The new Go Mining! underground tour has been introduced as part of the Museum’s recent £2.7 million development project, which has allowed the Museum to conserve the historic mine shafts and extend the underground tours.
This tour is truly hands-on and allows you to explore the genuine former mine-workings at Caphouse Colliery. You will discover life as it would have been for families in the early 1800s and experience the genuine sights, sounds and smells of a working coal mine! You will also learn how horses were once kept underground and will have the opportunity to feed and muck out the horses in the underground stable area.

Furnace Shaft

In the days before fans were used for ventilation, a fire would have been lit at the bottom of the shaft, causing air to be drawn down into the pit to provide ventilation for the miners. An original example of such a shaft (called a furnace shaft) is now covered by 3m wide toughened glass, so that it will be preserved for years to come. Visitors can look down the shaft or even stand on top of it, looking into the 140m deep black hole! You can also gaze up from the bottom if you go underground and look up at the pinpoint of light at the surface!

When you’ve had enough excitement, you can visit the café and the gift shop which sells a wide range of models made from coal!

With it only being a cock stride away from Leeds then why not make a day of it. We can supply a minibus for your disposal all day.