Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum
5
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Take a unique underground tour of a real coalmine, where hundreds of men, women and children once worked to extract the precious mineral that stoked furnaces and lit the household fires of the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- julia78902017Basingstoke, United Kingdom86 contributionsInteresting, varied, educationalMake sure you give yourself enough time at Big Pit. There is so much to do. The Underground tour was really brought to life by our guide Mark. There is also a simulation tour and exhibition of the history of mining in South Wales in general. The latter is housed in the baths! And all for free, small parking charge, donations welcome. We will go back.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- Fiona B1 contributionA highly recommended experience.This was the best place we visited during our few days in South Wales. All the guides we encountered were helpful and friendly but our guide, Robert, who took us through the pit was excellent. His knowledge and presentation of life in the past really made you empathise with the miners and their families, plus appreciate what they went through for industrial and the domestic market.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 October 2023
- Danny DLondon, United Kingdom4 contributionsA great day out at The Big Pit.I thought lwould visit the mine because I had been there 7 years ago with my late wife who passed away last September 2022. The guide this time was a lovely lady called Emma. I told her about my wife and she was very sympathetic. The tour itself was really good. Emma knew so much about the mine and the lives of the men, women and children who worked in the mining industry back in the day. Apart from the serious stuff she interlaced it with comedy. I've been to a few mining museums before but I think this one was among the better ones and Emma the guide was very professional. It's a great place to visit and shows you how hard the lives of the miners was. And the hug I got from Emma at the end of the tour made my day.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 October 2023
- lp001Petersfield, United Kingdom49 contributionsgreat day out for all ageswe were very welcomed at the big pit, Steve our tour guide was a brilliant mix of welsh humour, empathic to the children who were finding the experience overwhelming and coping with the silly questioning. the exhibition was very well done, with something for every age, we all thought we had learn a lot. we thought we would be there an hour or two we were there the whole day. would highly recommendVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 October 2023
- jo and Andy gSurrey, United Kingdom1,015 contributionsWhat an experienceWe went on the recommendation of the hotel we were staying in ( the angel in Abergavenny). Our visit to the big pit national coal museum is something I will never forget. A rich history tour. our tour guide’s great grandfather had been working there and is one of the new generation , learning the trade from retiring miners to maintain the pit and also giving tours. Some of the information was sad beyond belief, particularly conditions in the Victorian era , but so necessary to hear. I went away feeling grateful for all I have. I cannot believe these tours are free. We were blown away by the tour.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- Titanium_13Cardiff, United Kingdom196 contributionsBest Museum Ever- Amgueddfa Gwych..Best Museum I Have Visited In the World! I fail to understand any bad reviews re. this experience. (Inevitably some sad cases, but there aren’t many).. The staff, their knowledge (being ex-miners) is fabulous & they convey this brilliantly to all ages. You would pay a small fortune for such a brilliant experience anywhere else in the world. The hard hats are essential for us inexperienced miners though🤣 Diolch Big Pit!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- MitchMAlloa, United Kingdom38 contributionsVisit on way home to ScotlandWhat can I say, Free entry for whole family (suggested donation). Went on the Old Mine tour and our Tour Guide ‘Steve’ was funny, knowledgeable and really made the tour. All the staff we spoke to were excellent. Highly recommended for all ages, so interesting and quite eye opening as to what happened in the past.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 November 2023
- maziejane92 contributionsAmazing, informative and humblingThis place makes me felt very humble and connected to my roots. My family were mines and I recall the terror of the minirs strike. This place was blustery on a November day but it does not disappoint. Walking in the seams with great guides who bring the mine to life. If you visit don't forget to walk up the hill and take in the views. Fabulous place to visit and it's FREE!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 November 2023
- gary m2 contributionsBrilliant!!Great afternoon at Big Pit. Had last visited some 35 years ago, and had great memories, and the re visit didn’t disappoint. Being a Friday afternoon in December we were the only visitors onsite and all of the staff went out of their way to chat and make the visit enjoyable. Special mention to Steve Powell our guide. We had a “double bubble”underground tour, and all of the stories, and the passion of the industry and comadary of the mining communities. If you are in the area you must visit Big pit. It’s free but well worth a donation too.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 December 2023
- Mumski ChicToowoomba, Australia38 contributionsBig Pit gets better each time we visit!Visiting from Australia and decided to embrace our Welsh heritage and forefathers' coal mining occupation and visit again We have visited a number of times over the years but this was certainly the best! Our guide Emma took us underground and was simply brilliant! Emma knew her stuff about coal mining and imparted her knowledge in an interesting engaging manner with a great sense of humour! Emma is a treasure of Big Pit!!! The only downside to our visit was the coffee shop which was basically devoid of food ( they did make my son a sandwich on request but could not toast it) and had 3 ladies working there.... improvements in customer service would be appreciated by many I think All in all a must visit museum... whatever the weather!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,979 reviews
Excellent
2,679
Very good
235
Average
31
Poor
9
Terrible
25
Mel L
London, UK54 contributions
Sept 2021 • Business
A place that you must visit. We heard about this Big Pit from a local friend. So we booked a tour for underground coal mine experience on a Sunday afternoon, which only costed 5£ per person. Due to the covid restrictions, 6 visitors were allowed in a tour. Our tour guide, Robin, was fun and knowledgeable who provided a lot of insightful historical information and personal experience about the mine. Also, 20 minute film introduction was a must to visit, too. A bit emotional overwhelmed because of such hard work and many lives had lost.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NandR
12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Having visited the mine mamy years ago i decided to expose my wife to experience the trip around,down and through an ex-working coal mine, it left her with a lasting impression of the hardships of the men and animals that literally gave their lives to bring coal to the surface. The staff were informative and witty in explaining the workings of the mine. The shop was well stocked, unfortunately the cafe was closed. The premises, including the toilets,were clean. To be able to visit this museum for free is a privilege and hopefully all visitors make a donation to help it's upkeep.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sydoniebrewis
Oxford, UK95 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Such an interesting and educational experience. Not only is the surrounding countryside gorgeous, but the tour of the pit is incredibly interesting and immersive. You get to go for a full tour through the mine and really experience what it was like, our guide Steve was incredibly friendly and knowledgable and was a previous worker at the mine which just made it even more special.
