Geology Rocks!

Dig up and handle amazing rocks and fossils, enjoy unique shows and tours, and explore the world beneath your feet.

Event organised in partnership with Yorkshire Geological Society.

Meet geology experts, with demonstrations and activities across site including:

Drift Walks
10.30am & 1pm, booking essential, ages 10+ only

Head down the Museum’s steep drift, a sloped roadway leading out of the pit, and discover where coal used to leave the mine.

Surface Walks
10.30am, 12pm & 2pm, pre-bookable
Meet at Café

Discover the rocks around the museum and explore the Lister-Kaye Tunnel.

Fossil Identification
10am-1.30pm
Free, drop-in

Bring your rock, mineral and fossils specimens to be identified by experts.

Rock Cutting
10am-1.30pm
Free, drop-in

Unearth the secrets of rocks from your collection – bring one along to see it get cut and polished.

Makers’ Shed
12pm-4pm
Free, drop-in

Unearth the past and get creative to make your own fossils. 

The Rock ‘n’ Coal Show
Various performances, timings tbc
Free

Discover how coal was formed and how we know where to find it! Meet famous people from history such as the Father of Geology William Smith and Marie Curie who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her scientific discoveries.

Science Shows
12pm-4pm
Free, drop-in

Set off a volcano, identify rocks and fossils, and make coal seams in a test tube to take away. These sessions are facilitated by LoveScience.

Geological Talks
1.15pm-5pm
Free, drop-in

Experience a series of short talks from YGS members, ranging from the best places to see interesting fossils to the geology of Caphouse Colliery.

Other activities include a Fossil Trail, Discovery Spots, Nature Trail, Horsekeeper talks (12pm & feeding 2:30pm), Pithead Baths Explore (12pm), and lots, lots more!