Rhondda Heritage Park, Mining museum in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales
Rhondda Heritage Park occupies the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery site and features underground tunnels, mining equipment, historic buildings, and displays about Welsh coal extraction methods. Visitors can explore independently or join guided tours to see both the mine passages and surface facilities.
The site was originally an active coal mine that closed in 1986. After shutting down, local residents transformed it into a museum to preserve the region's mining heritage.
Former miners who work as guides share personal memories of daily work underground and life in the valleys. Their perspectives show how mining shaped these communities and remains part of local identity.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, with visitors choosing between independent exploration or guided tours through the tunnels. Warm clothing is recommended since the underground passages stay cool year-round.
A miner's lamp memorial at the entrance honors workers who died in accidents or from illnesses in South Wales coalfields. This quiet monument often becomes a moving moment as visitors grasp the daily risks workers faced.
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