Great Orme Mines
Hidden beneath the limestone headland of the Great Orme in Llandudno lies one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Europe. Great Orme Mines is a world-famous Bronze Age copper mine and holds the distinction of being the oldest metal mine open to the public anywhere in the world. Dating back more than 3,500 years, the site reveals the ingenuity and determination of prehistoric communities who extracted copper long before the arrival of the Romans. The mines were only rediscovered in 1987 during landscaping work, leading to one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in modern Wales. Excavations uncovered a vast network of tunnels and chambers created with simple stone tools and antler picks. Archaeologists believe the mine was one of the most important sources of copper in Bronze Age Europe. Visitors can follow self-guided routes through narrow prehistoric passageways that descend deep underground. The highlight is the impressive Great Cavern, regarded as the largest prehistoric underground excavation in the world. As you explore, tool marks left by miners thousands of years ago can still be seen in the rock walls, creating a direct connection with the distant past.
Llandudno Wales
Great Orme Mines is a remarkable prehistoric site considered to be the largest prehistoric copper mine ever uncovered in the world. Dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, this vast underground network of tunnels and open pit mining sites offers an astonishing glimpse into early engineering and human history. Visitors can walk through ancient underground tunnels carved out by primitive miners using bone and stone tools, explore the surface landscape, view archaeological artifacts in the visitor centre, and discover how metalworking transformed ancient society. The site is located at Great Orme, Llandudno, LL30 2XG, Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom. It sits near the summit of the Great Orme headland, rising above the seaside town of Llandudno. Because of its location on the Great Orme, visiting the mines places you close to many top attractions in the resort town. You can arrive near the site using the historic Great Orme Tramway or the Llandudno Cable Car, both of which travel up from the town centre. Down in Llandudno itself, you can explore Llandudno Museum and stroll along the Victorian pier. A short drive across the estuary leads to the historic walled town of Conwy, home to the magnificent Conwy Castle, the Elizabethan mansion Plas Mawr, and Aberconwy House.
Museum