Big Pit National Coal Museum

The Big Pit National Coal Museum, near Abergavenny, offers a fantastic insight into the workings of a coal mine.  With underground tours, guided by former miners, this is an attraction that works well for all the family.  Don a hard hat & miners lamp before taking the cage 90 metres underground to explore the pit in the company of a ex-miner.  You’ll be able to re-live the life of a miner, deep underground, taking in the sights & smells of a world from another time.  During peak times, you’ll need a Job-A-Knock ticket, (small charge in place) to access the underground tour.

The Big Pit

Big Pit National Coal Mine; Underground Tour

You’ll start with a journey down to the floor of the mine by taking the mine cage, some 90 metres underground. Once at the bottom, you’ll be guided around the coal faces as you discover conditions for the miners through the years.

This journey is brought alive by the engaging tour guides & former miners; each guide brings his own unique perspective to the tour and makes for a compelling experience.  In a sense we are the fortunate ones that can experience a contemporary look at the coal mines & take on board the harsh realities for the miners through the generations.  For us, the combination of a unique setting coupled with a range of charismatic guides sets these tours apart & makes it a not-to-missed experience.

During peak times, you’ll need to purchase a Job-A-Knock ticket to access the underground tour.  In quieter times of the year, whilst you can purchase a guaranteed time slot via Job-A Knock tickets, you can still access the underground tours for FREE but may need to wait for an available time slot if the attraction is busy.

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The Big Pit

The Big Pit; Tips & Tricks

1. Whilst entry to the museum is free of charge, there is now a small charge in place for the Job-A Knock underground tours at peak times of the year.  In quieter times of the year, you can access the underground tours for FREE but may need to wait for an available time slot if the attraction is busy, (you’ve still the option of a Job-A-Knock ticket that allows you to pre-book your slot for a small charge).

2. Coach group visits can be pre-booked in advance by emailing bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk

3. Wrap up warm for the underground tour regardless of the weather ‘up top’ as remember you are 90 metres underground.

4. For health & safety reasons, there is a ban on battery operated items such as cameras, mobile phones, watches & key fobs during the underground tours.  Before entering the mine shaft lift, each guide collects all prohibited items to store within a secured locker.  If you select this option, then you can still take a quick photo of your group complete with hard hats & miners lamp before handing over your phone/camera.

5. Yes it’s dark, the ground is uneven in places & space is confined underground so this tour is not for everyone.  Great to see that this underground tour is accessible for wheelchair users.

6. Whilst you cannot tip your guide, you can leave a donation at the end of the tour that goes toward the upkeep of the attraction.

7. There are now parking charges in place although remains free for disabled badge holders and motorbikes.

The Big Pit

National Coal Mining Museum; More To See

1. Exhibitions; for those interested in learning more about the coal mining industry, check out the extensive collection of photographs, historic artifacts & exhibits.

2. Big Pit Showers; discover how miners strived to keep clean after a long shift down the pit.

3. Cafe; visit the original miner’s canteen that remains a fully functioning cafeteria.

4. Events; keep an eye out for special events running throughout the year.

More information available at The Big Pit.