Fantastic place run by volunteers. Lots of old machinery including largest steam winding engine which is truly spectacular and Grade II listed head gear. Free entry. Open Tuesday & Thursday afternoons and weekends. Check Facebook/website for details. You are free to just wander around. Very cheap coffee & tea. Small railway operates. Example of miner's cottage. 15 minute film in one of the cabins. It's all slightly chaotic but great atmosphere & nice friendly people.

As ever, a fabulous museum with enthusiastic and knowledgable volunteers. Thanks especially to Stewart Brown, an ex-miner, who gave us an interesting and personal account of life in the industry. His account of the Great Strike 1984/85 was especially interesting. Long may he continue to entertain the visitors. Also the volunteers who gave us a tour of the winding engine, allowing us to get a closer view than visitors normally get. A cracking day out, only slightly ruined by the appalling weather.

We went to the annual steam fair as a Family (mum, sister, brother and nephews and niece). This is not a massive museum and I was sort of expecting it to be an hour or so and then everyone would want to go home. I was seriously wrong with that assumption. The steam fair was absolutely fantastic and the credit for this is 100% down to all the volunteers at the museum and the amazing event they put on (along with all the exhibitors). They had enough historic vehicles at the show for it to be interesting and the exhibitors were all super friendly. The two gentlemen who had the orange steam truck were absolutely fantastic, they literally spent all day giving people free rides on the truck (you made the day for my nephew and niece so if you ever read this then thank you). Like I said they did not have a massive amount of vintage vehicles (compared to the major events like the Dorset steam fair) but what totally knocked it out of the park was the volunteers. They absolutely bent over backwards to make this event a hit. We ended up spending more money than we had planned but we did so enjoying every minute of spending it. Tea and Coffee were just £1, crisps were £0.40, a chocolate bar was £0.50 and a Pint was £3. Oh and let's not forget that an ice cream cone was only £1. It felt like going back to the late 80s or early 90s, back when it was fun to go to events like this. This event was FANTASTIC value for money. Everyone already is looking forward to going again next year. Keep up the good work and to any volunteers that read it thanks for making the day such a special event.

I can only echo Graham Culley's review. We arrived on a damp, drizzly afternoon, but it was almost 3 hours well spent. The volunteers are amazingly friendly, very knowledgeable and help you get the best of the visit. Some of the engineering there is quite staggering, especially the steam driven winding engine that raised and lowered the men and coal to the underground mines. All for free, the visit, ample car parking, refreshments and loos.

This is an excellent museum run by really friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. We had a lovely day here on father's day and were amazed by the size of the engine and engine house. Our kids (7 and 11) found it fascinating, and the lovely lady in the house spent quite a while with us talking to the kids and dressing us all up for a period photograph! Refreshments were basic but very good and cheap, and the gift shop very well priced too. This really did exceed our expectations and I would highly recommend a visit to learn about coal mining. We visit a lot of museums and this one is quite unique!

If you are interested in industrial heritage, this place is well worth a visit. Opening hours are limited due to the museum being entirely run by volunteers, who are very welcoming and informative. Entry is free, though making a donation seems only fair. The main attractions are the engine house with its enormous steam winding engine, and the last remaining pithead in the Lancashire coalfield. There is also a small narrow-gauge railway and a collection of mining equipment.

Astley mining museum was fascinating. The history and workings of the mine and associated machinery brings to life vivid tales from long ago. The amazing volunteers keep this place going every week. A large gazebo has been set up to house refreshments so that everyone can social distance whilst enjoying afternoon tea etc. The machine hall is incredible with the only large twin winding engine of it's kind. Relics from a bygone era are displayed around the grounds. This place is such a wonderful reminder of our Lancashire industrial roots. Definitely be returning in the near future.

I brought my Cub Scouts here and it was absolutely amazing. The museum is great and the passion of the volunteers is top notch. If you're curious about mining heritage this is a must see!

This is a fabulous place to visit for all the family. Lots of information and interesting facts dotted around to keep you busy. There is a little railway thats take you around the site, tearoom with inside and outside seating and a large engine house to look round. The volunteers are always there to help with any enquiries. Please check for opening time before visiting. If you do go enjoy 😊😊😊

I,m a volunteer electrician at the museum and it's great, mining was an important industry in the UK providing work for many people. There were a lot of men women and children who died in the job We,re trying to add more attractions and make it fun and educational, visiting is free although donations are always welcome. We run the winding engine on the last Sunday of each month but often on other weekends too.we also have driving experience days where for a small fee you can drive the engine, the biggest and last of it's kind in Europe.

Absolutely FANTASTIC. I enjoyed a very special visit here...the museum is fascinating and the exhibits are literally awe-inspiring. There is a wealth of information to absorb...not least the fact that children worked down the mines. On a practical level...ample parking (n.b. cobblestones) and there is a tea room and shop on site. The ground level exhibits are suitable for wheelchair users...but obviously the mill itself is only accessible by steps. Special HUGE THANK YOU to volunteers TIM and PAUL for being so kind and accommodating to me yesterday...you are very kind.

