Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum (Radstock)

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Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum and its collection

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When the last mine in the Somerset Coalfield closed in 1973 local people wanted to recognise the work of the Somerset miners and their contribution to Britain’s heritage. The result of this foresight is an extensive collection of artefacts from Somerset’s coal mining history. The Museum, with its collections and purpose built displays, is now housed in the restored Radstock Old Market Hall. With galleries on two floors you can learn about blacksmithing, coal mining, shoe and boot making, printing and local breweries. In addition at weekends there is a Virtual Reality ride down a coal mine. We also have a well stocked book shop and a tearoom.

History & Anthropology Science & Technology Local Miscellaneous Children War Archaeology Geology Profession & Craft Person & Artist Industrial heritage Railway

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Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Waterloo Road

Radstock

BA3 3EP Radstock

England

Images of Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Visitor information Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Opening hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	14:00 – 17:00
Wednesday	14:00 – 17:00
Thursday	14:00 – 17:00
Friday	14:00 – 17:00
Saturday	11:00 – 17:00
Sunday	14:00 – 17:00

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Admission

0 – 5	Free
6 – 15	£3.00
Adults	£7.00
Family (2 adults and 3 children)	£17.00
Senior concession (Age 65+)	£6.00
Student concession (Age 16+)	£6.00

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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Museum shop

Parking

Coffee

Credit card

Child-friendly

Location & Map

Waterloo Road, Radstock

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Exhibitions

Now on display
Short Term Exhibitions
Permanent exhibition

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Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum Reviews

Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum has 2 ratings.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

The Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the region. Located in Radstock, England, this museum focuses on preserving and presenting the history of coal mining in Somerset.

The museum is housed in a former market hall, which adds to its charm and historical atmosphere. Visitors generally appreciate the wide range of exhibits that showcase various aspects of coal mining life, including machinery, tools, and personal items from miners. The museum does a good job of illustrating the working conditions and daily lives of the miners and their families.

Many reviewers praise the informative displays and the effort put into recreating scenes from the past. The museum features reconstructions of a miner's cottage and a schoolroom, which help to immerse visitors in the historical context. The collection of photographs and documents is also noted as being extensive and interesting.

However, some visitors mention that the museum could benefit from more interactive elements or guided tours to enhance the experience, especially for younger visitors. A few reviews suggest that the layout can be a bit confusing, and some exhibits might benefit from updated presentation methods.

The staff and volunteers at the museum are frequently commended for their knowledge and friendliness, often enhancing visitors' experiences with additional information and stories.

While the museum may not be large, it is generally considered to offer good value for money, with most visitors finding the entrance fee reasonable for the content provided. The museum also receives positive feedback for its efforts in local community engagement and education programs.

Overall, the Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum is appreciated for its dedication to preserving local history and providing an educational experience about the area's mining heritage. It may not be a cutting-edge museum, but it offers a sincere and informative look at an important aspect of Somerset's past.

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M

Megan • 27 Aug 2018

For a smallish museum there is a great deal to see. The Victorian street is lovely with it's miner's kitchen, old co-op shop, blacksmiths shop and printers. The old beautifully restored horse drawn bread van with it's full size horse really completes the street scene. The coal-mine has the sounds of the miners working away and narrative of a former miner to listen to which is really captivating. The conditions the miners worked in is really brought home to you with the scene within the coal-mine and some of the genuine artefacts on display. Upstairs is the museum's exhibition space and the exhibitions I have seen there have been meticulously put together with informative information boards and images and cabinets full of fascinating objects. There are various trails for the children which they really enjoy and the tearoom and shop are a treat. A great afternoon out and worth re-visiting to see the new things on display and the changing exhibitions.

Visited on 23 Aug 2018
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Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum and its collection

Images of Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Visitor information Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum

Opening hours

Admission

Facilities

Location & Map

Exhibitions

Short Term Exhibitions

Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum Reviews

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