A Welsh Coal Mining Experience

Whatever the weather, a trip to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum is a MUST to add to your tour Itinerary, where visitors can enjoy a unique experience at an authentic coal mine in the South Wales Valleys. Come along and learn about the international story of Welsh coal and about the people who made it a global business.

A living testament to the coal-mining communities of the world-famous Rhondda Valleys, the popular family tourist attraction offers a fascinating insight into the rich culture and character of the area.
Former miners, guide visitors on the Black Gold Experience, a 1hour 30-minute journey around the colliery site. Nobody knows the coal industry better than our guides, and visitors will be enthralled at their tales of life underground.

The Black Gold Experience comprises of visits to the:

Black Gold Guided Tour Experience of the last remaining coal mine in the world-famous Rhondda Valley, including both the surface tour and underground experience and also DRAM the immersive cinematic experience that’s a thrill for all the family.

Museum Galleries – our interactive galleries celebrate the history of the Rhondda and the people who lived and worked here.
Pull up a pew (literally) and explore our interactive timeline, hear from the people who helped shape our history, be inspired by the banners that men and women marched with during the 1980s strikes and learn all about the famous steam coal that powered the world.

We also run temporary exhibitions throughout the year in our first-floor gallery.

Courtyard - taking in the breath-taking sights of the historic Chimney Stack, which dominates the Rhondda Valley skyline, along with original drams and mining equipment.

Visit the Trevor and Bertie Engine Houses and see the 150-year winding wheel still in operating, a testament to Victorian engineering complimented with new interactive audio video interpretations.

The Lamp Room - where visitors collect their miner’s helmets and descend on the underground experience to pit bottom.

Group Offers
Bespoke packages for groups are available including male voice choir performances and catering options.

Key Information just for you:

• Tours that last approximately 1hour 30 minutes but can be tailored to accommodate groups and their preferences. Tours can be offered outside of core opening hours upon request and subject to availability.
• Maximum of 25 people per tour (for groups of more than 25 additional tours will be added)
• Ample Coach Parking
• Drop off point directly outside Visitors Centre
• On site Cafe
• On site gift shop
• Fully accessible to wheelchair users.
• Visitors Centre and Cafe can be opened outside of advertised opening hours with prior arrangement.
• DRAM The Immersive Cinematic Experience.


We are also proud to be home of the following organisations which will enhance your visit on site:
• Chocolate House at Rhondda Heritage Park – visit our new in-house chocolatiers and see how they make their fantastic products – you can even buy some to take away
• Craft of Hearts – our very own community-based group who produce fantastic art work, provide classes and have an onsite shop.

We also work collaboratively with:

• Penderyn Distillery
• Hensol Castle Distillery
• Royal Mint Experience
• Llanerch Vineyard
• Llancaiach Fawr Manor
• Nantgarw Chinaworks

Offers are available for group bookings, with enhanced discounts across the various venues, available based on numbers attending and time of year booking.

Bespoke visits can also be offered to include Male Voice Choir/Harpists and themed menus.

Short Description
Follow in the footsteps of the miners who once worked at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, right here in the heart of the Rhondda Valley – the ‘Home of Coal.’