Big Pit National Coal Museum, Mining museum in Blaenavon, Wales.
The Big Pit National Coal Museum features original mine workings with guided tours descending 300 feet below ground through industrial tunnels and chambers.
The facility operated as a working coal mine from 1880 until 1980, employing 1,400 workers and producing 250,000 tons of coal annually at its peak in 1923.
Former miners lead underground tours, sharing detailed information about mining techniques, safety procedures, and daily life experiences in the Welsh coal industry.
Visitors must be over one meter tall to access underground areas, wear protective equipment, and should plan three to four hours for a complete site exploration.
The museum maintains functioning mining equipment and original structures, including the Fan House, Explosives Magazine, and Pithead Baths from 1939.
Location: Blaenavon
Inception: 1983
Official opening: 1983
Elevation above the sea: 384.7 m
Operator: National Museum Wales
Part of: Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Address: Blaenafon NP4 9XP NP4 9XP
Phone: +441495790311
Website: https://museum.wales/bigpit
GPS coordinates: 51.77240,-3.10500
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:30
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 sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and islands like Anglesey, while the inland reveals mountains, lakes, and valleys such as the Elan Valley with its historic dams. Welsh towns preserve their architectural heritage, with Cardiff as the capital. The Gower Peninsula offers limestone cliffs and sea caves, Tintern Abbey has been a Cistercian monastery since 1131, and Powis Castle features terraced gardens. Former mining regions and botanical sites reflect the country's industrial and cultural evolution.
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