Caphouse Colliery Houses

WELCOME TO THE NEW FACE OF COAL MINING

At the National Coal Mining Museum we have developed the essential mining experience - telling the story of one of our oldest industries.

THE UNDERGROUND TOUR

The tour takes visitors 140 metres underground and traces mining techniques and conditions through time.

It starts in the 19th century when women and children were allowed to work underground, in family based teams. Then see how pit ponies were used before mechanical systems were implemented. The end of the tour concentrates on modern methods of mining.

Each of the guides is a former local miner, who will share their mining experiences with you.

EXHIBITIONS

Mining Lives

This gallery allows a glimpse into the life of a miner at home, on the pit surface and at play. Featured areas include: Home Life, More to Mining Than Underground and Living Life to the Full.

Coal Interface

This gallery concentrates on the hazards of working underground and how these were overcome, using a variety of machinery. Upstairs the gallery looks at underground communications and how coal was moved underground and on the surface.

There is also information on coal mining around the world and the environmental impacts of mining.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

*Go into many of the original pit buildings which can be explored by visitors.

*Discover big machines, normally hidden deep underground, these can be seen all round the site.

*Visit the pit ponies in the stables.

*Take a ride on the Paddy Train.

*Walk round the Nature Trail.

*Enjoy the visitor services in the shop and restaurant.

GENERAL INFORMATION

As this is a real coal mine warm clothes and sensible shoes are recommended.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, those under five years cannot go underground but can discover the Mini Miners play area.

We recommend a mininmum of three hours for your visit, but you could spend the whole day here.

The last underground tour is at 3.30pm.

During school holiday periods it is advisible to arrive before midday as the underground tour can be fully booked by this time.

There is access to the majority of the site, including the underground tour, for disabled users. Please contact the Museum for further details.