Visit Us – Lancashire Mining Museum

COME AND VISIT US

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out steeped in history and industrial heritage, then the Lancashire Mining Museum is the perfect destination. Nestled in the picturesque village of Astley Green, this award-winning museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of coal mining in Lancashire. With an impressive collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits, and knowledgeable guides, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and stories of this bygone era. From the towering headgear and winding engine to the quaint colliery cottages and bustling miner’s canteen, there’s something to capture the imagination of all ages. So why not pay us a visit and discover the fascinating history of Lancashire’s coal industry for yourself?

There is no charge to visit our museum, so come along. And yes, we’re dog friendly! So bring your pooch along with you.

plan your visit

Explore the Lancashire Mining Museum like never before with our interactive hotspot map. Simply click on the various dots on the map to discover the different areas of the museum. From the impressive winding engine to the quaint miner’s cottages, each section of the museum is packed with fascinating history and insights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, our interactive map is the perfect way to navigate the museum and discover all the hidden gems that lie within.

For more information on the history and use of the different areas, read our trail guide by clicking the button below.

Lamp Room

If you’d like to see a more detailed map, you can download our full visitors map by clicking the button below.

WHAT TO SEE

Take a look below for the best things to do and see during your visit to us!

HEADGEAR

The original No 1 shaft head gear is still en situ from when the colliery was operational. It stands almost 30 meters tall (98 ft) and is of riveted wrought iron lattice construction. The two sheave wheels are 6.1 meters (20ft) in diameter. It is now the only surviving head gear on the once great Lancashire Coal Field and is Grade II listed.

ENGINE HOUSE

Built to house the largest winding engine ever used in the Lancashire Coal Field. It is of classic red brick and blue slate construction with inset panels containing large arched topped windows. It also houses a display of the history of the colliery site and is also Grade II listed.

WINDING ENGINE

This original steam powered winding engine made by Yates and Thom of Blackburn, Lancashire it is a twin tandem compound arrangement developing 3300 horsepower. It is currently operational and is displayed running regularly.

LAMP ROOM

Every colliery had one and every miner had to collect their tallies and lamps from here before being allowed to work. The original colliery lamp room no longer exists. So an exciting authentic re-creation is planned, to be opened in the very near future. We do offer a lamp restoration service for a donation.

UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE

This is a project in progress. However, this surface static re-creation of a long wall coal extraction process which was used at the colliery back in the day will be a very authentic display, created by using period equipment and simulated working conditions make this a very tactile experience.

STATIC ENGINES

A collection of steam, gas and oil engines from a bygone era. All now redundant but lovingly restored and displayed by one of our enthusiastic volunteers.

FRED DIBNAH'S HOMEMADE HEADGEAR

This larger-than-life character from Bolton, Lancashire worked as a Steeplejack and later as a TV personality. This was part of his personal collection and was donated to the Museum upon his death (1938–2004), and is now situated in the popular picnic area of the site.

NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY

Restored industrial locomotive engines are used to haul original underground man riding carriages around a newly laid track. A small charge is levied for this very popular authentic attraction.

REPLICA MINER'S COTTAGE

This was the former Colliery Manager’s Office with many original features still visible. It is now a reproduction colliers cottage with many period artefacts on display.

PIT WHISTLE TEA ROOM

The Pit Whistle Tea Rooms. Serving drinks and light snacks. Pre-booking is recommended for the special Afternoon Tea Events held regularly. This can also be booked for private functions.

SUPPORT US

The museum and site depend on donations from everyone to survive, no matter how large or small, without which the museum would fold. With no central funding to support it, the museum relies solely on the generosity of its visitors and supporters. Every penny received is used on the upkeep of the museum and its exhibits and no-one is paid for the work they do in keeping the museum running.

LEAVE US A REVIEW

Please leave us a review on Trip Advisor when you visit us:

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Thursday 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Saturday 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Contact

Lancashire Mining Museum
Higher Green Lane
Astley
Manchester
M29 7JB

info@astleycolliery.org
01942 895841 (answer machine only)