Big Pit National Coal Museum

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fascinating experience underground Big Pit was a fantastic experience and something I'd wanted to do for about 30 years, so I'm really glad we finally got the opportunity. When we visited during the summer holidays, the underground tour was free as part of a government offer, which was brilliant. There was plenty of parking available and, although we had around a 40-minute wait before our tour, there was plenty to look around while we waited. Before going underground, you're taken into the kit room and given all the necessary safety equipment, including a helmet, lamp and gas mask. The safety procedures are understandably very strict. Phones, keys, lighters, vapes and anything else that could potentially cause a spark have to be left behind - certainly reassuring when you're about to head deep underground! We then joined a group of around 15 people and travelled down the mine shaft, which in itself was a great experience. Once underground, I found it fascinating seeing how miners actually worked and the conditions they faced. Seeing the rough timbers and tree trunks supporting sections of the roof really brings home just how different mining was from anything most of us experience today. One useful tip: take something warm! We'd been experiencing an August heatwave and were mainly wearing shorts and T-shirts, but it's considerably colder underground. Our children unfortunately found being underground quite claustrophobic and didn't enjoy that part as much as we'd hoped, although other children in our group absolutely loved it. That's probably worth considering if you're visiting with anyone uncomfortable with confined or underground spaces. For me, though, it was a fascinating and memorable experience and something very different from a normal museum visit. After wanting to visit for so many years, it certainly didn't disappoint. Highly recommended and absolutely worth experiencing at least once. Five stars.”

“An Unforgettable, Moving Experience! Big Pit National Coal Museum is a must-visit if you want a deep, authentic understanding of how miners and their families truly lived. The exhibitions above ground do a phenomenal job showcasing both the harsh reality of pit life and the close-knit community spirit of the mining families. The highlight of our visit was the underground tour, made extraordinary by our tour guide, Emma. She was absolutely marvellous! Her knowledge of the site’s history is incredible, but what set her apart were the touching stories she shared about the families who lived through this era. Emma’s presentation was dynamic, engaging, and brought so much warmth and emotion to the tour. She kept us captivated from start to finish and made the entire journey incredibly memorable. Huge thank you to Emma for such an active, touching, and immersive experience. Highly recommended!”

“What an incredible experience! Highly recommended! It’s more than just a museum. It’s a place to celebrate people, as they said. This is absolutely true. I felt emotional and proud of the workers. It gave me insight into how much we have changed over time. I enjoyed the digital experience and the historical facts. I didn't know coal could be do versitale.”