Great Orme Mines

The Great Orme Mines is currently open for the 2026 season. It reopened on 14 March 2026, and typically operates until the end of October.

What is Great Orme Mines and Where is it?

Located on the Great Orme headland in Llandudno, North Wales, this site is the world’s largest prehistoric copper mine. Discovered in 1987, it dates back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. It is a unique archaeological wonder that predates the Roman invasion of Britain by two millennia.

What to Do, See, and Experience

Visitors can take a self-guided tour that explores the following:

Underground Tunnels: Walk through approximately 200 metres of ancient passageways on two levels. You will see narrow tunnels carved with bone and stone tools.
The Great Cavern: Reach a massive underground chamber, considered one of the largest prehistoric excavations ever found.
Surface Walk: View the 4,000-year-old Opencast Mine and the Smelting Shelter, where prehistoric ancestors turned ore into metal.
Victorian Mine Shaft: Peer down the 145-metre (470-foot) Vivian’s Shaft, which extends all the way to sea level.
Visitor Centre: Watch an introductory film and view Bronze Age artefacts and tools found on-site.

Average Duration of a Visit

Most visitors spend approximately 45 to 90 minutes on-site. The underground portion of the self-guided tour typically takes about 45 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for the surface walk and visitor centre.

Who Will Enjoy it Most?

History and Archaeology Buffs: Those with a passion for prehistoric life and ancient industrial processes will find it fascinating.
Families with Children: Kids often enjoy the adventure of wearing a hard hat and exploring “spooky” tunnels.
Geology Enthusiasts: The rock formations and mineral deposits like malachite and azurite are of high interest to collectors and students of geology.

Suitability and Limitations

Physical Limitations: The mine is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Access involves slopes and 35 steps down (and back up).
Claustrophobia: Some tunnels are very narrow and low, which may be challenging for those who dislike confined spaces.
Height: Taller visitors (over 6 feet) will need to duck frequently; hard hats are mandatory and provided for protection.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be able to walk over metal grates and staircases, or be carried.

Best Time to Go

Weather: The mines are a perfect “wet weather” activity, as the temperature underground remains a constant 5°C to 8°C regardless of the surface conditions.
Crowds: To avoid the busiest times, visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Arriving early (around 10:00 AM) or later in the afternoon can also offer a quieter experience.
Quiet and Peaceful: Visiting during a warm, sunny day often means fewer crowds inside, as most tourists remain on the beaches or the summit.

What Makes it Unique?

Unlike many other mining attractions in Wales that focus on the Victorian slate or coal industry, Great Orme Mines is prehistoric. It is one of the few places in the world where you can stand in a cavern created by humans using only animal bones and stones 4,000 years ago.

Budget Tips and Offers

Combination Discounts: Visitors using the Great Orme Tramway can sometimes obtain a money-off coupon for mine admission.
Family Tickets: A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is available for £36.75, which is more cost-effective than individual entries.
Free for Toddlers: Children aged 4 and under can enter for free.
Memberships: While there is no standard “annual membership” for casual tourists, the Great Orme Exploration Society (GOES) offers membership for those interested in active caving and ongoing research at the site.

Essential Visitor Advice

Clothing: It is very chilly underground. Bring a warm jacket or fleece even if it is a hot summer day outside.
Footwear: Wear sensible, sturdy shoes with good grip, as the mine floors are uneven and can be wet or slippery.
Parking: There is a free car park specifically for mine visitors on-site.
Food: There is a picnic area and a small tea hut, but for a full meal, you may need to head to the Summit Complex or back down into Llandudno.
Getting There: You can drive up (via a steep road), walk, or take the Great Orme Tramway and disembark at the Halfway Station, which is a short walk from the entrance.