AN UNDERRATED museum in the north of England is home to a one-of-a-kind underground Christmas attraction.
Earlier this year, research from luggage storage company Bounce named the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield as one of the country’s best hidden gem attractions.
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Located in West Yorkshire, the National Coal Mining Museum is housed at the former Caphouse Colliery, which dates back to the 18th century.
The museum opened to the public in 1988 and offers visitors a deep insight into the life and work of coal miners, preserving the rich industrial heritage of the region.
Later this year, the National Coal Mining Museum will host a Christmas event called Santa Underground.
Visitors will descend 140m underground where they’ll head to a “one-of-a-kind” Christmas grotto to meet the big man himself.
At the event, Children will receive an age-appropriate gift and a certificate.
Previous visitors to Santa Underground have raved about the attraction, with one person writing on TripAdvisor: “I can’t write I can’t fault anything.
“The staff were fantastic and friendly, the underground tunnel to Santa’s grotto was magical and the grotto itself was enchanting.
“Santa spent a lot of time talking to the children and going underground in an original miners’ lift was very exciting.”
Tickets to Santa Underground cost £10 for a full-paying adult and £13 for kids.
Named one of the UK’s best hidden gem attractions, there are plenty of other things to do at the National Coal Mining Museum.
Set across two former coal mines, visitors can learn about over 200 years of coal production.
On volunteer-led underground tours, visitors will hear stories from former coal miners.
There are above-ground attractions too, including a nature trail, an adventure playground and a pony discovery centre where visitors can meet ponies.
The battery-powered Paddy Train is another popular attraction at the sprawling museum.
Previously used to ferry miners around the pit, museum-goers who visit during peak hours can ride on the train from Caphouse to Hope and back again.
Entry into the National Coal Mining Museum is free, although a £5 donation is encouraged. Underground tours cost an additional £7.50.
Despite not being well-known as a tourist destination, there are plenty of other things to do in Wakefield.
One of those is Hepworth Wakefield, an art gallery that overlooks the River Calder.
Named after artist Barbara Hepworth, the award-winning museum is home to displays of artwork like sculptures and still life paintings.
Wakefield Cathedral is another popular attraction in the city, with the tallest church spire in Yorkshire.
Other nearby attractions include Diggerland – one of the strangest theme parks in the UK.
Visitors can spend the day riding dumper trucks around a gravel pit, digging stones out of a hole with a full-sized digger and riding around a muddy concourse while seated in an enormous bucket.
Wakefield is a 70-minute drive from Manchester, and it’s a 20-minute drive from Leeds.
Five other unusual museums to visit in the UK
HERE are five other unusual museums to visit in the UK.
The Dog Collar Museum, Leeds Castle, Kent
This unique museum houses a fascinating collection of dog collars dating from the 15th century to the present day. The display includes ornate and practical collars, illustrating the changing relationship between humans and their canine companions.
The British Lawnmower Museum, Southport
Dedicated to the history and development of the lawnmower, this quirky museum features over 300 restored exhibits, including lawnmowers once owned by Princess Diana.
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall
This intriguing museum explores the history, folklore, and practices of witchcraft and magic, with a collection of over 3,000 objects. Visitors can delve into exhibits ranging from spell books and charms to tools and ceremonial items.
The Fan Museum, Greenwich, London
The only museum in the UK dedicated solely to fans and fan-making, it boasts an extensive collection of fans dating from the 11th century to the present day. The museum also features beautifully decorated rooms and a tranquil Japanese-style garden.
The Cumberland Pencil Museum, Keswick, Cumbria
Celebrating the humble pencil, this museum traces the history of pencil manufacturing in Keswick, home of the first pencil factory. Highlights include the world’s largest colouring pencil and a secret World War II pencil with hidden maps.
Here are the 25 best ice rinks to visit in London and the South East.
And, these are the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK.
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