If you're looking for an interesting family day out packed with history, Lancashire Mining Museum is well worth a visit. Set in Astley, this award-winning museum gives visitors the chance to explore Lancashire’s coal mining heritage through artefacts, restored machinery, exhibits and historic buildings on site.

Lancashire Mining Museum

• Location: Higher Green Lane, Astley, Manchester, M29 7JB
• Opening Times: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday | 1pm - 5pm
• Price: Free to visit
• Good to Know: Dog friendly. Small extra charge for the narrow gauge railway.

There is plenty to see during your visit, including the original No. 1 shaft headgear, the impressive engine house, the working winding engine, restored static engines, Fred Dibnah’s homemade headgear, a replica miner’s cottage and the narrow gauge railway. The museum also has a picnic area and the Pit Whistle Tea Room serving drinks and light snacks.

The site is a great choice for families, history lovers and anyone interested in local heritage. Children will enjoy spotting the different machinery and exploring the outdoor areas, while adults can learn more about the people, places and industry that shaped the region.

If you want to make the most of your visit, the museum also offers downloadable trail notes and a visitors map to help you find your way around the site and discover more about each area.