South Wales Miners Museum
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING:
South Wales Miners Museum
This award-winning museum details the harsh life of a South Wales miner. See recreations of underground mines and a miner's cottage, plus mining gear, and historic photos.
The museum was the first in Wales focussed on the life of miners and the industrial heritage of the mining industry. It originally opened in 1976 in a set of porta cabins, but has since been re-launched with a state of the art visitor centre.
The museum focusses on the social history of mining in the Afan Valley, and mining in general. It is operated by a team of volunteers, who can offer guided tours focused on a visitor's particular interests.
Go Underground
A special section of the museum is a recreation of an underground mining tunnel. Visitors can see models of small children crawling through the cramped tunnels the mine face.
Above ground exhibits include an engine house, a lamp room filled with historic Davy lamps, and a recreation of a stable scene, with a pit pony and trailer. See historic pieces of machinery including a coal dram and a haulage engine.
The museum is an excellent resource to learn about the lives of mining families and the difficult conditions they faced on a daily basis.
The museum is located within the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre. Use the postcode SA13 3HG for satnavs and follow signs for Afan Forest Park.
About South Wales Miners Museum
Address: Afan Forest Park,
Cynonville,
Port Talbot,
Gower,
Glamorgan,
Wales, SA13 3HG
Attraction Type: Museum
Location: At the edge of the Afan Forest Park, on the A4107. Paid parking.
Website: South Wales Miners Museum
Location map
OS: SS822 949
Photo Credit: John Bristow, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with: