Big Pit

Discover Wales’s coal mining heritage at the award-winning Big Pit National Coal Museum, a fascinating and interactive experience in the heart of South Wales. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the lives of miners and the industry that once powered a nation.

Big Pit, a former working coal mine that employed over 1,300 workers in its prime, now invites visitors to explore its history. The highlight is the world-famous underground tour, led by former miners. Descend into the depths and experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a real coal mine, gaining a living, breathing understanding of life at the coal face.

Prefer to stay above ground? The museum offers engaging alternatives, including the Mining Galleries, a virtual tour of a modern coal mine. The Pithead Baths exhibition, known for it’s warm storytelling, brings the personal stories of miners to life, exploring their experiences both at work and home. Voted Wales’s Favourite National Treasure, this exhibit is both moving and entertaining.

Don’t miss the Lamp Room, Blacksmith’s Forge, Fan House, and Explosives Magazine, where you can learn about the ingenuity and safety measures of the mining industry.

Big Pit hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year, offering something for everyone. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, with adjusted hours in December and January. Entry is free, with a small parking fee.

Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey into Wales’s industrial past, an experience suitable for all ages.

Our café serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks.

Please note that the museum café closes at 3pm. The Museum shop will be open during your visit. You are welcome to bring a picnic , while there’s nowhere to eat these within the museum, there are benches outside which make for a nice spot.