Flogging a dead horse or creating cultural capacity? The development and impact of mines as alternative tourist destinations : a case study of South Wales, UK

Abstract

The main focus of this chapter aims to illustrate the development of mines as tourist attractions, and particularly the social impact and relationships between mine based attractions and their host communities. The chapter will present findings from qualitative research undertaken by the authors in 2007 and updated in 2009.

Secondary research involved an overview of the decline of U.K heavy industry with a particular focus on redundant Welsh mining industries and their reasons for decline, with emphasis on the direct impacts on respective communities.

Primary research examines the tourism re-development of a range of former redundant mines and associated properties in South Wales. These former mines have now largely been re-developed as tourist attractions and the chapter includes research findings based upon Cefn Coed Colliery, Dolau Cothi Gold Mine, Big Pit National Mining Museum, Rhondda Heritage Park, Llewernog Silver and Lead Mine and the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. For each case example a generic overview of the attraction and facilities is outlined giving an initial review of their recent past and re development. The main focus of the chapter, however, discusses and evaluates the linkages that now exist between each mining attraction and their relationships with their local host communities, particularly focusing upon the positive and negative re development issues and experiences.