Hopewell Colliery
BEST FOR
Ages 4-16
ENTRY
from £10
WHERE
Coleford
What it’s like
A real ex-miner takes you underground to see actual coal being dug and hauled up in carts.
The whole point here is going underground with a guide who actually knows the tunnels, watching coal get dug out and brought up to the surface in carts. It's not a recreation or a museum exhibit behind glass, it's a working mine tour, which is a rarer thing than you'd think and probably the bit your kids talk about on the way home. Above ground there's a museum to poke round afterwards, and none of that costs extra once you're in.
It suits kids from about four up to early teens, and the guided format means you're not left to your own devices down there, someone's steering the pace and the story. Tours are timed and pre-booked, so this isn't a turn-up-and-see kind of visit, you pick a slot online and show up for it. Last tour leaves around 3pm, which catches some families out if they've had a slow lunch.
Prices sit at £12 for an adult and £10 for a child, or £34 for two adults and two kids if you want the family rate, £41 with three kids. That's a proper day-out price for a family of four, not pocket change, but you're paying for a guide and an actual mine rather than a soft play with a coal theme. Parking's free and there's a decent car park on site, plus a café and picnic area if you want to make a day of it rather than a quick dash in and out.
One thing to know before you book: the mine itself has limited wheelchair access and isn't really workable for anyone with limited mobility, so it's worth thinking about who's coming before you commit to a slot.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 4 to 16, primary-age kids especially will love the real coal carts
- Last entry
- Last tour leaves approx 3.00pm
- Booking
- Pre-book online. Timed tours
- Parking
- Large free car park on site
- Wheelchairs
- Limited wheelchair access. Mine not suitable for those with limited mobility
- Underground tours must be pre-booked online, there's no turning up on spec
- Last tour departs around 3pm so plan your lunch accordingly
- Cafeteria, shop, museum and picnic areas are free to visit without doing the tour
- Open seasonally, 28 March to end of October
- Groups over 10 can book by phone or email for a discount
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£12 for an adult, £10 for a child aged 4 to 16 on the guided tour. Family tickets are £34 for two adults and two kids, or £41 with three kids.
Do we need to book ahead?
You do, all underground tours are pre-booked and run at set times. Groups of more than 10 can book by phone or email instead and get a discount.
What age is it suitable for?
The tours are aimed at ages 4 to 16, so it works well for primary-age kids and younger teens.
What time is the last tour?
Around 3pm, so don't leave it too late in the day if you fancy a leisurely lunch first.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
Not really. Access underground is limited and the mine isn't suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's a cafeteria on site plus a picnic area if you'd rather bring your own food. Both are free to use even if you're not on a tour.
Is there parking?
Yes, there's a large free car park on site.
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