Perfect place to visit with family. Such a nice atmosphere and the volunteers couldn't be more inviting.

Really enjoyed a great afternoon with extremely informative people, passionate about their hobby. Great place to visit.

Lots more to see than you may realise. The museum is run by very enthusiastic volunteers. Museum is in development with a number of experiences planned. The staff were very friendly and although free to enter, contributions are appreciated. Loved to see how mining was done and the conditions where people lived. They were tough in those days.

Last remaining pit head gear and lots of other interesting artifacts from the mining industry.

Great place. Friendly staff. Interesting to see the history of mining. Went with my 70odd year old dad and my youngest 2 kids aged 6 and 4 and we all enjoyed it as something there for us all. Good family place. And it's free.

Had a fantastic day out today at the steam rally! The staff were pleasant, polite, friendly and knowledgeable. Excellent day out for all the family. Highly recommended, fun and educational.

Highly recommend. We went for Father's Day Afternoon tea. Food and service was exceptional. Then we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering round the museum and grounds. Even had a short train ride. Lots of local History and all the volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable. Looking forward to the next Event.

Fantastic collection of mining heritage a huge thank you to the volunteers who look after everything and share it all with the public. The iron lattice headstock is a fine example and I hope they can get the funding to preserve it better for future generations. Favourite item on site has to be Fred Dibnah’s wooden headstock that he had built in his garden in Bolton so chuffed that managed to get saved and is on display for the public.

Incredible museum about the lost world of the Lancashire mines. The Engine House is a marvel, particularly when the pit head winding engines (400 tons of machinery) is working! Make sure you talk to Stewart in the Lamp Room taking about his experience of being a miner. Afternoon teas in the tearoom were really nice, but try and get in before a coach party!

A fantastic Museum, staffed by very enthusiastic volunteers, it tells the story of a way of life now lost. It shows how coal was mined over the centuries and how Coal Miners and their families lived. There is the most wonderful monster of a winding engine, the size is truly awesome and it still runs!! There are extensive grounds and beautiful and thoughtful planting and lots of natural areas and wildlife.

Love this place! The volunteers are all ex-miners and they are all very willing to tell you a story or two from back in the day. The gigantic engine that takes up the entire floor is a must-see. Highly recommended. Also, big thank you to volunteer Stewart for sharing with us your life’s stories!

Interesting mining museum with its huge Headgear on show too. The engine house has a huge winding engine in it, literally fills the entire floor. Unfortunately wasn't running today when I visited.

This is one of the best little gems in nw Always great experience visiting Lots of varied events Yesterday's festival like event so well organised Well priced food ice cream etc to keep it accessible Music,culture trip to see engine underground experience and so much more Always things to see do and learn about mining heritage Volunteers friendly and knowledgeable Free to visit,car parking on site and on street

Another beautiful event. All ran by volunteers. Food and drinks available onsite Parking Toilets Donations always welcome to help maintain this beautiful historic museum

A great day out. Helpful staff. A good place to go with the kids. Food available. Allow 2 hours, a lot to see. Check when the train is running.

Amazing place, nice to see it being kept alive. The volunteers here are great, very knowledgeable and we're fantastic with my 6 year old son. Would 100% recommend!

Had a lovely few hours at the Lancashire Mining Museum , went to see the engine running and wasn't disappointed , lots of information and artefacts around , found it very moving , Eric one of the volunteers filled us in on lots of activities that went on with the colliery , his wealth of information was astonishing , well worth a visit , safety measures in place , cafe on site and toilets open too , will visit again for sure

Fantastic active museum. The pit winding engine is an engineering enthusiasts dream, powered by compressed air now rather than steam. Suitable for kids (of all ages, 1 visitor was 91 today). It's run by volunteers of all ages, so friendly and informative. Lovely little cafe, next to the simulated miners house. Bear in mind it's a Charity run museum, so free to enter, so please do donate generously, bearing in mind that a fiver is nothing these days. Trains also run on certain days. It's on my doorstep and never been, I'll be back.

Seeing the engine running is a marvel to behold. Visit, so our engineering heritage can be preserved

The hard work of all the amazing volunteers is certainly paying off now. Each time I visit something new has opened up. Looking forward to opening up of the train rides between the museum and the canal. It's great to have this fantastic place on our doorstep but visits have been made from all over the world.

Very well run and highlights our heritage

Great to have local history preserved

Great place to visit

Full of local history

This heritage restoration project has the potential to be excellent, if it can raise the funding to get the work carried out. It has two massive, splendid double acting steam engines back up and running, but powered be compressed air. Also intrigued to find some of Fred Dibnah's old machinery on site, along with many other engines, pumps etc The project is driven by a team of enthusiastic volunteers who are now planning the preservation of the pithead winding gear. There's a long way to go with many challenges, but its important to show new generations what our old mining industry involved. We'll worth a visit!

