In its heyday Big Pit employed 1,300 workers and now you can follow in their footsteps! 

Big Pit is an award-winning national museum that still retains many traits of its former role as a coal mine - the tunnels and buildings that once echoed to the sound of the miners now enjoy the sound of the footsteps and chatter of visitors from all over the world.

Experience the thrill of the world famous Underground Tour and travel 300ft down the mine with a former miner, listen to their stories and join in with the ‘banter’.

If an underground adventure isn’t for you then pop in to ‘King Coal’ our interactive mining galleries and enjoy an exciting audio-visual experience with exhibitions of modern mining equipment. From the collier craftsmen into the sophisticated, mechanised modern industry of today, the story begins with a short film followed by three display areas. See how miners reached the coal by using explosives or large rock cutting machines.

In the Pithead Baths exhibition you’ll find out what life was like for the thousands of men and their families who worked at the coal face.Themes include children in the mines, health, home life and the mining communities. See how the life and work of a Miner has changed from 1850 to 2000. Learn about the Geology and Uses of Coal, Mining Disasters and Rescue, discover the role and impact of Trade Unions and Nationalisation, and get a closer look at some mining memorabilia

Also worth a visit is the Lamp Room where you’ll find the Big Pit canaries, the Blacksmith’s Forge, the Fan House and the Explosives Magazine.

Of course, a visit to Big Pit wouldn’t be complete without a cuppa and souvenir. Our Miner’s Canteen offers a wide variety of hot meals, sandwiches, and delicious homemade cakes including Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes. Our shop has a fantastic selection of products from pocket money bits and pieces, Miners’ Lamps and memorabilia, Welsh Gold jewellery, local food and drink products and much more.

We’ve also got events and activities going on this summer at Big Pit.

Come along and enjoy activities for the whole family including crafts, soft play, dressing up and games during our Miners’ Fortnight, from July 25 July until Friday 5 August (Monday – Fridays only).

Our Living History Weekend, 6 & 7 August will be chance to step back in time and learn about the extraordinary lives of the heroes and heroines of coal mining in WWII. Find out about Ernest Bevin and the Bevin Boys who spent the war on the ‘underground front’, plus hear from and meet 89 year old Warwick Taylor who was a real life Bevin Boy. A chance also to find out about the lives of women at the Homefront.

Entry to the underground tour and museum is FREE, but a small charge may apply to some activities. Children must be at least one metre tall to go underground. For further information, call (029) 20573 650 or visit ww.museumwales.ac.uk.