Nev Ashby
09.03.2025
Went on Saturday 8th March 2025 for a guided tour of the water treatment works, where iron-bearing ochre is removed from orange mine water from up to six miles around. We were then treated to a presentation by artist Louise Ann Wright, who uses the powdered ochre to create painting materials for her work. Two very well presented and captivating events rolled into one.
I’ve visited the museum a good number of times in the past when my daughter was growing up, and every visit has been an absolute pleasure. A very well run site staffed by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.
Kimberley Richardson
08.03.2025
Absolutely loved our visit here today, not our first time as we all love it here. Great information and exhibitions. The staff are what makes this place and really being that era to life, explaining detailed knowledge of mining in it's entirety. The staff are a real credit to this whole place. We always put donations in as we want this place to keep going forever! Thanks again for a great day out!
Polly Whyley
05.03.2025
Rob was a great tour guide for the Time Tunnel, well worth a visit, definitely coming back in April when the underground tour is open
Vicki Calvert-Gooch
05.03.2025
All great, just need to sort exit signs out..
Robert Fleming
04.03.2025
Rich history glad we went
Danielle Ganley
02.03.2025
Huge shoutout to Biker Joe—he was absolutely lovely and reminded me so much of my grandad (he was an old school miner with a really unique sense of humour) The experience was so authentic but eye-opening at the same time, and having such a genuine and relatable guide made it even more special. Thank you. It’s an experience I’ll never forget:-)
Evie
01.03.2025
Visited with our toddler today, great informative exhibitions and the park, train and woodland walk were brilliant. Something for all ages. Really friendly staff. Will definitely visit again! The only downside was the cafe is currently closed, so the only choice was a toasted sandwich van outside. A cafe serving hot food or sandwiches would be ideal.
Eric Dawson
27.02.2025
A really good cheap day out.really interesting.
Jerry Weeks
25.02.2025
Many people across the UK have miners in their family history, recent or otherwise. This museum shows the good and bad sides of the industry- camaraderie and community to disasters and conditions of the work. The volunteers there are very friendly and knowledgeable, worth a chat. The Memorial is very moving. A must visit museum.
Rob Hellawell
23.02.2025
The volunteers really know their stuff, very entertaning will go back when the main pit has reopened
Faye Staunton
21.02.2025
Great staff who were so friendly and helpful. Would definitely return!
Dave Cole
16.02.2025
Visited to do the STEAM club experiments with Victoria. Had an amazing time doing First Aid and making antiseptic ointment. Can't wait till the next one.
Thanks for making it inclusive John
Jim Mountney
24.02.2020
Had a great trip to the national coal mining museum. Unfortunately the mine tour was closed for maintenance but the alternative tunnel tour was good. Kids enjoyed the park and the horses. 5 stars, will visit again.
Emma Andrews
12.02.2025
A really crucial, important part of the UK's heritage that is often overlooked, the NCMM is a huge boon in that sense- the site has a number of former miners who work as guides around the entire (massive!) colliery site - a really wonderful mixture of industrial heritage and some nice green and blue spaces that are great to wander around - probably even nicer when it's not a foggy, freezing cold morning!
kay
12.02.2025
A brilliant place to go, I rememeber going on school trips here, it was always informative and exciting.
George Mackie
08.02.2025
It was a great experience and the staff were brilliant
The man who brought us down the cave was nice and also very funny
Dawn Leggott
07.02.2025
Seven adult friends spent a whole day at this fascinating former colliery. First of all we looked round the site, including visiting the ponies and nature trail. Then we did the informative and interesting Time Tunnel tour, which gave a great insight into coal mining and how it changed between 1842 and the early 1980s. After lunch (thankfully we'd taken our own, as the café was closed down), we looked around the exhibitions, in which such coalminer qualities as camaraderie, spirit, loyalty, courage, teamwork and humour were emphasised. We then did the Capstone Colliery surface (i.e. not underground) tour. Both tours were led by former miners, who really brought the colliery to life by sharing their memories, experiences and stories. Every former miner I spoke to said he missed being a miner, particularly the camaraderie, and all of them demonstrated a real sense of humour. All the staff and volunteers were welcoming and knowledgeable. This visitor attraction was busy when we arrived and is really missing a trick by not having a modern café with high-quality hot drinks and food (e.g. homemade or homemade style - i.e. not manufactured - cakes with barista coffees). I hope they decide to reform the former café and reopen it.
Coal mining is an important part of this country's heritage and it's great that this museum is there as a reminder of just how tough, but also rewarding through the camaraderie and community, life as a miner used to be. Highly recommended.
Michael Smith
02.02.2025
Sadly, the museum has taken a big step backwards. The play area for very young children, which was located near reception, has been dismantled. There is nothing to replace it. We have visited with our youngest grandchildren regularly for a period approaching 10 years, but now there is nothing for them. It was a wonderful area that stimulated imaginative play, and we met many who had travelled many miles (from as far away as Chesterfield) with their children or grandchildren. Added to that the cafe is now closed so our visit today with our 4 year old granddaughter was a disappointment. While I appreciate that the play area had little to do with mining or its history, it did spark interest in the museum that stayed with them as they grew older. I think the museum is shooting itself in the foot, as it will most certainly reduce footfall over a longer period. Very disappointing.
Misty Simister
18.01.2025
Brilliant place for the whole family
Nate Griffith
16.01.2025
Wow! Worth seeing. Even without access to the mines due to works on the winding engine, this museum has much to offer. From the history of coal to the nationalisation of the industry to the strike of 84-85 to the demise of the industry this museum has it all.
Excellent exhibits and multimedia features. Fantastic water color gallery by artist Arthur Lockwood. Kind and helpful staff. Put this museum on your list to visit!
Liz Quinney
14.01.2025
Fantastic experience for young & old. The underground tours are taken by ex-miners and their passion for it shines through - this was my 2nd visit and we plan to visit again!
Lesley Stead
12.01.2025
Beautiful scenery, lovely walks,good food,friendly staff,souvenir shop,brilliant museum
