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Coalville and Snibston Discovery Park

© Elizabeth Batt

Coalville began life as the extremely minute town of 'Long Lane.' Perhaps this small town would have retained it's original name, had it not been for the development of mining in the area. This was in no way detrimental to the town or to Leicestershire at all. In fact, much of northwest Leicestershire owes it's economic development to the coal mining industry.

The early 19th and 20th Centuries brought increased work to the area and for many generations, the mines were a way of life for both men and women. The town actually developed around the mines themselves. Terraced housing, still standing today, were the homes of many a miner and his family.

The town suffered a huge set back when the mines were closed down. Economic depression was evident for several years and the town of Coalville itself suffered dreadfully. High unemployment figures began to take their toll, and yet not too far ahead was some hope! Ironically, this hope would once more be attributed to the mines within the area of Coalville.

One of the closed down mines, 'Snibston Colliery,' was to become a saviour for the town of Coalville. Twelve miles east of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and near to Coalville itself, the colliery was reclaimed and in 1992 was opened to the public.

'Snibston Discovery Park' as it is now called, is surrounded by 100 acres of landcaped grounds, including nature areas, fishing lakes, wildlife ponds, a golf course, trail and picnic areas. As a nature reserve and museum, the park has attained great success. Not only does it attract thousands of visitors each year, it has also won awards and is also the home of the largest Science and Industry Museum in Britain for 50 years.

The park has a successful blend of attractions. Mining is widely documented, as are the techniques used from as far back as the 15th Century. Many relics are on display and hosted tours of colliery buildings are offered. Sadly, the mines shafts themselves are inaccessible to the public, although there are plans in it's future, for a simulated mine tour.

Aside from the aspects of mining, there are collections of galleries detailing Leicestershire's social and industrial history, but it is also a home to science and that's where the toys come in!!

The hands-on science section allows you to conduct various scientific experiments. In the 'Science Alive Gallery,' you can make waves, generate electricity, or if you so fancy, cycle with a skeleton!

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