Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

Explore Lancashire’s coal mining heritage at Astley Green, home to the last surviving headgear and winding engine of the Lancashire coalfield.

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Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

The Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green preserves the rich industrial heritage of Lancashire’s coal mining era. Situated on the historic Astley Green Colliery site, it features the last surviving headgear and winding engine of the Lancashire coalfield, alongside a collection of colliery locomotives, a replica miner’s cottage, and interactive exhibits. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining past through restored machinery, railway rides, and immersive displays.

A brief summary to Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

Higher Green Ln, Manchester, Astley, M29 7JB, GB
+441942895841
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 1 pm-5 pm
Thursday 1 pm-5 pm
Saturday 1 pm-5 pm
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

Check opening hours before visiting; the museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.
Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum, including the winding engine, railway rides, and miner’s cottage.
Visit the Pit Whistle Tea Rooms for refreshments and consider booking the special Afternoon Tea events in advance.
The museum is dog friendly but requires dogs to be kept on a lead at all times.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 15-acre site and exploring outdoor exhibits and railway tracks.

Getting There

Bus

Take the bus service to Higher Green Lane in Astley, with a typical journey time of 30 to 45 minutes from central Manchester. Buses run regularly but check schedules for weekend and holiday variations. The stop is a short walk from the museum entrance.
Train and Taxi

From Manchester, take a train to Walkden station, approximately 20 minutes travel time. From Walkden, a taxi ride of about 10 minutes will bring you to the museum. Taxi fares typically range from £8 to £12.
Car

Driving to the museum takes around 25 to 35 minutes from Manchester city centre. Free parking is available on site, but note that the access roads may be narrow and busy during peak times.
Walking

For nearby visitors, walking from Astley village centre to the museum takes about 20 minutes over mostly flat terrain. Paths are suitable for most walkers but may be muddy after rain.

Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green location weather suitability

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Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

A Living Memorial to Lancashire’s Coal Mining Legacy

The Lancashire Mining Museum is located on the site of the former Astley Green Colliery, founded in 1908 and operational until 1970. The museum preserves the last surviving headgear and winding engine from the Lancashire coalfield, standing nearly 30 meters tall and constructed from riveted wrought iron lattice. These iconic structures serve as a powerful reminder of the region’s industrial past and the vital role coal mining played in shaping the North West of England.

Historic Machinery and Industrial Railways

Visitors can explore the massive winding engine house, a Grade II listed red brick building that once housed the largest winding engine used in the Lancashire Coal Field. The museum also boasts the UK’s largest collection of colliery locomotives—28 restored industrial engines that haul original underground man-riding carriages along a narrow-gauge railway track. This immersive railway experience offers a unique insight into the transportation systems that supported mining operations.

Authentic Period Settings and Exhibits

The museum grounds include a replica miner’s cottage, originally the Colliery Manager’s Office, furnished with period artefacts that bring to life the daily lives of mining families. The site features cobbled streets, historic gates, and preserved offices, creating an authentic heritage atmosphere. Additionally, the museum houses a collection donated by Fred Dibnah, a renowned steeplejack and TV personality from Lancashire, adding a local cultural dimension to the exhibits.

Engaging Visitor Facilities and Experiences

Beyond the industrial heritage, the museum provides visitor amenities such as the Pit Whistle Tea Rooms, offering drinks and light snacks, and a shop selling souvenirs including the popular Tally Shop. The museum regularly hosts special events like Afternoon Tea, enhancing the visitor experience. Interactive hotspot maps and trail guides help guests navigate the extensive 15-acre site and deepen their understanding of the mining history.

Setting and Surroundings

Nestled near the Bridgewater Canal and Astley Moss, an important mossland nature reserve, the museum is set in a low-lying landscape that allows the towering headgear to be seen for miles around. The proximity to these natural features adds scenic value and a tranquil contrast to the industrial heritage site, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Preserving Heritage Through Volunteer Efforts

The museum is maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Red Rose Steam Society, who have restored much of the site since the colliery’s closure and demolition in the 1970s. Their ongoing work ensures the preservation of this unique industrial landmark and offers visitors an authentic, educational experience reflecting Lancashire’s mining heritage.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Barton Swing Aqueduct

6.7 km

Explore the world’s only swing aqueduct, a Victorian engineering marvel carrying the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal since 1894.

Sussex Road

7.4 km

Discover the charm of Cadishead at Sussex Road, your convenient gateway to local attractions and the vibrant culture of Manchester.

Sussex Close

8.6 km

Discover the charm of Wigan through Sussex Close, your essential bus stop to explore local attractions and immerse in the vibrant culture.

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

11.1 km

Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.

Sky Hook Statue 1

11.3 km

Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.

Stretford Weir

11.5 km

Historic riverside weir on the Mersey offering scenic walks, flood management insight, and a peaceful nature escape near Manchester.

Salford Lads Club

11.6 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

St Clement's Parish Church

12.4 km

Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

Bahnhof Manchester

12.7 km

Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.

LS Lowry birthplace

12.8 km

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

Heaton Park Papal Monument

12.8 km

A granite testament to faith and history where 200,000 gathered for a papal milestone in 1982.

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

12.8 km

Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.

