Rhondda Heritage Park

They laboured like animals: bent double in the low galleries, their lungs full of dust, in constant fear of the walls collapsing, or a gas explosion. But despite all this, they were as proud as any farmer cultivating his own fields. For every collier was allocated his own particular underground patch. The more coal he could extract, the better it was for himself and his loved ones. Since 1989 the Rhondda Heritage Park in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales has been a living monument to the colliers and their families. In two old pithead houses belonging to the former Lewis Merthyr pit, visitors can now experience multimedia shows recounting the dramatic history of the region, its mining disasters, the rebellions and the struggle for a decent wage. A reconstructed village depicts the everyday life inside the narrow colliery settlement, and an exhibition in the old fan house is devoted to the special role played by the women in the community. And then it is time to go underground: complete with helmet, miners lamp, and a local collier. After that a simulated ride through a tunnel on a modern pit railway "catapults" visitors back into the light of day.

Rhondda Heritage Park
Lewis Merthyr Colliery
Coed Cae Road
CF37 2NP Rhondda
Rhondda-Cynon-Taff
Wales
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1443 - 682036
Homepage

Recommended duration of visit:2.5 Hours
Duration of a guided tour:105 (approx) Minutes
Admission:Charge
Access for persons with disabilities:For details see website
Infrastructure for children:
Catering:
Visitor centre on site:yes
Gift and book shop on site:yes

daily 9am-4.30pm
Underground tours: 10am, 12pm, 2pm - please check tour availability and opening times as times are subject to change
evening tours by prior arrangement

  • Guided tours optional
  • Guided tours for children