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.
A visit to Dolaucothi can include the underground tours into the gold mine, the mine yard and the surrounding parkland estate, where evidence of Roman gold mining can be seen throughout. A great place for an active family day out, spaces to play, picnic and the thrill of panning for gold.
Dolaucothi is set in a tranquil, pastoral landscape, rich in nature and wildlife, but with plenty of remnants of industrial heritage to explore.
Discover 1930's sheds, the impressive head frame and other examples of twentieth century mining machinery around the mine yard, where you can also pan for gold.
Explore the Roman adit and gallery at your own leisure, gaining unique insights into ancient mining methods at the only known Roman gold mine in Britain. The Roman Mine is open for all visitors to enjoy as part of their visit to Dolaucothi - simply pick up a fob at reception when you arrive.
The terrain includes steps, steep slopes and countryside footpaths, so stout, enclosed footwear is advised. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and may only be carried if the adult has both hands free and the child’s head remains below that of the parent or guardian. Dogs on short leads are welcome underground on the trail, but the route is not suitable for pushchairs or powered mobility aids. Visitors should also be aware of low head heights in some underground areas.
Dolaucothi offers a choice of guided underground experiences that explore different eras of mining within Britain’s only known Roman gold mine, including a one‑hour Victorian Tour that takes visitors through deeper, darker workings using hard hats and lamps and involves steep steps and rocky terrain, and the shorter, accessible Level Tour, which provides level access directly from the mine yard for visitors with limited mobility.
Booking is essential for both tours.
At Dolaucothi mine yard activities like the search for mini-figures, the Botanist Trail or Archaeologist trail have been designed with children in mind, the gold panning is loved by all ages.
If you’re thinking of going underground, for safety reasons, those on the tours must be over 1 metre tall (often around 5 years of age) comfortable to wear a hard hat and walk through the mines unaided.
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.
Throughout Dolaucothi evidence of Roman activities have been found. Follow the audio tour when you visit or listen beforehand. The estate at Dolaucothi offers multiple ways of exploring read more about it here.
Pay a virtual visit underground with a state of the art Virtual Reality experience available from the Reception, enjoy the new Treasures of Pumsaint exhibition in the Field Centre, or simply relax, perhaps with a picnic, alongside the golden wheel and water rill and let the world go by.
Please note you need to book tickets for Guided Underground Tours Dolaucothi. You can book on the day up until 1 hour before your chosen tour time (subject to availability). Tickets are made available every Thursday for the next 2 weeks.
Gold mining at Dolaucothi started at least 2,000 years ago and ended just before the Second World War. Find out more about the UK’s only known Roman gold mine.
Dolaucothi is a two pawprint rated place. Your visit at Dolaucothi is a dog-friendly one, with miles of footpaths to explore across the estate, there are some fantastic locations for you and your dog to discover.
