National Coal Mining Museum for England

National Coal Mining Museum for England Experience the fascinating world of coal mining. 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. Find out about the people and communities at the heart of the industry and uncover how the miners lived at work and play. Explore acres of woodland, spotting plants and wildlife and find out how the excess water from the mine is clea

ned and pumped back into a local river. Then let off some steam in our Adventure Playground. Find out where miners would start and end their days and how they would get paid in the Pithead Baths. See our historic steam-winding engine in action which pulled miners and coal from 140m underground before taking a trip to the stables to meet our horse and ponies. Understand how difficult mining was in the 19th century and why they realised it wasn’t appropriate to have children working underground. 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.

30/05/2026

It’s the final weekend of the school holidays - so come along and join us! ☀️

Get hands-on with history, make the most of the great weather with our outdoor trails and pop-up beach, and step back in time through the Time Tunnel. ☀️🌿

Don’t forget to drop by our café for some scrumptious treats, explore our immersive galleries, and meet our ponies.

We look forward to welcoming you! 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/may-half-term/

It was great to welcome Steve to the Museum, whose story features in our latest exhibition - Jason and the Coal Mining A...
29/05/2026

It was great to welcome Steve to the Museum, whose story features in our latest exhibition - Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure.

Steve's story forms part of the animated films were inspired by the powerful interviews that Jason Wilsher-Mills Artist also conducted with Marylin, her brother Gary, and Tony, who had hoped to become a coal miner but instead became a soldier when life took a different turn.

Each film tells a unique and beautiful story, capturing memories of childhood, the strength of coal mining families, and the deep bonds of community. They bring to life treasured moments: holidays in Blackpool, growing up in Barnsley, the realities of life underground, and the day Tony’s world changed forever.

Jason sketched each character, and the amazing Hot Knife Digital Media team transformed them into the beautiful films now on display.

To find out more 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/coal-mining-adventure/

Great to have Open Country Yorkshire joining us today in this lovely sunshine, planting a gorgeous wildflower meadow for...
29/05/2026

Great to have Open Country Yorkshire joining us today in this lovely sunshine, planting a gorgeous wildflower meadow for us! 🌸

They have been busy planting lots of wildflowers next to our brand-new allotment - that is now beginning to take shape. This will hopefully attract pollinators and support the rich biodiversity that we have on site. 🦋

Thank you Open Country for all of your hard work and incredible support! 🙌

29/05/2026

Look at our mighty Pit Wheel spinning in the sunshine!

It’s the perfect day to explore our pop-up beach, play at the adventure playground and learn all about pit village pastimes.

👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/may-half-term/

☀️ The beautiful weather continues! ☀️☀️And what a brilliant few days we have ahead - perfect for making the most of the...
29/05/2026

☀️ The beautiful weather continues! ☀️☀️

And what a brilliant few days we have ahead - perfect for making the most of the final few days of the school holidays!

Our pop-up beach is now open, bringing all the joys of the seaside right here to Wakefield! 🏖️

There are lots of other ways to enjoy the sunshine try our…

🌿 Outdoor trails to explore
🎒 Nature backpacks to kick-start your adventure
🛝 Adventure playground
🔎 Spring scavenger hunts
🌸 Plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to relax and discover
🐴 Meet the ponies & canaries along the way

See you soon!

29/05/2026

The cast and crew of the forthcoming Brassed Off production at the Leeds Playhouse visit the National Coal Mining Museum for England. Pictured David Birrell, who plays Danny in the production and museum guide Rob Harper, viewing a a Grimethorpe Colliery Band uniform, featured in the film
Pic: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Another busy day of crafting in the Makers' Shed! 🙌Over half term, get creative for free and make fun games inspired by ...
28/05/2026

Another busy day of crafting in the Makers' Shed! 🙌

Over half term, get creative for free and make fun games inspired by pit village pastimes. Drop-in at the Pony Discovery Centre!

See what's on 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/may-half-term/

Calling all stall holders! ✨🐶🐾We're looking for stall holders to join us for our upcoming Paws at the Pit event on Satur...
28/05/2026

Calling all stall holders! ✨🐶🐾

We're looking for stall holders to join us for our upcoming Paws at the Pit event on Saturday 19 September - and we'd love to get you involved!

We're looking for paw-some dog themed stall holders, for example, pet portraits, pet accessories, crafts, and homeware. Anything that matches the theme!

Interested? Please email us via [email protected] to find out more. Thank you!

What's On Today - May Half Term 🙌Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through the Time Tunnel where you...
28/05/2026

What's On Today - May Half Term 🙌

Be transported through the centuries as you are taken through the Time Tunnel where you'll experience almost 200 years of mining history, and join in with interactive storytelling about pit village life during WW2.

Grab an ice cream and build a sandcastle at the beach, see if you can crack the codes with our Minecraft-inspired escape room in a box, take a ride on our Paddy Train, plus experience the colours of the spring season with a scavenger hunt.

Pop up to the Pony Discovery Centre to see Al and our ponies, enjoy free crafts in the Makers' Shed, don't forget to stay and play at the Adventure Playground.

Discover what's on 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/may-half-term/

Some fantastic results from today's Paint, Patterns and People workshop! 🙌🎨Fancy a go?Join artists Lenny and Whale this ...
27/05/2026

Some fantastic results from today's Paint, Patterns and People workshop! 🙌🎨

Fancy a go?Join artists Lenny and Whale this Saturday 30 May to create your own colourful character to add to our sculptural village at the Museum. Let your imagination run wild, and handle a blowtorch to add the final touches to your masterpiece! ❤️‍🔥

£2.50 per family, book here 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/paint-patterns-and-people/

Address

Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton
Wakefield
WF44RH

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9:45am - 5pm
Thursday 9:45am - 5pm
Friday 9:45am - 5pm
Saturday 9:45am - 5pm
Sunday 9:45am - 5pm

Telephone

+441924848806

Website

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