Rhondda Heritage Park Museum is celebrating after being awarded the highly respected Visit Wales VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme) accreditation, recognising the museum’s exceptional visitor experience and commitment to excellence. The accreditation reflects the strong standards set out in the Visit Wales Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme, which assesses the quality of attractions across Wales, including their welcome, interpretation, cleanliness, catering, retail and overall visitor journey.
A Unique Tourist Attraction of National Significance
The museum continues to grow as one of Wales’s most engaging heritage attractions. Visitors come from all over the world to take the Black Gold Experience Underground Guided Tour, where former miners guide groups underground and share powerful stories of life in the Rhondda coalfield. Above ground, interactive exhibitions bring history to life with digital displays and original mining artefacts.
A Thriving Venue for Events and Group Visits
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum also hosts a vibrant programme of events throughout the year, from community car boot sales and research groups, to large scale family events such as Easter Egg-stravaganza and the hugely popular Santa’s Toy Mine. Its café, gift shop and educational workshops and tours make it a popular destination for schools and tourist groups.
Tickets for Easter Egg-stravaganza are on sale here.
Exciting New Exhibitions Coming in 2026
Looking ahead, the museum is preparing to unveil major new exhibition developments in 2026, expanding its storytelling, digital interpretation and immersive experiences. These additions will further enhance the museum’s role as a leading cultural and educational destination in South Wales.
Councillor Scott Emanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said:
Achieving VAQAS accreditation is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and passion shown by everyone at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum. This award reflects the exceptional welcome offered to visitors and the powerful way our mining heritage is brought to life. As we look ahead to exciting new exhibitions in 2026, this accreditation reinforces the museum’s position as one of Wales’s must‑visit attractions. We are incredibly proud of the team and the experience they deliver.
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum continues to honour the legacy of the Rhondda Valleys while embracing innovation, ensuring its stories remain relevant, engaging and unforgettable for future generations.
To find out more about tours, exhibitions, educational visits and more, please visit www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
Posted on 12/03/2026