Find out about the story of coal and how it changed our nation forever at the National Coal Mining Museum for England. Unearth the stories of life as a coal miner and what it was like to live in a mining community. Every tour is led by an ex-miner with lots of experience; he’ll take you 140m underground through 180 years of mining. In the galleries you can see the evolution of the mines and their communities. Investigate the mechanical workings of the pit through interactive models and the giant machinery. Then relax and reflect in the Miners’ Memorial Garden. Guests can listen to birds singing as they walk through woods and reed beds that help clean the mine water. They can also meet the resident ponies and horse then let off steam in the Adventure Playground.