We are working hard to keep information on this website up to date but things are changing rapidly. Please check individual venue websites before travelling.
Contact
National Coal Mining Museum for England
Address
Caphouse Colliery,
New Road,
Overton,
WF4 4RH
Details
Following the government’s announcement that all museums must close from 5 November 2020, the National Coal Mining Museum will now be closed pending further updates.
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The National Coal Mining Museum for England is now open to pre-booked visitors. Please check the website for details.
Please wear face masks or coverings in all the indoor parts of the museum, for your safety and the safety of other visitors and staff.
• Explore Caphouse, a modern colliery which witnessed more than two hundred years of coal production.
• Hear stories directly from former-miners about their careers and understand the roles men, women, children, animals and machinery played in the operation of the mine.
• Visit the Technology Gallery and see some of the tools of the trade to discover how miners overcame the challenges of working underground including a new permanent exhibition “A Light in the Darkness” which looks at the contribution that Sir Humphry Davy and others made in the lamp’s evolution.
• In the Victorian Gallery you can understand how difficult mining was in the 19th century and why they realised it wasn’t appropriate to have children working underground.
• See our historic steam-winding engine which pulled miners and coal from 140m underground before taking a trip to the stables to meet our horse and ponies.
• Find out where miners would start and end their days and how they would get paid in the Pithead Baths.
• In Mining Lives you can find out about the people and communities at the heart of the industry. Our new special exhibition “Drawn from the Pits”, exploring how working in the mine influenced the work of a group of eminent mining artists.
• Let off steam in the adventure playground
• Wander through acres of woods, with a stream and cascade fed from expansive reed beds and incredible water treatment ponds.
• Visitors are encouraged to return at a later date to experience the Underground Tours, Soft Play Area, Hope Pit and the Library.
• Pre-booking is essential. Booking fee of £2.10 per party of up to 6 people.
Opening details
Prices
Pre-booking is essential. Booking fee of £2.10 per party of up to 6 people
Also see
- Free Entry Attractions
Directions
Map reference: SE 252164 Lat: 53.64376 Long: -1.61925
By Road:
Leave the M1 at jct 40 (A638) towards Wakefield, take the 1st right after the traffic lights (Broadway). The Malt Shovel pub will be on your right. At the end of Broadway turn right onto the A642 to Horbury and Huddersfield.
By Public Transport:
Nearest train station: Wakefield Westgate Railway Station
Nearest bus station: Wakefield Bus Station
Bus Route: Yorkshire Traction Bus 232 from Wakefield Bus Station. Drops off outside the Reindeer Inn.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 6 miles from Wakefield or Huddersfield station
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Wheelchairs available
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Mobility Accessibility Facilities
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- Surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance is:
Solid ie tarmac / concrete etc
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- Route from the parking area to the entrance:
Flat (ie without steps)
Dining
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to restaurant / cafe
Level access (ie no steps or thresholds), or access by ramp or lift to the toilets
Level access (ie no steps or thresholds) or access by ramp to a specially adapted toilet for wheelchair users
Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Vegetarian
Vegan
Baby changing facilities
Restaurant / café well lit and suitable for people with sight impairments
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Children's menu
Audible alarm system
Entrance
Entrance is well lit
Automatic door at the main entrance