Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the opening times?
The Museum is open 10-00am to 5-00pm daily.

• Is the Museum open all year round?
The Museum is open all year round with the exception of 1 January and  24-26 December.

• What should I wear down the mine?
This is a real coal mine so warm clothing and sensible shoes are recommended. It is a constant 11 degrees C

• How long does the tour take?
The underground tour lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.  To enjoy the full Caphouse experience we recommend you allow a minimum of 3-4 hours for your visit.

• Is the Museum open in all weather conditions?
The Museum has plenty to do indoors and outdoors, so it’s a great day out in all weather conditions.

• Can everyone go down the mine?
Children must be accompanied by an adult underground and those under 5 years of age are not permitted underground.

• How do I get there?
The National Coal Mining Museum for England is located on the A642 halfway between Wakefield and Huddersfield with easy signposted access from the M1 and M62.  The nearest mainline railway station is Wakefield Westgate.  From Wakefield or Huddersfield, the Yorkshire Traction 232 bus stops at the Reindeer pub with a short walk to the Museum

• How do I offer something to the collections?
If you have an object that you think could be added to the collections please contact the Museum on 01924 848806 or email info@ncm.org.uk with your contact details and a short description of the piece.  Please make contact with the Museum before bringing in a piece so it can be administered correctly.  The Museum is grateful for donations, but is unable to take everything it is offered. 

• Can the Museum give me any information on relatives who worked at a mine?
The Museum does not hold mining records.  The local archive service of the pit concerned is where this information would be, but many records have not survived pit closure.

• When did Caphouse Colliery stop producing coal?
Caphouse Colliery ceased production in 1985.

• How do I book/can I book in advance?
Educational visits or large groups can book underground tours with our Booking Officer, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm on 01924 848806.  There are 2 tours a day that can be prebooked, 1.30pm and 3.00pm. This can be done by telephone between 10.00am and 4.00pm, but not on the day of the visit. For this service there is  a £5.00 booking fee per booking. For all other tours, visitors book on arrival at the Museum.  During school holidays we recommend that you arrive early for the underground tour, which is often fully booked by midday. 

• Can I take photographs in the mine? 
No. Smoking materials and battery-operated equipment such as cameras, watches, car keys with a 'plip' and mobile phones are not permitted underground, but may be safely deposited in the lamproom. 

• Is there access for visitors with disabilities?
The underground tour is accessible to wheelchair users.  We would request that visitors contact the Museum’s Booking Office in advance, on 01924 848806, to discuss arrangements.  Due to safety requirements, only two wheelchair users can participate in the underground tour at any one time, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted underground.  The Museum has two lightweight wheelchairs available for visitors who would like to use them.

• When is the library open?

You are welcome to drop in when you visit the Museum if a member of the library team is present. 

The library is staffed:

Wednesday 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Thursday 10.00am -12.30pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Friday 10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm  - 4.00pm

and on the first full weekend of each month between 10.00am - 12.30pm and 1.00pm - 4.00pm.  

For detailed research an appointment maybe necessary. 

Please telephone 01924 848806 to make an appointment.

• Is there parking?
There is ample free car and coach parking for visitors.

• How much is admission?
Admission is free for all.