Is there a charge to visit Big Pit museum in Blaenavon?

South Wales Argus

19 hours ago

Run by ex-miners, the site located in Blaenavon first opened back in 1983 and operated independently until it became part of Amgueddfa Cymru.
Its cultural purpose, of course, is to educate visitors about the lives of miners who worked there.
Now the museum has started charging people for the famous underground tour.
The grounds of Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) From April 2025 to Summer 2026, a trial has been launched with tickets at £8 per person.
Tickets for the tour also must be booked in advance. However, there is an on the day option which is limited depending on availability for a fee of £5.
The controversial idea to start charging people has been met with mixed reviews.
Speaking at a Senedd Committee earlier this month (June 6) Delyth Jewell MS, Chair of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee, said: 'Free entry to national museums has been a successful policy and we want to see it continue – as a matter of principle, no one should have to pay to enjoy collections that belong to the people of Wales.
'As the custodians of our nation's history, the Welsh Government has a responsibility to fund our national institutions adequately.'
Inside Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Around 150,000 visitors descend on the location each year to experience the world-famous underground tour.
The immersive museum has been a childhood cultural staple for many people in the area and attracts visitors from far and wide.
Here's how these visitors on site reacted to the news of increased fees.
Teacher Steven Hurst at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Steven Hurst, 39, is a teacher from Chepstow. He was at the site on a school trip.
Steven commented that funding could be an issue.
He said: 'A lot of funding has disappeared from these spaces and it's necessary to keep this heritage alive.
'It's a bit disappointing because heritage and history should be free for all.
'Especially people in Wales who have grown up with these things.
'I came here as a kid, and to see these things increasing in price it's quite disappointing.'
Visitor David Bernntto at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) David Bernotto, aged 72, was surprised by the fact fees had been introduced.
He said: 'I was a little bit surprised, but they've had their funding cut by the Welsh government and if they want to keep going, they've got to do something.'
He added: "For children I think it should be free.
'To be fair I think but it's a brilliant day out and there's tonnes here to see so it's really worth a visit.'
Last year alone Amgueddfa Cymru's revenue was cut by 6%.
This cut was part of broader reductions in public funding for cultural services in Wales.
The museum described this as the "biggest cuts to Amgueddfa Cymru's budget ever.'
Husband and wife Pat Bradbury and Marie Bradbury at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Husband and wife Pat Bradbury 84, and Marie Bradbury 74, were on holiday in Wales.
Originally from Cornwall the couple argued it was worth the fee.
Pat said: 'Compared to some other exhibitions in the UK that you can go around and tends to be much more expensive this seems okay.
'It was very interesting.'
Marie added: 'You learn about what a hard life the miners had, and I think it's very reasonable price for the tour we had today.'
Visitor Ralph Davey at Big Pit National Coal Museum (Image: NQ) Ralph Davey aged 80, said: 'I think for the tour it's fair because you've got to employ people without it you wouldn't get footfall.'
An Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales spokesperson said:
'We look forward to continuing to work with Welsh Government as they consider the findings and recommendations of this report.
'The current trial is likely to run until summer 2026.'