In line with Welsh Government regulations, RCT Council has confirmed that the award-winning A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park will open its doors to visitors for the first time in 2021 on Tuesday, May 18. You can book online or by calling the venue from Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-5pm.
Extensive work has taken place to ensure the unique attraction can re-open in a safe manner that adheres to social distancing requirements and is compliant with the latest COVID-19 regulations. In addition, Visit Britain’s “We’re Good to Go Standard” has been awarded to the site – giving confidence to visitors that clear processes are in place at the attraction, which adhere to the latest Welsh Government guidance.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the site will be operating at a reduced capacity, with one tour taking place every hour from 10am to 3pm. All bookings must be made by a family or an extended family in line with the current regulations. Please be aware that the minimum tour size is two and the maximum is eight.
Our guides, themselves former miners who worked in our collieries as boys and young men, cannot wait to greet their visitors again.
They are looking forward to fitting you with your miner’s helmet and taking you on a tour underground and back in time, exploring our incredible industrial heritage and the massive impact we made on the world.
Pete, Tony and Graham will once again share their personal stories and memories about what it was like to work in the collieries and what life was like for their families and the wider community.
They will celebrate the massive impact we had on the world, how we helped to power global industry with our “black gold”, providing fuel for the Titanic and fuelling the industrial revolution worldwide.
Hold on tight as you ride DRAM! a cinematic experience in which you ride the last dram of coal to the surface.
Explore our fascinating exhibitions, including real-life artefacts from the past and pick up a souvenir from our gift shop.
Meet Collier Boy Joe, who will tell you all about his first ever day as a coal miner – at the age of 12. , his story is based on the true stories of the many boys who went to work underground at such a young age.
Caffe Bracchi is a celebration of the traditional coffee shops and ice cream parlours which were opened across Rhondda Cynon Taf by Italian migrants who flocked to the area to work in our industries.
It has a great range of hot and cold snacks, meals and drinks and the cake offering is amazing. Grab a slice to takeaway or, from May 18, eat inside.
Or visit the Chocolate House, which has an incredible chocolate shop on site, where you can buy sweet treats and goodies.
Crafty folk will love Craft of Hearts, which has a huge range of items and essential supplies for sale and, when it is safe to do so, offers workshops.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “I am delighted to confirm that A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park can re-open its doors to visitors from this coming Tuesday, May 18.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all of our lives, and the announcement from the Welsh Government that indoor hospitality can re-open from Tuesday, May 18, is another step in the right direction following the excellent progress in reducing case rates of COVID-19 over recent months.
“Our staff have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare the much-loved attraction to re-open in a safe manner, and I am sure our fantastic tour guides cannot wait to welcome visitors back to give them an authentic insight into life as a miner and the industrial age that defined many of our communities.”
The Energy Zone playground remains closed at this time.
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience re-opens on Tuesday, May 18 and will be open Tuesday-Saturday from then on. There is one tour every hour from 10am to 3pm and all bookings must be made by a family or an extended family. Minimum tour size is two, maximum is eight.
