Discover more at Dolaucothi
Find out when Dolaucothi is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Dolaucothi
Pull on your boots and discover the UK’s only known Roman Gold Mine.
Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US
Book a visit
Important notice
Underground Tours - returning 16 April. Bookable from Thursday 10 April. The mine yard and Treasures of Pumsaint exhibition are open. Guided walk available at 11am & 2pm on open days.
Opening times for 11 April 2025
Asset Opening time Mine Yard Closed Estate Open all day Car Park Closed Caravan site Open all day Book a visitMTWTFSS311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234OpenPartially openClosedSite entry including guided tour
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £13.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £32.50 Group (Adult 18+) £12.35 Group (Child 5-17) £5.70 1 Adult Family £19.50 Site entry only
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £6.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £3.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £15.00 Group (Adult 18+) £5.70 Group (Child 5-17) £2.85 1 Adult Family £9.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Car park
Goldmines car park is open only when the mines are open. Woodland car park (opp. main gates) is open 24/7 all year round.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads are welcome at Dolaucothi.
- Guided tour
Please pre-book for Underground Guided Tours of the only known Roman Goldmine in Britain.
- Toilet
Toilets onsite at mine yard including disabled facilities (no facilities on tour route).
Drop-off point, disabled toilets, Braille and audio guides. Numerous steep steps (tours). Gravelled, generally flat mine yard. Most sheds accessible.
- Accessible route and/or map
Many of our machinery sheds are accessible for users of wheelchairs and walking aids.
- Accessible toilet
Level access to disabled toilet with handrails, emergency cord and baby changing facilities.
- Braille (guide or menu)
- Drop-off point
- Level access/terrain
Although our guided tours involve steep steps and upland walking, our Mine Yard is flat. There is a slight upward slope from the car park to the Mine Yard.
- Photograph album
- Ramped access/slopes
There is ramped access to some of our covered walk ways and buildings. Please note that there is an upward slope from car park to Mine Yard.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Guided Tours take approx. 1 hr 15 mins and the 1km route involves steep external steps up and down from the mine(s), and some walking on upland footpaths.
- 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)
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.
- By bus
from Lampeter (search Bws Bach Y Wlad for route)
- Cycling
Planning your visit
Article
Booking your visit to Dolaucothi
When you visit Dolaucothi, you will be guided on an underground tour uncovering the secrets of this industrial landscape. You will need to book your tour in advance – find out here how to book and what to expect when you arrive.
Article
Visiting the Dolaucothi Estate
With over 2,500 acres of estate, woodland, farms and parkland to explore, there’s so much more to Dolaucothi in Carmarthenshire than the Roman mines.
Article
Visiting Dolaucothi with your dog
Dolaucothi is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome everywhere at Dolaucothi, from the tours of the Roman gold mine to the miles of footpaths to explore across the wider estate.
PDF
Highlights
Gold mines
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.
Things to see and do
Article
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 an underground tour and enjoy a host of surface attractions.
Article
Visiting the Dolaucothi Estate
With over 2,500 acres of estate, woodland, farms and parkland to explore, there’s so much more to Dolaucothi in Carmarthenshire than the Roman mines.
Top trails
Trail
Dolaucothi Parkland walk
Explore the parkland around Dolaucothi on this gentle stroll, taking in the grounds of the mansion and riverside paths, with spring bluebells and autumn fungi.
Trail
Miner’s Way trail at Dolaucothi
Experience history on this moderate trail at Dolaucothi, where you'll follow in the footsteps of gold miners through the ages.
Trail
Dolaucothi Woodland trail
Walk through beautiful woodland, following paths once taken by horses dragging timber. Uncover the history of Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Pumsaint village and the former mansion as you go.
Trail
Dolaucothi Estate trail
Walk in Ancient Roman footsteps along the River Cothi and climb to the Dolaucothi Estate's highest point, for spectacular views over Pumsaint and the wider valley.
Places to stay
Dolaucothi Caravan and Motorhome Park
In a quiet, wooded valley by Dolaucothi Gold Mine with history going back to the Romans.
Penparc
Nestled on the edge of the Dinefwr Park Estate with a gorgeous garden overlooking the valley, Penparc is a fabulous base for exploring the Welsh countryside
Cariad Cottage
Sitting within Dinefwr Park estate, Cariad Cottage is cosy and packed with charm and character.
Upcoming events
Event
Easter egg hunt at Dolaucothi
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Dolaucothi on an Easter trail.
About 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 permitted on the Roman Tour. Extend your day and explore the Cothi Valley, following riverside walks, woodlands and expansive views across the Valley.
History
Article
History of Dolaucothi
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 Podcast
Going Underground Inside a Roman Gold Mine