See the forest from below
Your guided tour will take about 45 minutes and will take you underground and through the mine workings.
All our guides at Hopewell are experienced miners. They will explain how the mines work and what you see as you go deeper underground
See the forest from below
Your guided tour will take about 45 minutes and will take you underground and through the mine workings.
All our guides at Hopewell are experienced miners. They will explain how the mines work and what you see as you go deeper underground
Strap on a miner’s helmet and follow our guide underground, and they will navigate a route through a section of miles of tunnels dug out since the 1820s. See how you work a 30-inch thick seam of coal!
You will exit the mine workings by the beautifully engineered old furnace level erected in the 1820’s and the old "dram road" and find yourself in serene woodland. Now you’ll see why the Forest of Dean is known as the prettiest coalfield in the world!
There is a short stroll through the tranquillity of the Forest back to the museum and cafeteria.
Going Underground
Before starting your tour you will have to enter the lamp room to be kitted out with a miner's lamp and helmet which must be worn at all times while in the mine.
Please remember when going underground, Hopewell is a real mine so sturdy shoes and warm clothing should be worn.
Note: the tour is not suitable for very young children. Children will need to be able to wear a helmet and walk independently. Unfortunately the tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility
Strap on a miner’s helmet and follow our guide underground, and they will navigate a route through a section of miles of tunnels dug out since the 1820s. See how you work a 30-inch thick seam of coal!
It’s the closest experience you can get to freemining without having to dig coal! You can see for yourself the arduous working conditions and the marvels of coal and geology in their natural state.
You will exit the mine workings by the beautifully engineered old furnace level erected in the 1820’s and the old "dram road" and find yourself in serene woodland. Now you’ll see why the Forest of Dean is known as the prettiest coalfield in the world.
There is a short stroll through the tranquillity of the Forest back to the museum and cafeteria.
Going Underground
Before starting your tour you will have to enter the lamp room to be kitted out with a miner's lamp and helmet.
Please remember when going underground, Hopewell is a real mine so sturdy shoes and warm clothing should be worn.
Helmets and lamps will be provided and must be worn at all times while in the mine.
Note: the tour is not suitable for very young children. Children will need to be able to wear a helmet and walk independently. Unfortunately the tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility.