The Big Pit Mining Museum lies three-quarters of a mile west of Blaenavon (a shuttle bus runs from the town every half hour) in relatively open countryside and offers visitors the chance to travel 300ft underground to see what life was like for the miners who worked here between 1880 and 1980 when it closed.
The guides, many of whom are ex-miners, explain as you explore the tunnels and coalfaces wearing lamp, helmet and heavy battery pack. On the surface there are the old pithead baths, blacksmiths, winding engine and other colliery buildings which have become museums filled with artefacts and memorabilia as well as much original equipment.
Note: Children must be over 1m tall to enter and disabled visitors should contact the museum in advance. No matches, cigarette lighters or electrical equipment (cameras etc) may be taken underground and the provided equipment must be worn. It’s damp and cool, so take sensible shoes and warm clothing.
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Blaenafon
Torfaen
NP4 9XP
Phone: (01495) 790 311
Website