Summer Holidays
A ‘sun’sational summer awaits! From golden sands to daily activities and games – we’re bringing all the fun of the seaside to the Museum. Join us for our summer extravaganza, Beach Time at the Coal Mine, from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August!
Expect fun-filled days with creative activities, performances, music, tours, talks, train rides, and more, perfect for visitors of all ages.
During this time Saturday 19 July – Sunday 31 August, it will be £7.50 per car, this also includes parking and the train (when running). The £7.50 per car does not apply for those who have booked a family activity (e.g Caphouse Creators) over £7. If the beach is closed due to bad weather, or family workshops can’t take place the fee won’t apply. As a charity, your support helps us keep the story of coal mining burning bright, and we’d like to thank you for being part of it.
Please note: The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
What’s On this Summer:
Makers’ Shed
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-4pm
Free, drop-in at Pony Discovery Centre
Celebrate a summer of art and sculpture, and get creative with free crafts.
Stories of Pit Lasses
Wed-Sun, 11.30am-3.30pm
Free, drop-in at Parkinson’s Yard or Victorian Gallery
Listen to family-friendly stories of strong women from mining communities – from coal queens to pit brow lasses.
Beach Time at the Coal Mine
Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (when the sun is shining)
Relax, play, and soak up the summer vibes at the beach. Build sandcastles, play games like Jenga and dominos or just relax in our tranquil setting. Come along, kick off your shoes, and make some special memories.
Underground Tours
Wed-Sun, 10am-3.20pm
£7.50 per person, pre-booking advised
Descend 140m underground and discover 180 years of history with a captivating former miner.
Time Tunnel
Wed-Sun
£5.50 per child, £6.50 per adult, pre-booking advised
Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through almost 200 years of mining history thanks to state-of-the-art technology. Led by a former miner you will travel through time and discover the incredible stories of coal mining through the centuries.
Minecraft Escape Room In A Box (Sold Out)
Sat 19 July, Sat 9 August and Sat 23 August: 11.30am & 2pm
Sold Out
Join us for a Minecraft themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem-solve your way to victory.
Summer Scavenger Hunt
Wed 23, Fri 25 July, Wed 6, Fri 8, Wed 20 and Fri 22 August: Rainbow Theme
Wed 30 July, Fri 1, Wed 13, Fri 15, Wed 27 and Fri 29 August: Mini Beast Theme
10.15am-11.15am, £2.50 per child, pre-bookable
Join us in Pit Wood to discover nature’s rainbow or the mini-beasts that call the Museum home.
Caphouse Creators Summer Holiday Special (7–12-year-olds)
Alternating weeks from 6 July – 28 Aug
£7 per child, pre-bookable
The Hub
Craft colourful pom-pom garlands, sculpt a pit cat, assemble your own movable wooden lizard, and sculpt a canary-shaped water whistle.
STEAM Club Summer Holiday Special (11–16-year-olds)
Alternating weeks from 23 July – 14 Aug
£7 per child, pre-bookable
The Hub
Create chocolate rocks, build a mighty machine, and make incredible art!
Engineering Explorers
Fri 8, Fri 15, Fri 22 and Fri 29 August: 11am–12pm
£5 per child, pre-bookable
Looking for a fun and engaging activity for the whole family to enjoy? Then come and take part in a range of problem-solving challenges that spark curiosity and creativity!
Greta’s Glorious Garden
Sat 9 & 30 August: 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Free, drop-in, Learning Room 2
Enjoy an interactive puppet show and join Greta in her magical garden as she gets ready for the glorious garden competition
Magical Music Workshops with Kidology Arts (5-12 years)
Saturday 16 August – The Whistling Mountains
Saturday 23 August – La Jota
11am-12.30pm & 2pm-3.30pm, £7 per child, pre-bookable
Join us as we celebrate our new exhibition, Aria of the Canaries, with magical music workshops led by musician and composer Amanda Johnson.
Tours:
Pithead Baths Explore
Wed-Sun, 12pm, Free
Meet at Pithead Baths
Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!
