Travel through nearly 200 years of coal mining history in this immersive, digital experience led by a former miner. It’s an unforgettable journey through time, experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of life underground.
Top 20 Things to Do at the National Coal Mining Museum This Summer
Make unforgettable summer memories at the National Coal Mining Museum!
There’s no better place to make unforgettable summer memories than the National Coal Mining Museum. With action packed weeks of exhibitions, special events, tours, performances and hands-on family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a full day out with the family or a relaxed summer visit, here are the top 20 things to do this summer at the National Coal Mining Museum!
1. Take a Trip on an Exciting Time Tunnel Experience
2. Discover Interactive Galleries and Exhibitions
Explore fascinating objects, hands-on interactives and fascinating exhibitions that bring the powerful stories of coal mining to life.
3. Hop Aboard the Paddy Train
See the Museum from a new perspective as you ride between Hope Pit and Caphouse Colliery on this fun and relaxing train journey – toot toot!
4. Follow the Pit to Play Family Trail
Discover what it was like to be a miner on this interactive trail across the Museum. Hunt for rubbing plaques, create your own images, and build a unique 3D dice game to take home.
5. Pick Up a Nature Backpack
Explore the Museum’s stunning outdoor spaces, including the beautiful nature trail, with a backpack full of tools to help you discover birds, insects and wildlife along the way.
6. Get creative with free drop-in craft activities
Enjoy free, drop-in crafts every day we are open in the Makers Shed sessions, inspired by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills and traditional seaside trips from mining communities of the past.
7. Relax at the Pop-Up Beach
No seaside trip needed, feel the sand between your toes right here in Wakefield! With deckchairs, beach games, music and places of a picnic, it’s perfect for a relaxing sunny afternoon.
8. Let Off Steam at the Adventure Playground
From swinging and sliding to climbing and zipping, it’s the ideal place for little ones to burn off some energy.
9. Visit the Pit Ponies
Meet ponies Eric, Ernie, Bud and the Museum’s shire yearling Aladdin. Don’t miss the horsekeeper talks at 12pm and feeding time at 2.30pm.
10. Watch the Daily Science Show
Step into an exciting world of light and darkness with explosive demonstrations, fascinating science, and dramatic storytelling.
11. Become an Engineering Explorer
Put your skills to the test with creative problem-solving challenges inspired by real mining engineering.
12. Dive into the Minecraft Escape Room
Team up to solve puzzles, crack codes and escape in this fun, themed challenge perfect for young gamers.
13. Get Ready for a Special Performance of The Wind in the Willows
Enjoy a magical outdoor theatre performance by Noisy Cow Theatre Co, bringing this beloved classic adventure to life.
14. Celebrate Yorkshire Day in Style
Join a lively, family-friendly gala inspired by traditional miners’ celebrations, filled with music, sports, fun and community spirit.
15. Build Marvellous Creations at the Caphouse Brick Show
Perfect for LEGO fans of all ages, with incredible brick-built displays and hands-on building fun.
16. Try Nature Craft Workshops
Head out onto the Museum’s Nature Trail to create sun prints, hammer-print textiles and clay creations inspired by the natural world.
17. Get Animated in Creative Workshops
Join artists Lenny and Whale to design characters, experiment with collage and explore digital animation techniques.
18. Make Your Own Bath Bombs
Mix creativity with science as you craft colourful fizzy bath bombs and discover the reactions behind the fun.
19. Create Shrinking Pin Badges
Design your own vibrant badge inspired by Jason Wilsher-Mills, then watch it magically shrink with heat.
20. Cool Down at the Café
Round off your visit with a refreshing treat, try the homemade milkshakes or traditional lemonade in the Museum’s newly refreshed café.
From immersive history to hands-on creativity and family fun, the National Coal Mining Museum is the perfect summer day out. Whether you’re soaking up the seaside atmosphere at the pop-up beach, getting stuck into crafts, or stepping back in time underground, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
The Museum’s summer offer is great value for families; just £10 per car, including amazing activities and unlimited Paddy Train rides for everyone (usually £2.50 per person) – weather permitting. There is a special early bird offer of £7.50 per car available until Saturday 11 July.
Some workshops and tours carry an additional charge and can be booked online in advance, please see the National Coal Mining Museum’s website for full details and what’s on.
The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
19:00 - 21:00 
