the cold surprise you!

💰 Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but your contributions keep this history alive. Card or cash accepted.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Journey 180ft Underground

Journey 180ft Underground

Mine Shaft

Ride a mine train deep into the earth, experiencing the chilly, dark tunnels of a historic coal mine.

TikTok+1
Interactive Mining Museum

Interactive Mining Museum

Museum Building

Explore fascinating mining memorabilia and interactive exhibits that bring the colliery's history to life.

Reddit
Majestic Headstocks

Majestic Headstocks

Surface Site

Marvel at the imposing headstocks and engine house, showcasing the powerful machinery that once fueled the industry.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Underground Adventure

Prepare for a cool 50°F year-round underground! Bring a jacket, as the mine's temperature remains constant. Tickets are typically around $12, and tours often run seasonally, so check operating hours before you go. TikTok+1

Support Local History

Entry to the museum is free, but donations are crucial for upkeep. Volunteers are the heart of this place, sharing extensive knowledge. Consider contributing to preserve this vital piece of industrial heritage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday mornings
Why
Guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers.
Crowd
Low
When
April to November
Why
Tours typically operate during these months.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The time I went 180ft under. 😳 #umyeah #humbled #coal #westvirgina #appalachia #travel #education #minerals #rocks #underground #adventure #nature
@mymacroscopiclife
251.9K likes • 3.4M views

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's a chilly 50°F underground year-round. Don't let the cold surprise you! TikTok+1

💰 Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but your contributions keep this history alive. Card or cash accepted. Reddit

#underground #coal #coalrun #miner
@darkcoalminer
132.3K likes • 4.9M views
Definitely worth the $12 ticket #abandonedmine #coalmine #miner #rats #lostplaces #usa #History #poconomountains #abandonedPA #foryou #viralvids #666 #No9
@abandoned.tings
69.5K likes • 788.2K views

🗣️ Chat with Volunteers

They have incredible stories and knowledge about the mine's history. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy tasty food, including bacon and egg cobs, with picnic tables available. Reddit

Coal once fueled America, now this abandoned coal mine fuels spooky season 👻🕯️ The No. 9 Mine is just a 15 minute drive from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and is unlike any tour I’ve taken. You’ll take a mine train 900 feet underground into dark, chilly tunnels that feel straight out of a ghost story. Tours run from April to November and tickets are $12 for adults / $9 for kids. While the video makes t...
@pang__bang
67.2K likes • 591.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring a Jacket!

It's a chilly 50°F underground year-round. Don't let the cold surprise you! TikTok+1

💰 Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but your contributions keep this history alive. Card or cash accepted. Reddit

🗣️ Chat with Volunteers

They have incredible stories and knowledge about the mine's history. Reddit

☕ Cafe Delights

Enjoy tasty food, including bacon and egg cobs, with picnic tables available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the warm and knowledgeable staff, especially volunteers like Mr. Tony and Simon, who make the mining museum and tours incredibly engaging. The site is lauded as a vital piece of local history, with impressive artifacts and machinery. While entry is free, donations are crucial and appreciated for upkeep. The cafe also receives positive mentions for its tasty food.

"The mining museum was great to visit, we REALLY LOVED AND ENJOYED it!! There were interactive activities that attract kids especially Mr.Tony, the way he engages kids and his fabulous explanations to the visitors was awesome. All other staffs were very warm too! lot to explore and to have some fun 😁 with delicious food too 😋"

Selvamariappan Sankaraligam

"Lovely staff serving delicious food, our bacon and egg cob was so tasty, and the mining museum was excellent too."

Nick Ingram

"We had a fantastic tour of the museum by Simon whose extensive knowledge of the mine really brought to life how it operated and what the men, and ponies, faced each day! Thanks Simon!"

Andrew L

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable staff
Rich local history
Interactive museum exhibits

What People Dislike

Cold temperature underground

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum is located in the heart of the UK's industrial heritage. While specific public transport details can vary, it's often best accessed by car. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the surrounding areas. Reddit

Yes, there is typically ample parking available for visitors at Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum, making it easy to access for those driving. Reddit

Absolutely! Many travelers make a dedicated trip to visit this unique historical site. It's a great addition to a broader UK itinerary focused on industrial history. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the museum itself is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support the upkeep of the building and equipment. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are usually available, often led by knowledgeable volunteers. These are typically held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings, but large groups can arrange visits by appointment. Reddit