The simulation was also great and the museum was very interesting, hugely recommend this experience.
The tour is free but you do have to pay for parking (they accept both card and cash).
The simulation was also great and the museum was very interesting, hugely recommend this experience.
The tour is free but you do have to pay for parking (they accept both card and cash).
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie B
6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Absolutely fantastic place to visit. All of the guides were so incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. Our family booked to go underground, felt very covid safe (minimum numbers at the moment 130 per day compared to 800 pre covid). Our guide Steve was absolutely brilliant, very fun but also answered all of the questions our 3 daughters put to him! The rest of the museum is fantastic with a simulation of life in the mine as well as the exhibitions on the equipment used and the life of a worker. We took a picnic but they also have a canteen which was well priced. Booking was exceptionally easy online. We'll worth a visit, will definitely be back!
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda C
21 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Fab visit to the Big Pit coal mine with family.
Friendly approachable staff who made it interesting & fun. It is a free exhibit but donations are gratefully received & donation boxes are around. You can book online & pay aporox £5 for a booked fasttrack timed ticket if wanted.
You book in, climb stairs then sit waiting to be called forward to be fitted with safety helmet, light & battery equipment. All electronics need to be given in including mobile phones, watches etc as it is a safety need but all is locked away safely.
Then experience the journey down in the lift underground, walk under low beams & need to duck at times especially if tall but all good fun. See & hear about the men, women & children who worked & what they did, see where the ponies were kept, see the equipment & feel the atmosphere. Area on ground level to see the canaries & other exhibits too.
Toilets available on ground level but cafe was shut (there was another cafe up a steep walk but unable to do this due to disability). There was a stall selling cold drinks outside tho.
Good for adults & children. Not appropriate for dogs.
I think there was a disabled route but closed on the day we went. Main route we did you need to be able to walk upstairs, use a lift & walk on wet slippy floors underground but there is a small handail on right side most of the time.
Enjoyable interesting trip that I would be happy to do again
Friendly approachable staff who made it interesting & fun. It is a free exhibit but donations are gratefully received & donation boxes are around. You can book online & pay aporox £5 for a booked fasttrack timed ticket if wanted.
You book in, climb stairs then sit waiting to be called forward to be fitted with safety helmet, light & battery equipment. All electronics need to be given in including mobile phones, watches etc as it is a safety need but all is locked away safely.
Then experience the journey down in the lift underground, walk under low beams & need to duck at times especially if tall but all good fun. See & hear about the men, women & children who worked & what they did, see where the ponies were kept, see the equipment & feel the atmosphere. Area on ground level to see the canaries & other exhibits too.
Toilets available on ground level but cafe was shut (there was another cafe up a steep walk but unable to do this due to disability). There was a stall selling cold drinks outside tho.
Good for adults & children. Not appropriate for dogs.
I think there was a disabled route but closed on the day we went. Main route we did you need to be able to walk upstairs, use a lift & walk on wet slippy floors underground but there is a small handail on right side most of the time.
Enjoyable interesting trip that I would be happy to do again
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Truediamond
Scotland199 contributions
Feb 2022
We took our 5 year old grandson here during half term and had a great visit. He positively loved all the machinery and especially the trip underground. Remember, this has to be prebooked separately with the entry ticket. The whole team here was friendly and helpful and gave a great idea of what life was like when coal was King in the Welsh Valleys. Surprisingly, he was also fascinated by the Pit Baths, the concept of having neither toilet nor bath in a house was difficult for him to grasp.
Entry is free and the Car Park charge of £5/day is the same as other Museum of Wales sites like St Fagans.
