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Big Pit National Coal Museum

National Museum & Exhibition · Torfaen, Wales

Big Pit National Coal Museum is a national museum & exhibition in Torfaen, Wales. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceFree entry
Checked on the official page: free entry. Underground tours £5 per person on arrival (no guaranteed slot) or £8 for a guaranteed timed ticket.
Opening timesDaily 9.30am-5pm, last entry 4pm. Underground tours 10am-3.30pm (10am-3pm in Dec, Jan and early Feb; phone to confirm).
Best time to goWeekdays in term time; book the underground tour.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening. Indoor venue: wet half-term days cause surges; check the forecast.
Best agesMost suit about 5-12; free places suit short visits with younger children
Underground tour: children must be at least 1 metre tall and able to carry about 5kg of equipment; under-16s must be with an adult at all times. Tours take about an hour.
If it rainsMostly indoors: wet days tend to be busiest
ParkingOn-site car park, paid on arrival. Free for Blue Badge holders and motorbikes. (£5 a day)
FoodCoffee Shop daily 10am-4pm (drinks, cakes, snacks). Picnics allowed; take rubbish home.
Money saverMany are free, so budget for parking and food only; go for 2 hours, not all day.
Top tipsFree entry; book the underground tour early. Wear warm layers.
What to packSnacks, water bottle, pram or carrier, wipes

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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