TravelTrekker

What a great experience this was. Not a planned visit, just passing but so glad we decided to stop and take a look. Parking was PS5 and that enabled a visit to the museum. You could walk around all the exhibits and use all the facilities, which I think was incredible value for money. Once through the entrance we realised there was an optional underground tour available, so went back to reception to inquire, PS7.50 gave you a mining tour, going down the mine shaft. Too good to pass up we paid the extra and joined the tour. Ian Joe was our guide and what an amazing experience it was. From beginning to end it was packed with information, Ian had been a miner for over 30 years so it was first hand and really heart felt. The tour is not as flowery as some museums can be, it's quite gritty and you can feel the hardship which I think is really important. We loved every aspect, the gentleman talking in the steam pump room was so informative and passionate, really engaging. It's a great day out, whether you pay extra which I strongly recommend or not you will love it. The miners strike exhibit at the very beginning was so moving, reading the quotes, I found it quite difficult and so sad, these historical moments in time must never be forgotten. So many snippets of information came from the tour guides giving a perspective that you would never be able to experience without them. There's a cafe if you want to buy food or picnic areas if you want to bring your own. A very memorable day... Thank you!

A great day out, especially with children. It's a very well organised tour underground of the many tunnels and David, our guide, was made it even better with his humour and vast knowledge. There's a large cafe and a children's playground. There's a large car park a short walk away with a miniature train taking people from the car park to the entrance. There's also a large disabled car park close to the entrance. During school holidays they charge PS5 to park, but the train ride is free. This is reversed outside the holidays. The tour itself takes around 45 minutes and they give you a hard helmet to wear and a miners torch to hold. The cage that takes you down the mine shaft lasts a couple of minutes. The history of coal mining is interesting, particularly the stories our guide David told us of life underground. I'd definitely book prior as numbers are limited for each tour.

Amazing insight into coal mining in the UK. The mine tour was exciting and really well thought out. As well as touring the mine and seeing the machinery used to extract the coal, guests are shown how the process developed throughout the ages. You can feel a real connection to the impact and history of this industry, especially as the tours are delivered by people who actually worked in the industry. Well worth a visit!

What a fantastic day out. Took the grandkids plenty of things for them to do playground very interactive things to do. Then the tour underground with Bike Joe very informative and a good laugh with is story's. I will be going back to see the things I miss even though I had 12 years underground.

Brilliant day out, I'd recommend it it anyone. Beautifully preserved site and very helpful staff with masses of parking on site, and lots to see and do. Read the instructions about what to wear if you are planning on doing the underground tour, it is quite chilly at the bottom of the main.

Decided on a whim to visit the museum today as we were in the area and our only regret is that we did not arrive earlier in the day to see the whole thing. It was PS7.50 to go on the underground tour and we managed to get the last two spots available about 20 mins before the tour started. We were seriously impressed. Our guide Steve (15:10 28/7) was fantastic and clearly passionate about his role, knowledgeable and more than willing to answer questions. I would definitely recommend booking this extra as this was the highlight of the whole day. Unfortunately we didn't arrive until the afternoon so couldn't see everything but we'll certainly be back!