We went on a tour of some of the drift mine workings at the Apedale visitor centre. Our three normally stroppy teenagers were impressed by the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of the guide. The guide took us on a short walk down the drift mine, explaining it's history, geology, and how the technical and social aspects worked. To think that this was a working mine until comparatively recently, it made me realise how much attitudes to work and welfare have changed within my own lifetime. The place is well run, but relaxed and welcoming - well worth a visit.

I went to Heritage Centre Saturday 7th January. It was worth a visit. Bob the tour guide was amazing . His knowledge was fantastic . The lady that came with me has some leaning difficultly but Bob reassured her and helped her to understand things. Every member of staff was lovely and very helpful. The food in the cafe was lovely and really good prices. All the staff are volunteers and are amazing. It a very interesting day if you don’t want to do the mine . The museum worth a visit. Thank you for really good day! Kelly and Aimee

New Years Eve 2022! We had an excellent tour of the mine. 3 generations of our family. 5 adults and our 7 year old grandson who was fascinated by the mine. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable and gave us lots of facts and information. After the tour we had a good light lunch in the on site café before visiting the little museum. A very good day out. Would thoroughly recommend it.

Very interesting and informative mine tour. Our guide, Charlie, definitely knew his stuff on the subject and its great that these ex miners can keep the knowledge alive for the younger generations. Would recommend if you're interested in local industrial history.

The whole day was exceptional, starting with the detailed mine tour with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, followed by coffee and a cake in the cafeteria and the a look round the museum. (Not enough time to see everything. Need to go back again),

It's a great mining museum with lots to see. They also offer mine tours. I went on the standard one which lasted over 1 hour (nearly 2 on my visit), this was great with lots of information from Rob the tour guide on the route round. I definitely want to do the extended tours sometime in the near future, too. Cafe on site as well as great walks nearby.

I took a school group here and we loved it. Great experience going down a real coal mine with a very knowledgeable ex-miner who could tell us his first hand experience. Our museum guide was lovely and clearly very passionate about his treasures and preserving the history. A fab trip out. I will return with my own children.

We all enjoyed this experience. Our just five year old was very reluctant at first and one of the volunteers was very helpful in reassuring her and was willing to help when she asked to hold his hand. Fortunately she soon felt more comfortable and he was able to leave us with our ex-miner guide who was very knowledgeable and kind. He shared a wealth of information and personal experience making it very interesting for all of us. We were disappointed not to be able to take our phones into the mine for photos but this was for safety reasons and there was a locker to keep them safe and an opportunity at the end to take those pictures of the children in their hard hats and head torches. We have previously visited the museum but we found plenty to interest us whatever our ages and we had a drink in the cafe afterwards which was very reasonably priced and pleasant with friendly volunteers. We are already planning to take other relatives to visit in the future. We didn't go on this occasion but there are good walks in the adjacent country park.

We did a tour of the mine. Authentic, informative and memorable experience. Our guide was Roger Stokoe. He is an ex miner, so very knowledgable and explained everything in detail during our visit. As people over a certain age we had a concession so only paid £5 each and the tour was well over an hour. When we’d finished the tour, we went into the Museum, which was free of charge but you can leave a donation if you wish! Well worth a look around, we were in there for almost an hour. Afterwards you are able to visit the lovely little cafeteria for lunch or a snack and refreshments at a very reasonable cost. Or alternatively you can take a walk outside in the beautifully kept Country Park. Walk the dog, let the children have a run around in the woodland etc. A visit we intend to repeat many times in the future. Incidently, all the people who work there are all volunteers. So well done to you all. It’s a credit yo you all 👏👏👏x

We took our Cub scout group for a fantastic visit. Really interesting walk round the museum, lunch In the kids play are over the road and topped off with a great trip down the mine itself with Bunny our guide. Highly recommended trip out.