For general museum visits, booking isn't usually required. However, if you're planning a visit as part of a large group or want to ensure a guided tour, it's advisable to contact them in advance. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially for guided tours. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and tour schedules. Reddit

While specific age restrictions aren't always stated, the underground experience might be intense for very young children. It's recommended to consider the nature of the tour before bringing very young ones. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The temperature inside the mine remains a constant cool 50°F (10°C) year-round. It's essential to dress appropriately, even in summer. TikTok+1

Definitely wear a jacket or warm layers, as it's quite cold underground. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for navigating the mine. TikTok+1

Yes, the museum offers interactive activities that are particularly engaging for children. Staff like Mr. Tony are noted for their excellent engagement with younger visitors. Reddit

You'll find a wealth of mining memorabilia, including winding drums and gear, as well as artifacts that illustrate the daily lives of miners and their families. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or staff on-site regarding permission for photos, especially with flash, to protect the environment and other visitors. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a good cafe on-site that serves delicious food, including popular items like bacon and egg cobs. Reddit

Absolutely! There are outside picnic tables available, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch or snacks purchased from the cafe. Reddit

The cafe offers tasty treats and meals, with visitors specifically praising the bacon and egg cobs. It's a lovely spot to refuel after exploring the museum and mine. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The imposing headstocks and the historic engine house offer striking photographic opportunities on the surface. Underground, the dark tunnels and vintage equipment can create dramatic shots, but always check photo policies. TikTokReddit

It's advisable to confirm with your guide before taking photos underground. Some areas might have restrictions to preserve the environment or for safety reasons. TikTok

The sheer scale of the winding gear and the atmospheric underground tunnels provide unique backdrops. Capturing the volunteers in action can also add a personal touch to your photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pleasley Pit offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The interactive exhibits in the museum are a big hit with children, and staff like Mr. Tony are particularly skilled at making the history fun and accessible for younger visitors. Reddit The underground mine tour, while potentially a bit spooky, is also a thrilling adventure that kids often talk about long after. TikTok+1

Remember to dress the kids in warm layers, as the mine is consistently cool. TikTok+1 The cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks or a meal, and the picnic tables offer a relaxed option for families. Reddit It's a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about industrial history in a hands-on, memorable way.

💰 Budget Travelers

Pleasley Pit is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The museum offers free entry, relying on donations to maintain its operations. Reddit This means you can explore a significant piece of history without a hefty admission fee. Reddit

While the mine tour might have a small associated cost (often around $12, though this can vary), it provides incredible value for the unique experience it offers. TikTok+1 Packing your own snacks and enjoying a picnic at the designated tables can further reduce costs, making it an affordable day out. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Underground Experience

Venturing 180 feet underground into the Pleasley Pit is a truly immersive experience. You'll ride a mine train through dark, chilly tunnels that have remained at a constant 50°F year-round. TikTok+1 This journey offers a visceral understanding of the conditions miners faced daily. The darkness and the echoes of the past create a unique atmosphere, making it a memorable part of your visit. TikTok+1

It's crucial to be prepared for the cool temperatures, so wearing a jacket or warm layers is highly recommended, even during warmer months. TikTok+1 The experience is designed to be educational and awe-inspiring, giving visitors a tangible connection to the region's coal-mining heritage. Reddit

While the videos often highlight the 'abandoned' aspect, remember this is a preserved historical site. The volunteers work hard to maintain its authenticity and share its stories. Reddit Be respectful of the environment and the history you are experiencing. TikTok

Preserving Industrial Heritage

Pleasley Pit Country Park and Museum stands as a testament to the dedication of volunteers who are passionate about preserving a crucial piece of local and national history. Reddit The site features two prominent headstocks, a historic chimney, and an engine house containing massive steam winders, all meticulously maintained. Reddit These structures are not just relics; they are powerful symbols of the industrial era that shaped Britain.

The museum itself is filled with a vast array of mining memorabilia, from tools and equipment to personal items that tell the stories of the men, women, and even ponies who worked in the mines. Reddit Volunteers, like Simon, are often on hand to provide guided tours, sharing their extensive knowledge and bringing the colliery's operations and the daily struggles of its workers vividly to life. Reddit Their passion ensures that the significance of this industry to the local area and Britain's economy is not forgotten.

Entry to the museum is free, a generous offering that underscores the volunteers' commitment to education and accessibility. However, the upkeep of the buildings and equipment relies heavily on donations, which are gratefully accepted in both cash and card. Reddit Your contribution directly supports the preservation of this invaluable historical site for future generations to learn from and appreciate. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2