Name: Dolaucothi Gold Mines
Rating: 5.0

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Llanwrda SA19 8US, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Dolaucothi hidden in these wooded hillsides is evidence of Roman gold mining dating back over 2,000 years. On pre-booked guided tours, expert guides will unveil the secrets of Roman mining and take you underground into the mine itself, ending with the chance to try the gold panning experience. Mining on this site continued into the twentieth century, ending in 1938.

Tours start from the 1930s mine yard where you’ll see buildings and mining machinery dating from that time. Please note, underground tours involve an active outdoor visit up steps and steep slopes. Appropriate outer wear and stout enclosed footwear is essential. Children must 1 meter in height. Dogs are not permitted on the tours. Extend your day and explore the Cothi Valley, following riverside walks, woodlands and expansive views across the Valley.

Prices starts from £7.50 for adults, £3.75 for Child and £11.25 for Family. If you are looking for Best place to visit with family and kids then you should visit this place once for day out with kids and families.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Gold mine: Fascinating underground workings and surface archaeology reflecting gold mining at Dolaucothi from Roman times to the 1930s.
Roman mine: Roman adit and gallery offering unique insights into Roman mining methods at the only known Roman gold mine in Britain.
Mitchell Mine: Dark, hilltop drift mine named after 19th and early 20th Century gold miner, James Mitchell whose story forms part of our rich mining history.
Long Adit: Victorian working containing some interesting mining features. Its location, at the base of the hill just off the mine yard, makes this our most accessible mine.
Gold Panning Area: Newly refurbished, accessible Gold Panning area, situated at the base of a mountain stream, with a new Water Rill and plans for a Golden Sun Disc.
Mine Yard: 1930s mine yard with a range of metal sheds containing mining machinery, equipment and tools, with explanatory information boards.
Field Centre: A comfortable space for relaxing, discovering current displays and visitor information, exploring the archive resource, and enjoying some light refreshments.
Countryside: 2,500 acre let estate of SSSI status with 25km of footpaths ranging from riverside, meadow and woodland to upland landscapes.
Visit the Gold Mine at Dolaucothi: The UK's only known Roman gold mine is located in the beautiful Cothi Valley in Carmarthenshire. The ancient gold mines and twentieth century mine yard recall the heavy industry of the past in a landscape now reclaimed by nature. Venture into the world beneath your feet on a Guided Underground Walking Tour, or enjoy a host of surface attractions.
Visiting the Dolaucothi Estate: The estate at Dolaucothi covers over 2,500 acres, comprising upland farms, woodland and the site of the original Dolaucothi house and surrounding parkland. Enjoy 25km of footpaths from gentle riverside walks to scenic upland trails.
Family days out at Dolaucothi: From underground adventures deep in the gold mines to a gold panning experience on the mine yard, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family at Dolaucothi.

Facilities

Parking: Free. Car park for Goldmines is situated inside main entrance. Car park only open when mines are open and is locked at 5 pm Woodland car park for estate walks is open 24/7 all year and is situated opposite main entrance.
Toilet: Toilets onsite at mine yard including disabled facilities (no facilities on tour route).
Dogs allowed: Dogs on leads are welcome at Dolaucothi.

What to see

Top trails:

Dolaucothi Parkland walk: A gentle stroll around the grounds of the Dolaucothi mansion on this circular walk, taking in riverside paths and the mansion's main approach. In spring the ground is carpeted with bluebells, while in autumn it's a great place to find fungi.
Miner’s Way trail at Dolaucothi: On this moderate trail you'll retrace the steps of gold miners through the ages, from the mine entrances used by the Romans to the remains of the processing mill used in the 1930s. See some great views and unusual plants along the way.
Dolaucothi Woodland trail: This moderate circular walk following the blue waymarks climbs through beautiful Carmarthenshire woodland, where you may be lucky to spot wildlife including badgers and woodpeckers. From the Roman gold mines at Dolaucothi to the Pumsaint stone and the walled garden of the former mansion, the trail is rich in history too.
Dolaucothi Estate trail: Follow this circular trail to the highest point on the Dolaucothi Estate in Carmarthenshire. Enjoy views over the winding Cothi River, Dolaucothi Gold Mines and the village of Pumsaint, before beginning your return along an old railway route. You may glimpse a red squirrel or pine marten in the woodland.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Site entry & guided tour:

Adult(18+): £17.50.
Child(5–17): £8.75.
Under 5s: Free.
Family(2 adults and up to 3 children): £43.75.
Family(1 adult and up to 3 children): £26.25.

Site entry only:

Adult(18+): £7.50.
Child(5–17): £3.75.
Under 5s: Free.
Family(2 adults and up to 3 children): £18.75.
Family(1 adult and up to 3 children): £11.25.

Guided tours (NT Members):

Adult(18+): £10.00.
Child(5–17): £5.00.
Under 5s: Free.
Family(2 adults and up to 3 children): £25.00.
Family(1 adult and up to 3 children): £15.00.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dolaucothi#place-prices

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dolaucothi#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Gold Mine: 10:00 - 17:00
Estate: Open all day

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dolaucothi#place-opening-times

Address: Llanwrda SA19 8US, UK

Post Code: SA19 8US

Council: Carmarthenshire

County: Dyfed

By road: From Llandovery / Llandeilo (A40). Turn off A40 onto A482 at LLANWRDA. Continue on A482 for c. 7 miles. Look out for right turn off A482, signposted Dolaucothi Goldmines, just before PUMSAINT village (our sign is situated above large sign for Five Saints Riding Centre). Follow single track road for a couple of minutes and arrive at Dolaucothi on your right (signposted Dolaucothi Goldmines). From Lampeter Head South East on A482 In c. 8 miles pass through village of PUMSAINT Immediately after village take one of the two left turns signposted Dolaucothi Goldmines Follow single track road for a couple of minutes and arrive at Dolaucothi on your right (signposted Dolaucothi Goldmines).
By bus: From Lampeter (search Bws Bach Y Wlad for route).
Parking: Free. Car park for Goldmines is situated inside main entrance. Car park only open when mines are open and is locked at 5 pm Woodland car park for estate walks is open 24/7 all year and is situated opposite main entrance.