Your Visit
Opening Hours
The Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday.
Underground Tours run from 10am – 2.30pm, leaving every 15 minutes (every 10 minutes during Summer weekdays).
Some attractions such as the Paddy Train are only open at peak times. The Beach and Snap Tin generally only open during the school summer holidays.
Wednesday to Sunday
Come Visit
Find out about the story of coal and how it changed our nation forever. Unearth the stories of life as a coal miner and what it was like to live in a mining community. Every tour ‘darn pit’ is led by an ex-miner with loads of experience, he’ll take you 140m underground through 180 years of mining.
In the galleries you will see the evolution of the mines and their communities. Investigate the mechanical workings of the pit through interactive models and the giant machinery. Then relax and reflect in the Miners’ Memorial Garden.
Listen to the birds sing as you walk through woods and reed beds that help clean the mine water. Meet our ponies and horse then let off steam in the Adventure Playground.
Useful Information
As you plan your day please bear in mind:
We are set to temporarily pause our iconic Underground Tours, from Sunday 29 December until April 2025, to install a brand new winding engine. Tickets are available to purchase from April 2025. The Museum will remain open with a brand-new digital immersive experience launching in January 2025.
- When booking the Underground Tour you’ll get a traditional miner’s ‘check’ and be asked for a £7.50 donation. After your tour you can keep the check and donate the £7.50 to help us keep the mine running, or you can return it.
- ALL customers (including those who have pre-booked online) attending an Underground Tour need to report to Reception upon arrival to be issued their timed Miner’s check. Without this we cannot admit you underground.
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You do not need to pre-book surface visits.
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Please let Reception know the number of people in your group even if you are just having a surface visit (eg. using the playground or walking the dog)
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If you would like to experience our Underground Tour, we would advise pre-booking on weekends and during school holidays, there is availability on arrival on the day, to avoid disappointment, we advise that you pre-book or arrive early as these are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
- We reserve two pre-bookable timeslots during term-time weekdays (Wed-Fri, 11am & 2pm), however there is often availability on arrival (dependent on demand and capacity), to avoid disappointment, we advise that you pre-book or arrive early as these are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
- We ask that visitors arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their tour so that we have time to check you in at Reception and issue you with a timed token for your trip.
- There will be no more than fifteen people on each tour and this could be a mixed group.
- Group bookings are required for parties of eight or more, please contact Reception to make your booking.
- Dogs are welcome on a lead in the outdoor grounds of the Museum. Only Assistance/Service dogs are permitted indoors.
- Our Café serves hot and cold food and drinks.
Getting here
The Museum is on the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield (WF4 4RH). There is ample car and coach parking including disabled parking space and parent and child spaces. Parking is free though donations are appreciated, and there are times throughout the year (summer holidays and special events) where there will be a charge. These occasions will be signposted on our website and social media channels.
Please be aware that there may be increased traffic due to works by Yorkshire Water taking place along the A642 New Road (from Horbury Bridge, moving up toward the Horticentre Garden Centre). Temporary traffic lights are in place, and it is hoped the projects will be completed by March 2025. More details can be found at Yorkshire Water.
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Bus services run within easy walking distance of the Museum. From Wakefield Bus Station or Huddersfield Bus Stations, the Arriva 232 bus stops at the Reindeer pub with a few minutes walk to the Museum. Plan your journey here.
The nearest mainline railway station is Wakefield Westgate. It takes about 20 minutes for a taxi ride from the train station.
Bicycle racks are available by the Café entrance for visitors who would like to cycle to the Museum. Research routes to find us here.
Wakefield has lots to offer, with a world-class arts and culture offer to fantastic food and drink. Extend your visit and find out more via the Experience Wakefield website.
Looking for somewhere to stay? There are plenty of options nearby to suit every budget. Check out the Experience Wakefield website for some recommendations.
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton,
Wakefield, WF4 4RH
Accessibility
The Museum is located on original colliery sites and many of the original buildings have been retained to illustrate a working environment. In achieving a balance between authenticity and access, not all areas are easily accessed, particularly by wheelchair users. The museum runs regular SEN workshops and guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at the Museum, with a water bowl near the Café. Visitors with additional needs may wish to call 01924 848806 in advance to discuss specific requirements or book. Please note that guide dogs and assistance dogs are not permitted underground.
Electric wheelchairs are unable to be used underground. Visitors can transfer into a hand-propelled wheelchair if they wish to do so. Please note that all wheelchair users who book onto the Underground Tour will need to sign an evacuation disclaimer at Reception before participating. You can read and download this in advance here.
Going underground can be overwhelming for those who may be claustrophobic or experience sensory differences. As a real coal mine, there are tight spaces along the tour, it is often dark and dusty, and at one point all of the lights will be turned off to demonstrate the darkness. The ‘cage’ used to carry visitors underground can often be crowded, noisy and will jolt at the start and end of the journey. If you have any concerns, or questions, about our Underground Tours, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
We have a Visual Story so you know what to expect before your visit. You can read our Visual Story here.
For more information on Accessibility at the Museum, read our access statement.
Wander round the Museum from the comfort of your home hearing from people who worked in the pits and lived in mining communities, glimpse at key objects from our collections and have a go at mining related activities.