National Coal Mining Museum digs deep with great half term days out

Creative crafts at the National Coal Mining Museum this half term | NCMME

placeholder image — Creative crafts at the National Coal Mining Museum this half term | NCMME

From thrilling science experiments to nature adventures - a gold mine of free and low-cost activities are to be unearthed this February half-term at Yokshire’s National Coal Mining Museum for England.

It is digging deep in its offer of indoor and outdoor activities focused on science and nature - making the Wakefield based venue a must-visit from Saturday, February 15, throughout the holidays, until Sunday, February 23.

Younger visitors can get hands-on with nature in the stunning 40-acre outdoor spaces on special scavenger hunts, enchanting outdoor storytelling journeys, or can pick up a nature backpack kindly funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and join a fascinating guided tour.

Budding scientists will love taking part in investigations at exciting science workshops hosted by Amazelab, the award-winning science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM) education business. Amazelab was started by Leonie Briggs, a former chemistry teacher, who was recently included in the Small Business Britain's annual list of top female role models for 2025.

There will also be all the usual fun on offer including the museum's incredible new Time Tunnel experience. Visitors will be transported through the centuries on this immersive, digital, family friendly tour discovering the fascinating history of coal mining.

With the play area to burn off steam, creative craft activities and shows, ponies, horse keeper talks and rides on the Paddy Train, it really is the perfect family trip out.

Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum said: “Our museum is the perfect place for families looking for a pocket friendly day out.

“Our outdoor spaces are beautiful all year round and are home to a huge range of plants and wildlife, our nature activities will be a great way for children to explore them. Science and engineering are at the heart of coal mining, and we are delighted to be partnering with Amazelab for some fun experiments looking at our unusually coloured, orange mine water.

National Coal Mining Museum chief excutive Lynn Dunning

“For those who enjoy crafts and creative activities we have those too, so there really is something for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you this half term.”

From Coal Queens To ComedyKings, a free to visit sculpture trail around our the museum’s inside and outside spaces, is now open - until September 7 - celebrating the work of Barnsley’s world famous sculptor Graham Ibbeson, whose memorable works include moments of mining history and much-loved performers.

Figures include Coal Widow, part of the Oaks Disaster Memorial, on loan from the NUM as well as celebrated entertainers such as Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd and Laurel and Hardy.

Graham is pictured with the sculpture of the Coal Widow, the Oaks Disaster, 1866, Memorial, on loan from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and other memorials linked to the coal industry. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

Get involved during your visit by striking the famous poses of the characters and tagging the Museum’s social media pages using #CoalQueensComedyKings.

The Museum is also currently marking the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike, with its latest exhibition 84/85: The Longest Year.

The exhibition considers the strike through memories and stories of miners and their families, addressing the broader picture of the strike and gives a voice to those who experienced it. The almost year-long exhibition dates coincide with the anniversary and ends 40 years after miners returned to work, on March 3, 2025.

VIEW THE TOUR: Take a look around the free 3D virtual tour - click on the image below - also visit the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85.

The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Its attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more.