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.

Joining us today for our 1940s Day will be Rhubarb Radio! Come along and listen to some sweet tunes at our beach, where ...
20/06/2026

Joining us today for our 1940s Day will be Rhubarb Radio!

Come along and listen to some sweet tunes at our beach, where they'll be broadcasting from. Plus, enjoy storytelling exploring 1940s home life, Paddy Train rides, horse keeper talks, dance demos, and so much more.

👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/1940s-day/

18/06/2026

Join us this Saturday 20 June at the Museum for our jam-packed 1940s Day! Soak up the atmosphere with live performances of iconic music from the era, browse stalls full of unique vintage finds, and indulge in delicious sweet treats – and don’t forget to pre-book your afternoon tea.

Learn how to jive with Want 2 Jive as they teach you all the moves, and dress to impress in your vintage attire for our 1940s Best Dressed Competition, with a prize up for grabs!

There’s plenty for all the family, including our pop-up beach, storytelling exploring 1940s home life, Paddy Train rides, horse keeper talks, pony feeding, and the chance to grow your own sunflowers.

See you there! 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/1940s-day/

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? 🎁We’ve got a range of fabulous gift ideas, from beautiful locally sourced ite...
18/06/2026

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? 🎁

We’ve got a range of fabulous gift ideas, from beautiful locally sourced items to sweet treats, books, mugs, and even something special for the mining enthusiast in your life.

Pop in to our Museum Shop to explore the range of gift ideas we have on offer, open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Joining us for our 1940s day this Saturday (20 June)? Then, why not mark the occasion in style, by booking a delicious a...
17/06/2026

Joining us for our 1940s day this Saturday (20 June)? Then, why not mark the occasion in style, by booking a delicious afternoon tea 🍰

The afternoon tea accompanied by live performances of iconic 1940s tunes from Lady Lindy sings.

Traditional Afternoon Tea and a Children’s Afternoon Tea are available, and a vegetarian option is available for both. To reserve your place for this special treat 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/1940s-afternoon-tea/

On the day you can enjoy live music, explore stalls with unique items, savour sweet treats, and enjoy some dancing with Want2jive.co.uk .

17/06/2026

Step back in time this Saturday at the National Coal Mining Museum for England for 1940s Day!

Soak up the atmosphere with live performances of iconic music from the era, browse stalls offering unique vintage finds and indulge in some delicious sweet treats - did someone say afternoon tea?

Marvel at the display of vintage vehicles, then take to the floor as the incredible Want2jive.co.uk teach all the moves.

Younger visitors can enjoy their own slice of nostalgia with a pop-up beach, live storytelling exploring 1940s home life, horsekeeper talks, pony feeding and Paddy Train rides.

📍 National Coal Mining Museum
📅 Saturday 20 June, 10am - 4pm

expwake.co/1940sDay

Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing start to your morning, with a free Heritage Walk this Thursday! (18 June)Uncover hidden ...
16/06/2026

Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing start to your morning, with a free Heritage Walk this Thursday! (18 June)

Uncover hidden stories of coal mining industry etched into the landscape, with a guided tour of the coutryside surrounding the Museum led by our knowledgeable volunteers.

Walk through scenic landscapes, and hear stories of the men, women, and children who worked the pits and shaped the local communities.

To reserve your place 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/heritage-walk/

Get ready to step back in time to the 1940s this Saturday at the Museum!Join us for a day inspired by the 1940s with liv...
15/06/2026

Get ready to step back in time to the 1940s this Saturday at the Museum!

Join us for a day inspired by the 1940s with live music, stalls with unique items, savour sweet treats including an afternoon tea, see vehicles and enjoy some dancing led by Want2jive.co.uk

Get involved with dressing up competitions, get ready to 'grow your own' sunflowers, and experience immersive storytelling.

To find out more: www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/1940s-day/

For Pride Month, we’re marking, through this pin badge in our collection, the story of Le****ns and G**s Support the Min...
15/06/2026

For Pride Month, we’re marking, through this pin badge in our collection, the story of Le****ns and G**s Support the Miners (LGSM) - an LGBTQIA+ activist group formed in London in July 1984, after founding members Mark Ashton and Mike Jackson heard a striking miner speak about the realities of the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike. Inspired, they took collection buckets to London Gay Pride that same summer, beginning a powerful alliance.

LGSM went on to support mining communities throughout the strike. Their mission was one of solidarity, aiming to raise funds for miners and their families facing financial hardship during the dispute.

We’re looking to expand our collection of materials connected to the LGSM movement. If you have items or stories to share, please email [email protected]

Step back in time this Sunday!Journey through our immersive Time Tunnel and uncover incredible stories of an industry th...
14/06/2026

Step back in time this Sunday!

Journey through our immersive Time Tunnel and uncover incredible stories of an industry that shaped a nation, discover the fascinating world of coal mining history in our interactive galleries, or take a stroll along our Nature Trail and see how the natural environment had a reclaimed the industrial landscape.

Plus, see mining machinery and how it was used, find out about the history of pit ponies, and, of course, don't forget to wrap up your visit with a tasty treat in our café.

To discover what's on and coming up 👉 www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Coal Mining Museum for England posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category