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Museums

Lancashire Mining Museum CIO

4.8 · 899 reviews
Industrial, historical, and rugged.
Lancashire Mining Museum CIO, Higher Green Ln, Astley, Manchester M29 7JB, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The 1,400-ton headgear at the site is a Grade II listed structure.

2

The museum features a collection of historic railway locomotives, including those used in mining operations.

3

The site includes a significant collection of vintage road vehicles and mining equipment.

4

The colliery was originally sunk in 1908 and remained in production until 1970.

5

The massive steam winding engine is housed in a brick engine house that remains largely original.

6

Astley Green was the first pit in the Lancashire coalfield to reach the 'Trencherbone' seam, approximately 2,000 feet deep.

Overview

The Lancashire Mining Museum, located at Astley Green Colliery, is a preserved industrial site featuring the last remaining headgear of its type in the Lancashire coalfield. The museum grounds house a massive 2,500-horsepower steam winding engine, which once operated the pit shaft. Visitors can explore a collection of historic colliery buildings, including the engine house and boiler house. The site acts as a monument to the region's deep-mining heritage, specifically focusing on the 20th-century coal industry. Much of the machinery remains in situ, providing an authentic look at Victorian and Edwardian engineering. The museum is managed by a CIO and focuses on educational outreach regarding mining life and mechanical history. It serves as a rare example of a site where both the headgear and winding house have survived post-closure. The site is a scheduled ancient monument, preserving the footprint of the former Astley Green Colliery.

Photo spot

Directly in front of the towering redbrick headgear with the winding house in the frame.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the site contains uneven gravel and industrial terrain.

Check the website for 'Steam Days' where volunteers demonstrate the vintage machinery in operation.

Bring a waterproof jacket, as much of the museum experience involves walking between outdoor exhibits.

What to avoid

Do not visit assuming all buildings are climate-controlled; dress for the current outdoor temperature.

Good to know

Generally open limited days during the week; check the official calendar for specific weekend event days and winter seasonal closures.

Etiquette

Respect all safety cordons around historical machinery; do not climb on exhibits.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekend mornings during spring or summer for better weather and the possibility of seeing machinery demonstrations.
Address
Lancashire Mining Museum CIO, Higher Green Ln, Astley, Manchester M29 7JB, United Kingdom
53.496, -2.447
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits1908 steam winding engine, Grade II listed headgear, vintage locomotive collection

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekend mornings during spring or summer for better weather and the possibility of seeing machinery demonstrations..

Directly in front of the towering redbrick headgear with the winding house in the frame.

Close by you'll find RHS Garden Bridgewater, Old Trafford, Boothstown Marina.