An awesome place to visit if you love history. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Really insightful.

very interesting site and staff very knowledgeable.

Went to the zombie scarefest, I would recommend it.

Lovely ppl great place fully recommended

Very interesting, loved the engine and miners cottage. Even fun in the rain! Well done to all the volunteers

A grand day out with splendid scones!

If your into old English Heritage this is a must visit with a tea room for refreshments

Sadly not been since covid but host great events and the history is fascinating. Can't miss the gear head engine either.

Love this museum. It's expanding and growing year on year, run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. Great exhibits, topped off with the fantastic Winding Engine. 👌

Lovely place. Had a lovely afternoon. The volunteers are great, very knowledgeable and very pleasant.

Lovely place, kept alive by very passionate volunteers.

Volunteers were really helpful and couldn't do enough to inform us about the area. Great stop off.

Had a great day. It's nice to see the hard work of volunteers paying off. Lots of interesting items from the mine workings. The miners house is great. Very helpful volunteers too.

It's an amazing site. Loved it. Great people there too.

Lancashire Mining Museum is an amazing historical site and it is wonderful to have a piece of Lancashire's mining heritage preserved and open for all to see. The steam engine and head gear are fascinating and impressive. It is a great place for children as the site is scattered with all sorts of interesting old mining machinery, plus there is a reproduction of a miners cottage to check out.

Fabulous!! The winding engine and railway were both running. Lovely volunteers.

Great local industrial mining museum site run by friendly volunteers. Very interesting. Was lucky to see the engine working. Worth a visit.

Great history

Excellent Experience. Can't wait to go when they return to steam

We are so lucky to have this fab place on our doorstep. Run by amazing volunteers. All free. Visitors really should be putting notes in the donation boxes and not coins. It can't survive without our cash support.

Great Place and really interesting history

It's a hidden gem run by volunteers who know what they're talking about and obviously have a genuine love of the place.

Run by volunteers, pushing to make this a major tourist attraction.

Run by volunteers, the place is a gem of a museum depicting an era of coal mining no longer in operation in Lancashire. More volunteers needed more donations needed

Couldn't go as it was closed but opened on 1st August hope to visit soon as it looked interesting even has the pit shaft there.

Fantastic mining village , managed to see the winding engine run today , wonderful to see and experience.

Great place

Brilliant

Fantastic afternoon really friendly the kids loved it

what an interesting place to visit well worth a visit onsite cafe as well great

Brilliant place. The engine is something to be seen. Plenty of helpful and knowledgeable volunteers to see round. Will try and visit when the engine is running. Definitely worth a visit.

A really interesting look into the local mining industry, run by really friendly volunteers. Has a running miniature railway too. Worth stopping for if you're on the canal.

The volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable, hopefully they will.acheive the funding they need. We'll worth the visit

First class with friendly volunteers

Staff are so so nice here,we love going on a Sunday, good for a walk around

Informative

excellent place for coal mining history fabulous engine house staff are fantastic

What an amazing place to visit it really does take you back to when coal was king. There is lots to see and do for individuals or family's. There is a replica house it seems from the 1930s which the kids would be amazed at knowing what they have got now. There is lots of engines and pumps to look at and the best place is the engine room which was fantastic to look around. There is a train ride to go on which is great for kids and adults. As this museum is run by volunteers some of the attractions were not working but there is plenty of volunteers to tell you the history and show you around. There is refreshments available and also toilets. I would definitely recommend people going to this place for something different to do.

Brilliant on all counts, we have been to a number of events there and never been disappointed. It's fantastic to see our Lancashire history preserved to such a high standard.

Small museum with authentic mining equipment and a replica miners house (ask to go upstairs as well) with real fire. Decent super cheap tea shop with traditional finishes, fine floral bone china crockery and drinks and food for only £1 or £1.50 per item. Tea or coffee or soft drink £1. Serves food also - teacakes, toast crumpets and chocolate for £1 or thereabouts plus cream teas for £3. Nice for a couple hours or afternoon but not enough going on for a whole day. If planning to visit, call in advance to ask when the railway is next running

Lovely afternoon out, the engine was running and it was fantastic. Lovely teas and coffees served in the gazebo along with soft drinks and snacks. All the volunteers were so welcoming and knowledgeable , nothing was too much trouble for them. Thankyou.

Amazing site and exhibits run by knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who give up their time to preserve this mining history. Free entry but worth a decent donation.

A really quite an amazing place of history. What made it special were the volunteers who completely caught the imagination of my kids. Thank you. A bit of introspection on our modern life. From an Essex (no mines) lad..