Coal Mining Museum of England

Yesterday we were undecided where to go to make the most of OH having a weekend off work, but also not wanting to spend too much with half term being upon us too.  After a bit of looking around we decided to give the coal mining museum a look. 
We were a little unsure of what to expect, its isn't a subject we know much about even with me being the grand daughter of a miner.  Before we set off we had spoken to the girls about there being a trip down the mine which lasted an hour, B was happy to go for it but H was very reluctant.  
On arrival it was decided that we would go down the mine and we purchased our "checks"

Waiting to go down H was more than a little nervous, but we entered the "cage" and travelled the 140 metres below the surface with our hard hats and lamps.
We had a brilliant guide who was good with the kids and soon even H was up the front with the other children.  The tour was very informative and B didn't even to notice we were down there an hour.

Our next stop was to see the pit ponies

and the bit baths, before heading back to the main part of the museum.  
The girls did really seem to enjoy it and have been talking about the trip down the mine since we got home.

We do feel that if you didn't want to go down the mine on a wet day like yesterday there really isn't that much to see or do, maybe on a dry day it may be better but it is free (can refund the cost of the checks or donate to support the running) as there is a nature trail and small train ride.  Overall we would visit again.