About Big Pit National Coal Museum
Step underground into Wales' authentic mining heritage at this fascinating Blaenavon museum, where former miners guide you through real pit shafts and tunnels for an unforgettable family adventure.
What's nearby
- Big Pit Station (P&B Railway) next door
- Blaenavon Forgings Limited 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
What an incredible experience! Highly recommended! It’s more than just a museum. It’s a place to celebrate people, as they said. This is absolutely true. I felt emotional and proud of the workers. It gave me insight into how much we have changed over time. I enjoyed the digital experience and the historical facts. I didn't know coal could be do versitale.
· via Google
Came here with my American husband, and parents (from Swansea) who'd never visited before. What a lovely museum. We enjoyed the museum on site and the immersive mining exhibit. We also enjoyed the knock a job trip down into the mine. We were fortunate enough to get slots when we arrived (I was planning on purchasing online on our drive up, but it turns out, online is not available on the day). It's probably worth the extra few pounds to book slots ahead of time if you know when you are visiting. Our guide, Lee, was fantastic down the mine. He brought the experience to life and even answered my dad's, slightly obscure, coal questions! My family also enjoyed the coffee shop. A lovely day out, and a great visit to get a picture of an important part of Welsh history.
· via Google
Unfortunately, visiting the underground premises was not possible. Otherwise great. If you want to go underground, phone first. Rather enoying that they charge GBP 5 for the parking. P.S. After having visited the National Mining Museum od Scotland ("Lady Vic") near Edindurgh, I had to downgrade the Pig Pit to generous 3*. Lady Vic offers much more, no parking fee, a great guide and a nicer coffee shop.
· via Google
Big pit coal museum is fascinating and very well presented with an amazing story behind it. It's great to see the old lockers with employees stories on them. Also the theatre experience which was split into sections was very informative and engaging. The shop was very well laid out with loads on offer and lovely staff. Unfortunately we didn't have long so had to rush and didn't get to go into the mine. Definitely want to return.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers a fascinating and immersive underground tour into a real coal mine, providing an authentic insight into miners' lives and working conditions. They also highlight the knowledgeable, humorous, and passionate staff, many of whom are former miners, making the experience engaging for all ages. Guests mention the excellent value, with free museum entry and a reasonably priced underground tour.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Pontypool, NP4 9XP Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (6,486 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Blaenavon