Eric the Pony


Santa in the mines

Christmas is Coming ...

Santa’s Underground Grotto, a Very Victorian Christmas, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Reindeer Trail and Christmas Competitions and more …

There’s a whole host of exciting events to look forward to here at the National Coal Mining Museum for England over the festive period, including the chance to visit Santa in his magical grotto 140m under the ground!

Santa Underground

 Santa’s elves have been busy sprinkling some special star-dust on his underground grotto this year, making it all the more magical. One thing hasn’t changed, though: kids, as ever, get a fantastic pressie from Santa included in the cost of entry (£6 adult/£8 child). Santa will be waiting to meet you at the weekends from 26 November (10am – 3.30pm), on Friday 16 December (2.30 – 4.30pm) and each day from 17 - 23 December (10.30am – 3.30pm). Pre-booking is essential on 01924 848806.

For the first time this year, you can make your visit extra special by combining your booking for Santa with either morning coffee and Christmas cupcakes, a traditional Christmas lunch, or a festive teatime treat – all with discounts on normal prices and special menus and choices for children.

Pocket Panto – Jack and the Beanstalk

On Friday 16^th December, there’s family entertainment with the Pocket Panto performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. Pre-booking is essential on 01924 848806. (£5 adult/£3child).

A Very Victorian Christmas

Over the weekend 16^th - 18^th December, there’s a Very Victorian Christmas family weekend of Christmas craft activities and storytelling with Nell, the housekeeper at the home of a wealthy colliery owner. Drop-in sessions, cost £1 per child.

Festive Fun for all the Family

Other family festivities include following the Reindeer Trail around the site, Christmas-themed activities in the Under 5’s play area, treats galore in the Café, shop and Christmas Craft Fairs on 5^th November, 10^th and 11^th December.

Adopt a Pony – the perfect present

Finally, don’t forget to visit the ponies in their stables – all dressed and decorated ready for Christmas! And, if you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one this Christmas – especially one who loves all things equine – then how about adopting a pony on their behalf? For just £12.50 for a year, you can Adopt a Pony, with your donation going to help pay for their food, bedding, tack, shelters and shoeing, plus their dental and vets bills! The Adoption Pack includes a photo and information about your chosen pony, a certificate, pin badge and a year’s worth of Pony Express newsletters.

Christmas Competition – be a Horsekeeper for a day

If you adopt a pony before 23^rd December, you can be entered into a special competition to win the chance to go behind the scenes of the Museum to spend the day with the Horsekeepers and the ponies. The winner (or their choice of recipient) will get to meet the ponies and help bring them in from their field, be shown how to feed and groom them, learn about their life at the Museum and see how Finn, the ‘gentle giant’ Clydesdale Horse is being trained to attend shows. Click here www.ncm.org.uk/ponies for information about the Adopt a Pony scheme.