Big Pit National Coal Museum
Blaenafon, Torfaen, NP4 9XP
0870 042 4626
Category: Places to visit, The Valleys
With almost all the south Wales coalfields now closed, it is sometimes hard to believe that only 25 years ago mining was still the backbone of the valleys. Big Pit is an extraordinary reminder and insight into the industry and the people that worked within it. The big attraction is the opportunity to descend 300ft underground with a real miner and learn about the realities of life for the men underground.
Above ground, there is an exciting multi-media tour of a modern mine with a virtual miner, colliery buildings open to the public and exhibitions in the former pithead baths. Big Pit stands on the edge of Blaenafon, a town that played a vital part in the Industrial Revolution. This revolution transformed the landscape, culture and society of Wales, the UK and the world. The awarding of World Heritage status to the town and landscape marks the wider impact of Blaenafon's unique industrial heritage.
Visit Big Pit National Coal Museum
Open daily 9.30am-5pm, please call for Dec-Jan opening times.
0870 042 4626
calls charged at national rate
www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/