Dolaucothi is located in Carmarthenshire and is the only known Roman goldmine in Britain. Explore underground with three different guided tours to choose from. These run on all the days we are open. Please book in advance.
Although the mineyard and tours are closed for winter – don’t forget that you can still visit the wider estate. Park in the woodland car park, opposite the mine car park and start your walks from there. See the illustrated map in the car park.
The bookable guided tours and mineyard at Dolaucothi will re-open on the 19 March 2025. Bookings for tours will be online around three weeks in advance. We’re looking forward to seeing you all back next year.
Our Mining Through the Ages tour explores our history from ancient times to the final closure of Dolaucothi as a working gold mine in 1938.
You’ll be kitted up with a hard hat and a lamp ready for the underground section of the tour.
Stout, enclosed footwear is required please, and a keen sense of adventure will be rewarded!
DESCRIPTION
Guided Underground Tour of a Dark Drift Mine
TOUR TIMES
10:30
Arrive 10.15 – 10.30
Tour 10.30 – 11.30
13.00
Arrive 12.45 – 13.00
Tour 13.00 – 14.00
DURATION
1 hour
ROUTE
Mine yard to Mitchell Mine and return. Approx. 0.6 KM.
TERRAIN
Steep steps up (no handrail) and down. Rocky path.
CAPACITY
15
RESTRICTIONS
No dogs, no children under 1 M (usually around 5 years old)
As the only known Roman goldmine in the UK, Dolaucothi offers unique insights into Roman gold mining. We explore surface archaeology and go underground into a Roman adit and gallery.
Upper Roman Adit is floodlit, so you’ll only need a hard hat (supplied). Stout, enclosed footwear is a must and an enquiring mind an advantage! Dogs are welcome on this tour.
DESCRIPTION
Guided Underground Tour of a Floodlit Drift Mine
Dogs welcome.
TOUR TIMES
11.30
Arrive 11.15 – 11.30
Tour 11.30 – 12.45
14:00
Arrive 13.45 – 14.00
Tour 14.00 – 15.15
DURATION
1 hour 15 mins
ROUTE
Mine yard to Upper Roman Adit and return. Approx. 1 KM.
TERRAIN
Steep steps up and down (hand-railed). Woodland path, upland walking.
CAPACITY
15
RESTRICTIONS
No children under 1 M (usually around 5 years old)
With level access to a mine, directly off the mine yard, with no steps to climb, this tour is suitable for people with limited mobility and for some types of wheeled chairs and walking aids.
It is a dark mine experience, requiring a hard hat and a lamp (supplied) and stout, enclosed footwear.
Look out for some intriguing mining features, such as our Knockers and Creakers, and some banks of Fool’s Gold!
DESCRIPTION
Guided Underground Tour of a Dark Mine
TOUR TIME
15.30
Arrive 15.15 – 15.30
Tour 15.30 – 16.00
DURATION
30 minutes
ROUTE
Mine Yard into a level floored mine and return.
TERRAIN
Easy, level access to the mine, no steps
CAPACITY
6
RESTRICTIONS
No dogs. No children under 1 M (usually around 5 years old)
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 4 weeks.