National Coal Mining Museum for England

The National Coal Mining Museum is a mining museum located at the former Caphouse Colliery site, displaying exhibits about coal extraction and mining operations. The facility includes preserved underground tunnels, historical machinery, and equipment that document how miners worked and what they encountered below ground.

The museum occupies the Caphouse Colliery site, which began coal extraction in 1754 and became one of the largest mines in the region. After the mine closed in 1985, the location opened as a museum in 1988 to preserve more than 200 years of coal mining heritage.

Former miners lead visitors through the tunnels, sharing personal stories about working underground and how mining shaped the lives of families in the surrounding communities.

Visitors should expect cool and damp conditions underground, so wearing appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear is recommended. Guided tours can be arranged for people with mobility concerns, so those with special requirements should inquire ahead of time.

The museum operates a working pit for demonstration purposes, where historical mining techniques are still applied today to give visitors genuine understanding of the profession. These practical demonstrations show just how physically demanding and difficult the job of a miner truly was.

Location: Sitlington

Inception: 1988

Address: Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Wakefield WF4 4RH

Website: https://ncm.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.64330,-1.62110

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42