Big Pit National Coal Museum, Mining museum in Blaenavon, Wales.
Description
The Big Pit National Coal Museum is a mining site in Blaenavon, Wales, that allows visitors to enter original underground workings. Guided tours lead groups 91 meters below the surface through tunnels and chambers used during the working years of the mine.
History
The mine extracted coal from 1880 until its closure in 1980, employing around 1,400 workers at its height in 1923. After closure, it opened as a museum and preserves the machinery and structures from its working period.
Culture
Former miners guide visitors through the underground sections and explain work methods and safety measures used in Welsh coal extraction. Their accounts provide direct insight into the daily routines and challenges faced by those who worked in the shafts.
Practical
Visitors must be at least one meter tall to enter the underground sections and are provided with protective gear. A full tour of the site and underground areas takes around three to four hours to complete.
Did you know?
The site preserves facilities such as the Fan House, Explosives Magazine, and the Pithead Baths built in 1939 in their original state. Much of the mining machinery and equipment remains in working order as it was during operation.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Blaenavon).
Wales features a region with three national parks, including Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire coast park, as well as fortresses like Conwy and Caernarfon castles built by Edward I in the 13th century, and religious buildings such as St. David's Cathedral. The coastline alternates between red...
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
911 m
Blaenavon Iron Works
1.2 km
Coity Mountain
1.1 km
Dog Stone
2.4 km
Gilwern Hill, Monmouthshire
3.9 km
Council Offices (Municipal Offices), Lion Street
1.4 km
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
1.2 km
Horeb Welsh Baptist Chapel
1.3 km
Blaen Pig quarries
2 km
Blaenavon Evangelical Church
1.5 km
Bethlehem Independent Chapel
1.4 km
St Peter's Church
4 km
War Memorial, Church Road (Ne Side)
1.3 km
Berea United Reformed Chapel
4.2 km
Nant Dyar Railway Viaduct
4 km
Balance Tower, Blaenavon Ironworks
1.3 km
Post Office, Prince Street (W Side)
1.3 km
Blaina Library
3.9 km
Blaenavon Library
1.2 km
Electricity Power House, C Row (NW Side)
443 m
Workmen's Hall and Institute
1.3 km
St Peter's Church
1.3 km
Three Arch Viaduct of former Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway
4 km
Park Street Methodist Church
1.3 km
Cast House And Foundry, Blaenavon Ironworks
1.2 km
Blast Furnaces, Blaenavon Ironworks
1.2 km
Stack Square, Blaenavon Ironworks
1.2 km
Bethel Baptist Church
1.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes