South Wales Miners Museum

Located in the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre, this museum tells the story of coal mining in the Afan Valley. Opened in 1976 by former miners from the area, they began to share their experiences of working in such a harsh environment. The section of the museum that portrays the back-breaking work children carried out underground usually leaves the biggest impression on visitors.

The South Wales Miners Museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits such as a blacksmith’s shop, a miners’ lamp room, a working engine house and a steam locomotive, with guided tours and audio guides available to help bring the stories of the mining community to life.

Key visitor information:
The museum is open from 10:30 to 15:30 and is closed on Mondays, with the last guided tour taking place at 15:00. The site offers disabled access, with mobility and visual accessibility features as well as disabled toilets located by the entrance. Car parking is pay‑and‑display and includes disabled bays close to the museum.