Conkers Discovery Centre

Looking For More Than Just A Day Out?

Enter a world of adventure and discovery at the Heart of the National Forest!

On land where activities once took place strictly beneath the surface, an attraction now blossoms where fun-seekers can run, walk and climb – on, above and under the ground.

Rawdon Colliery’s landscape of mineshafts and spoil heaps made way for the beauty of the National Forest. This family-friendly forest-themed adventure allows visitors to run wild, inside and out.

With feet firmly on the ground, experience the great outdoors on a muddy barefoot walk, an acres-long Activity Trail, or by following a secret Fairy Labyrinth. Find connection with the earth in the Meta Garden, a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Award Winner demonstration of natural unions.

Inside, interactive activities bring the woodland to life and let you chase butterflies and leaves. A mining display digs deep into the site’s past, and a fantasy journey is about to start in the 4D Cinema.

The railway that once transported coal from the pit is no more, so all aboard the Conkerchoo train for a different journey altogether.

Rise above the forest floor by climbing the Hi and Lo Ropes, then go underground for a glimpse of the site’s former life. A simulated tree-top walk comes complete with caves, mines and bats, of sorts, and a 70-metre maze of tunnels delves further beneath the earth. During the area’s mining days, rumbling conveyor belts heaved coal to the surface, a sound replaced today by the gentle tinkling of windchimes. 

Less gentle but music to the ears are the live concerts held at Conkers’ Arena at Waterside. There are special events too, when fireworks light up the sky and a Christmas lights valley leads down to Santa’s grotto.

A great day out for all the family.