The atmospheric Big Pit provides an opportunity to explore a real coal mine and get a taste of what life was like for the miners who worked here up until 1980. Visitors descend 90m into the mine and explore the tunnels and coalfaces in the company of an ex-miner guide. It's sobering to experience something of the dark, dank working conditions, particularly considering that children once worked here by candlelight.
Above ground, you can see the pithead baths, blacksmith's workshop and other colliery buildings, filled with displays on the industry and the evocative reminiscences of ex-miners.
You'll be decked out in hard hat, power pack and other safety gear weighing some 5kg, and won't be allowed to bring matches or anything electrical (including photo equipment and watches) down with you. It's cold underground, so take extra layers and wear sturdy shoes. Children must be at least 1m tall. Disabled visitors can arrange tours in advance.
