Geology Rocks!

Uncover and handle amazing rocks and fossils, enjoy unique shows and tours, and explore the incredible world beneath your feet.

Event organised in partnership with Yorkshire Geological Society.

Meet geology experts, with demonstrations, storytelling and activities across site including:

Drift Walks
10.30am & 1pm, booking essential, ages 10+ only

Head down the Museum’s steep drift, a sloped roadway leading out of the pit, and discover where coal used to leave the mine.

Surface Walks
10.30am, 12pm & 2pm, pre-bookable
Meet at Café

Discover the rocks around the museum and explore the area around the Lister-Kaye Tunnel.

Fossil Identification, YGS Hub and speak to local groups and societies 
10am-1.30pm
Conference Centre
Free, drop-in

Bring your rock, mineral and fossil specimens to be identified by experts. There will be lots of practical demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as geological exhibits and displays.

Rock Cutting
10am-1.30pm
The Hub
Free, drop-in

Unearth the secrets of rocks from your collection – bring one along to see it get cut open and polished.

Science Shows – The Rock Showman
11.30am-3.30pm
Learning Space, The Hub
Free, drop-in

Join the Rock Showman and learn all about coal, fossils, dinosaurs & minerals that can be discovered beneath your feet.

The Story Shell
Timings TBC
Free

Join us for immersive storytelling in a huge seashell! Perfect for under 5s.

Makers’ Shed
12pm-4pm
Pit Yard
Free, drop-in

Unearth the past and get creative to make your own fossils. 

The Rock ‘n’ Coal Show
12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Learning Space, The Hub
Free

Discover how coal was formed and how we know where to find it! Meet famous people from history such as the Father of Geology William Smith and Marie Curie who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her scientific discoveries.

Geological Talks
1.15pm-5pm
Conference Centre
Free, drop-in

Experience a series of short talks from YGS members, ranging from the building blocks of Yorkshire to the geology of Caphouse Colliery.

Other activities include the Paddy Train (weather dependent), Rag Rugging, Discovery Spots, Nature Trail, Horsekeeper talks (12pm & feeding 2.30pm), Pithead Baths Explore (12pm), and lots, lots more!