Roman Gardens

12.9 km

Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

12.9 km

Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

13.0 km

Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Unmissable attractions to see

Worsley Delph

4.4 km

Historic canal basin and underground mine entrance in Worsley, showcasing the heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution heritage.

Monton Lighthouse

5.9 km

A quirky, privately built lighthouse on the Bridgewater Canal offering scenic views and a unique inland maritime charm in Manchester.

iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving

6.4 km

Experience the thrill of flight in Manchester’s premier indoor skydiving wind tunnel, where safety meets adrenaline in a family-friendly setting.

Chill Factore

6.4 km

Experience the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope with year-round skiing, snowboarding, and snow play in Manchester’s Chill Factore.

Trafford Centre

7.4 km

Manchester’s grand shopping palace blending flagship stores, family fun, and festive magic under one roof.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

7.6 km

A vibrant indoor LEGO playground in Manchester, perfect for children aged 3-10 to explore, build, and play with thrilling rides and interactive attractions.

Moses Gate Country Park

8.2 km

Explore Bolton’s largest nature reserve with lakes, woodlands, wildlife, and family-friendly trails at Moses Gate Country Park.

Risley Moss

8.8 km

Explore the serene peat bogs and woodland trails of Risley Moss, a protected nature reserve rich in wildlife and family-friendly charm near Warrington.

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

9.1 km

The UK’s first indoor inflatable theme park in Trafford Park – giant slides, ball pits and non-stop bouncing fun for kids and adults.

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

Victoria Sq

9.3 km

Victoria Square is Bolton’s iconic civic hub where historic grandeur meets lively community spirit in the heart of the town.

Market Place Shopping Centre

9.5 km

Historic charm meets modern shopping and entertainment at Bolton’s Market Place Shopping Centre, a vibrant hub for all ages.

Media City Footbridge

10.1 km

An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

10.1 km

Start your journey through Salford’s rich heritage and vibrant Media City at the iconic Blue Tower meeting point.

BBC Dock House

10.1 km

Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.

IWM North

10.2 km

Discover powerful stories of war and peace in Manchester’s iconic deconstructivist museum overlooking the Ship Canal.

Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.

Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Piggy Banks

8.9 km

A friendly, affordable bar in Bolton offering a great selection of ales and simple food in a cozy, welcoming setting near the train station.

Waggon & Horses

9.4 km

A lively traditional British pub in Westhoughton offering hearty fare, well-kept beers, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

The Dockyard

10.2 km

Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City

10.2 km

Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.

Craftbrew

10.4 km

Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.

11 Central

10.6 km

Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.

Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha

10.8 km

Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.

Matchstick Man

11.2 km

Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.

The Wharf

12.8 km

Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

12.8 km

Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

Bar Eight

12.8 km

Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.

The Alchemist Spinningfields

13.0 km

Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.

cask

13.0 km

Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.

The Rivington

13.1 km

A stylish gastropub in Horwich offering fresh, quality dishes and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends.

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

13.1 km

Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Underground

6.9 km

Experience classic rave vibes and late-night energy at Underground, Bolton’s intimate clubbing hotspot in Farnworth.

Level Nightclub

9.2 km

Experience Bolton’s vibrant nightlife at Level Nightclub, where dynamic music, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

13.1 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

Royal Vida Night Club

13.1 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

History Nightclub

13.1 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

42's

13.2 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

Ark Manchester

13.2 km

Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.

Popworld Manchester

13.2 km

Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.

Club Liv Manchester

13.3 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Venue Nightclub

13.3 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

Bijou Club

13.3 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Ibiza Nightclub

13.4 km

Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Ibiza Nightclub, where music, dance, and unforgettable Saturday nights come alive until dawn.

Bliss Club Manchester

13.4 km

Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.

Pure Nightclub

13.5 km

Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Pure Nightclub, where energetic beats, stylish vibes, and unforgettable late-night memories come alive every Saturday.

Cargo

13.6 km

Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.

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Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

A brief summary to Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

Local tips

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Getting There

Bus

Train and Taxi

Car

Walking

Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green location weather suitability

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Discover more about Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green

A Living Memorial to Lancashire’s Coal Mining Legacy

Historic Machinery and Industrial Railways

Authentic Period Settings and Exhibits

Engaging Visitor Facilities and Experiences

Setting and Surroundings

Preserving Heritage Through Volunteer Efforts

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Barton Swing Aqueduct

Sussex Road

Sussex Close

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

Sky Hook Statue 1

Stretford Weir

Salford Lads Club

St Clement's Parish Church

Bahnhof Manchester

LS Lowry birthplace

Heaton Park Papal Monument

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

Roman Gardens

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Unmissable attractions to see

Worsley Delph

Monton Lighthouse

iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving

Chill Factore

Trafford Centre

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Moses Gate Country Park

Risley Moss

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

Victoria Sq

Market Place Shopping Centre

Media City Footbridge

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

BBC Dock House

IWM North

Essential places to dine

Ewe Restaurant and Bar

The Botanist Media City

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

Nando's Salford Quays

Lime

Unagi

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

Quay House Beefeater

La Boheme

Northern Crafthouse

Nick's Restaurant

The Banyan Tree

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Body Shop

The Works

Next Outlet

Flock and Gaggle

M&S Outlet

The Sweet Emporium

Salford Shopping Centre

SPAR Salford Quays

Science and Industry Museum Shop

Catch my Thrift