Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas of the museum, but there are restrictions on the indoor spaces they can access.
Entry for dogs is free, but please respect the following rules for the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors:
- Please keep your dog on a short lead, accompanied and under control at all times.
- Please do not leave your dog unattended.
- Please pick up after your dog. Dog bags are available from the entrance building if needed.
- Please respect the access restrictions for dogs.
The museum reserves the right to ask dog owners to leave if these guidelines are not followed, or if staff or volunteers feel that dogs are behaving in a dangerous or threatening manner.
Access restrictions for dogs:
For the protection of our historic collections, dogs are only permitted in the following indoor exhibit spaces:
- 1820s Waggonway and great shed
- 1900s Colliery Yard including engine shed and lamp cabin (excluding drift mine)
- Rowley Station
- Sun Inn pub
- Entrance building
Dog-friendly catering areas are as follows:
- Entrance Coffee Shop
- Sun Inn pub
- 1950s bowling pavilion (grab and go only)
- Sinkers’ Bait Cabin (grab and go only)
Dogs are usually allowed on transport (lower deck, not on seats, at conductor’s discretion).
Assistance dogs are allowed into all buildings, exhibits and catering areas.
Water bowls are provided for dogs around the museum – please let our team know if a refill is needed.
Please note, other animals are not permitted.