National Coal Mining Museum for England and its collection

National Coal Mining Museum for England
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The National Coal Mining Museum for England, located at the site of Caphouse Colliery in Overton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, is a significant historical site. It was initially opened in 1988 as the Yorkshire Mining Museum and later achieved national status in 1995. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the history and evolution of the coal mining industry in England.

Guided Underground Tours at the Museum

One of the key attractions of the National Coal Mining Museum is the guided underground tours. These tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the conditions in which miners worked and to see the tools and machines they used. This provides a vivid understanding of how the industry and the mine developed over the years.

Above Ground Exhibits at the Museum

The National Coal Mining Museum is situated on a 45-acre semi-rural site. Above ground, the museum houses over a dozen galleries that document the social and industrial history of the mines. These galleries provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of mining and its impact on society.

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Science & Technology Science & Technology History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Industrial heritage Open air

National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery New Road Overton
WF4 4RH Wakefield

Visitor information National Coal Mining Museum for England

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Open Wednesday - Sunday except Jan 1 and December 25 and 26

Admission

0+Free

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Caphouse Colliery New Road Overton, Wakefield

Discover all museums in Wakefield

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in National Coal Mining Museum for England have been found.

National Coal Mining Museum for England Reviews

National Coal Mining Museum for England has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The National Coal Mining Museum for England in Wakefield offers visitors a comprehensive look into the history and legacy of coal mining in the region. The museum is housed in a former colliery, providing an authentic backdrop for its exhibits and experiences. Many visitors appreciate the underground tour, led by ex-miners, which gives a realistic insight into the challenging conditions faced by coal miners. The tour is often described as informative, eye-opening, and sometimes even emotional.

    The museum's above-ground exhibits cover various aspects of mining history, technology, and the social impact of the industry on local communities. Visitors generally find these displays informative and well-presented. The museum also features outdoor areas with mining machinery and a nature trail, which adds variety to the experience.

    Some visitors note that certain parts of the museum could benefit from updating or expansion. The children's play area and interactive exhibits receive mixed reviews, with some finding them engaging while others feel they could be improved.

    The on-site cafe receives generally positive feedback for its food quality and service, although a few visitors mention it can get busy during peak times. The gift shop offers a range of mining-related souvenirs and books, which most find reasonably priced.

    Overall, the National Coal Mining Museum is widely regarded as an educational and worthwhile visit, particularly for those interested in industrial history or looking for a unique family outing. However, some visitors suggest that the experience might not be as engaging for those without a specific interest in mining history.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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