Entry is free and the Car Park charge of £5/day is the same as other Museum of Wales sites like St Fagans.
Written 3 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
Martock, UK599 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
A terrific experience for young and old. A real coal mine now turned into a museum. The underground tour gives a realistic insight into conditions underground and a good idea of how the mine was worked. The pit head baths demonstrate another aspect of mine life capturing mining history as well recent history regarding the closing of the mines. There is a galleries features, which shows some of the more up to date mining methods, comparing them with the more traditional ways. Entry to the complex is free but parking is £3. Plenty of parking available. After April 1st it is possible to buy a £5 priority pass to give preferential access to the underground tours. Remarkably the underground tour can offer a wheelchair facility. Expect a great day out, to learn a lot about mining and coal, and expect to experience some real Welsh humour. Highly recommend.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue W
Thame39 contributions
Oct 2022
I loved being able to go down underground, kitted out with hard hat, head torch and other gear. We went down in the ‘cage’ and had a wonderful guide who explained some of the history of the pit and coal mining in general. Our guide included adults and children in his commentary and was extremely engaging.
I also loved the fact that the whole entrance fee was the £5 car park ticket for the car and it’s passenger, although, you could make a contribution at the end of our tour underground as well, it was not mentioned or requested. It made it a cheap outing for families instead of some of the extortionate entrance fees at some attractions.
The Bath House was also fascinating with its rows of showers and banks of lockers with information about some real miners and their work both back when the mine was in private hands and later once it was nationalised. This building also had some information about mining in general and the real dangers of the industry.
Altogether, a really interesting and worthwhile visit which made me appreciate the hardships of miners and the conditions in which they worked.
I also loved the fact that the whole entrance fee was the £5 car park ticket for the car and it’s passenger, although, you could make a contribution at the end of our tour underground as well, it was not mentioned or requested. It made it a cheap outing for families instead of some of the extortionate entrance fees at some attractions.
The Bath House was also fascinating with its rows of showers and banks of lockers with information about some real miners and their work both back when the mine was in private hands and later once it was nationalised. This building also had some information about mining in general and the real dangers of the industry.
Altogether, a really interesting and worthwhile visit which made me appreciate the hardships of miners and the conditions in which they worked.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
Keswick, Cumbria32 contributions
May 2022
Highly recommend visiting Bit Pit. A fascinating underground tour being shown the old workings. Emma, the guide was enthusiastic, knowledgable and left us with pure respect for the miners who worked the mines. Wouldn’t recommend anyone who is claustrophobic going underground, however there is an excellent re-creation above ground which you can walk through and which gives you the feel for what the mines were / are like. Very friendly cafe at the top of the site where smashing home-made cakes were on sale. As part of the same building the old mine shower / locker areas held a really interesting exhibition. Went there expecting to spend an hour and ended up staying for 4. Very interesting and we’ll done. Highly recommended.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivienne H
24 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband and I, along with my parents, visited the Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum on the 2nd of July, and we were not disappointed. Situated in the picturesque Brecon hills, this museum provides a fine reminder of a sadly departed industry which provided the heart of many a Welsh community. Although the current COVID-19 restrictions deprived us of the opportunity to descend into the pit workings, the enthusiasm and passion of the staff, who were former miners from the Welsh coalfields, more than compensated, especially when they were explaining about the mining structures or equipment, or providing personal recollections and anecdotes about their time as miners. My husband and I look forward to returning here when the opportunity permits.
Written 2 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does it have free parking or disabled parking????
Written 2 October 2018
It is £3.00 to park but entry is free with a voluntary donation
Written 23 October 2018
Je ne saurais donner de chiffre ...mais il s'agit d'un ascenseur grillagé qui descend/remonte tout en douceur. Je n'ai malheureusement pas de photo, car nous devons laisser tout appareil électronique en consigne à l'entrée.
Written 28 April 2018
Can you take dogs.... not down the pits but in the grounds
Written 6 August 2017
I saw lots of canine visitors - and apart from not letting them down into the mine, I'm certain they would be welcomed.
Written 24 August 2017
How far is it from Newport? Can we take the bus?
Written 11 June 2017
I'd estimate about 30 mins (16-17 miles) from Newport by car. Buses available as follows:
The number 30 bus runs from Cwmbran Bus Station to Lion Street, Blaenafon daily Monday to Saturday, including Good Friday but excluding other Bank Holidays.
Bus times from Cwmbran start at 7.40am and then hourly at 40 minutes past the hour.
The number 31 bus runs from Lion Street to Big Pit daily Monday to Saturday, including Good Friday but excluding other Bank Holidays.
Bus times from Lion Street start at 8.40am and then every 2 hours at .40 minutes past the hour.
Return bus from Big Pit to Lion Street from 10.15am and thereafter every 2 hours at .15 minutes past the hour and from Lion Street to Cwmbran hourly at .40 minutes past the hour until 4.40pm.
Hope that helps!.
Written 12 June 2017
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