Big Pit National Coal Museum

Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere of an authentic coal mine. Set in the unique Blaenafon Industrial Landscape and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Big Pit used to employ up to 1,300 workers.

Now you can follow in their footsteps through award-winning interactive exhibits and our world-famous underground tour.
Led by a real miner, the tour will take you 300ft underground through original mine workings. It will give you a living, breathing taste of what life was like for those who made their living at the coal face.

On the surface, enjoy a virtual tour of a modern coal mine in the multi-media exhibition King Coal: The Mining Experience.

The Pithead Baths exhibition, with its warm wit, images and objects brings to life the story of coal mining in Wales. A moving, informative and entertaining exploration of the lives of miners and their families, at work and at home.

Don’t miss the Lamp Room with our real-life canaries, the Blacksmith’s Forge, the Fan House and the Explosives Magazine.

We have events, activities and exhibitions throughout the year.
For more details, visit www.museum.wales/bigpit or call (029) 2057 3650.

Visitor information & facilities:
- Admission is free
- Car park charge
- Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times and must be over 1 metre tall to go underground.
- The underground tour takes approximately one hour and everyone must wear a helmet and carry a lamp weighing approx. 5kgs
- Allow 3-4 hours for your visit
- Please wear warm clothing and sensible footwear – paths underground can be uneven or slippery in places, with steps and low areas
- Groups of ten or more and wheelchair users must book in advance for the underground tour

- Groups and individuals can book a timeslot for the underground tour at a small charge. Details: www.museum.wales/bigpit/visit/jobaknock
- Canteen and gift shop (all year) plus seasonal coffee shop
- The museum and underground tour are accessible to wheelchairs users. Please call us for details or visit our website.

Underground Tour Charging Trial:

From 1 October until 3 November 2024 tickets for the Underground Tour must either be purchased in advance with a £8 Job-A-Knock timed slot ticket OR, a £5 ticket available on the day of a visit which does not guarantee a time slot, has limited availability and might mean to wait a little longer.

Entry to the Museum remains FREE.



Myths and Mine Monsters 28 and 30 October 2024:

Half term family mystical storytelling sessions plus an opportunity to create a ‘Fantasy Folklore Map of Wales’, and to learn about mischievous mermaids, ancient toads, cursed boars and of course, dragons! £6.50 per child and pre-booking essential: https://museum.wales/bigpit/



Storytime with Santa 14 and 15 December 2024:

Santa and his elves are looking forward to being very busy at Big Pit this year!

Join us for a warm welcome in our cosy cottage for a story told by Santa.

Each child will receive a gift plus there will be an opportunity for you to take photographs.

Following your visit to Santa enjoy Christmas Crafts (included in your ticket price).

£10 per child and pre-booking essential: https://museum.wales/bigpit/



Winter opening times:

3 November 2024 -30 January 2025

9.30am-4pm. Last entry at 3pm.

Please call for January underground tour availability.



Dates when Big Pit will be closed:

5 November 2024

24, 25 & 26 December 2024

1 January 2025

31 January 2025