Opening Hours

The Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday. 

Underground Tours run from 10am – 2:30pm, leaving every 15 minutes (every 10 minutes during Summer weekdays).

Some attractions such as the Paddy Train are only open at peak times. The Beach and Snap Tin generally only open during the school summer holidays.

Please note: On Thu 21 March there will be no Underground Tours, due to staff training taking place.

A miner talks through safety procedures before they go underground

Wednesday to Sunday

Current Opening Hours
9:45am - 4pm
Underground Tours
10am - 2.30pm

Come Visit

Find out about the story of coal and how it changed our nation forever. Unearth the stories of life as a coal miner and what it was like to live in a mining community. Every tour ‘darn pit’ is led by an ex-miner with loads of experience, he’ll take you 140m underground through 180 years of mining.

In the galleries you will see the evolution of the mines and their communities. Investigate the mechanical workings of the pit through interactive models and the giant machinery. Strike up a conversation with our blacksmiths then relax and reflect in the Miners’ Memorial Garden.

Listen to the birds sing as you walk through woods and reed beds that help clean the mine water. Meet our ponies and horse then let off steam in the Adventure Playground.

Three people stood at the Pony Discovery Centre

Useful Information

As you plan your day please bear in mind:

  • You do not need to pre-book surface visits.
  • Please let Reception know the number of people in your group even if you are just having a surface visit (eg. using the playground or walking the dog)
  • If you would like to experience our Underground Tour, we would advise pre-booking on weekends and during school holidays, there is availability on arrival on the day, to avoid disappointment, we advise that you pre-book or arrive early as these are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
  • We reserve two pre-bookable timeslots during term-time weekdays (Wed-Fri, 11am & 2pm), however there is often availability on arrival (dependent on demand and capacity), to avoid disappointment, we advise that you pre-book or arrive early as these are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
  • ALL customers (including those who have pre-booked online) attending an Underground Tour need to report to Reception upon arrival to be issued their timed Miner’s check. Without this we cannot admit you underground.
  • There will be no more than fifteen people on each tour and this could be a mixed group.
  • Group bookings are required for parties of eight or more, please contact Reception to make your booking.
  • Dogs are welcome on a lead in the outdoor grounds of the Museum. Only Assistance/Service dogs are permitted indoors.
  • Our Café serves hot and cold food and drinks.
Book Now
We recommend pre-booking our Underground Tours. We often have availability to book on arrival Wednesday to Sunday, however these are allocated on a first come, first served basis. To avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking or arriving early.
Tickets
You do not need to pre-book if you only wish to experience our surface offer but you may wish to book the Underground Tour.
Crowd
We will be regularly monitoring our capacity on site and may potentially close the site at short notice to ensure the enjoyment and safety of our visitors.

Getting here

The Museum is on the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield (WF4 4RH). There is ample car and coach parking including disabled parking spaces and baby spaces.

Bus services run within easy walking distance of the Museum. From Wakefield Bus Station or Huddersfield Bus Stations, the Arriva 232 bus stops at the Reindeer pub with a few minutes walk to the Museum. Plan your journey here.

The nearest mainline railway station is Wakefield Westgate. It takes about 20 minutes for a taxi ride from the train station. 

Bicycle racks are available by the Café entrance for visitors who would like to cycle to the Museum. Research routes to find us here.

Wakefield has lots to offer, with a world-class arts and culture offer to fantastic food and drink. Extend your visit and find out more via the Experience Wakefield website.

Looking for somewhere to stay? There are plenty of options nearby to suit every budget. Check out the Experience Wakefield website for some recommendations.

National Coal Mining Museum for England,
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton,
Wakefield, WF4 4RH
01924 848 806
info@ncm.org.uk

Accessibility

The Museum is located on original colliery sites and many of the original buildings have been retained to illustrate a working environment. In achieving a balance between authenticity and access, not all areas are easily accessed, particularly by wheelchair users. The museum runs regular SEN workshops and guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at the Museum, with a water bowl near the Café. Visitors with additional needs may wish to call 01924 848806 in advance to discuss specific requirements or book. Please note that guide dogs and assistance dogs are not permitted underground.

Please note that all wheelchair users who book onto the Underground Tour will need to sign an evacuation disclaimer at Reception before participating. You can read and download this in advance here.

Going underground can be overwhelming for those who may be claustrophobic or experience sensory differences. As a real coal mine, there are tight spaces along the tour, it is often dark and dusty, and at one point all of the lights will be turned off to demonstrate the darkness. The ‘cage’ used to carry visitors underground can often be crowded, noisy and will jolt at the start and end of the journey. If you have any concerns, or questions, about our Underground Tours, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

We have a Visual Story so you know what to expect before your visit. You can read our Visual Story here.

Book your visit
We recommend pre-booking our Underground Tours. We often have availability to book on arrival Wednesday to Sunday, however these are allocated on a first come, first served basis. To avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking or arriving early.
A map of National Coal Mining Museum for England site, with red and blue dots highlighting various areas of the site
Interactive Map

Wander round the Museum from the comfort of your home hearing from people who worked in the pits and lived in mining communities, glimpse at key objects from our collections and have a go at mining related activities.

Explore Here