Astley Green was one of the many pits on the edge of Chat Moss, and it is the one that survived, because its steam winding engine was too remarkable to demolish. The 3,300 horsepower twin tandem compound engine is still here in its engine house, under a 98 foot headgear that is now Lancashire's only surviving one, both scheduled and listed.
It is run entirely by volunteers and is free, with a small charge for the narrow gauge railway and its restored locomotives. Around the site are a replica miner's cottage, a collection of static engines and Fred Dibnah's homemade headgear, which will mean nothing to the children and a great deal to whoever is driving. The Pit Whistle Tea Rooms do drinks and light snacks.
What it costs: No charge to visit the museum; a small charge applies to the narrow gauge railway. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. The museum runs on donations.
A ride on the museum's little railway, then Santa in the replica miner's cottage and a small gift for each child, with a chance to write him a letter. Tickets from £4.40, hot and cold drinks on sale, and it is run by the people who keep the museum going. Small, cheap and friendly.
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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.