Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Dolaucothi Gold Mines in the Cothi Valley, Carmarthenshire, is the only known Roman gold mine in Britain, worked for at least 2,000 years until mining ended just before the Second World War. Three routes go underground: the self-guided Roman Mine Trail, a floodlit adit with an audio trail walked with a fob and hard hat from reception; the guided Victorian Mine Tour, up steep steps into a dark hilltop mine; and the Level Mine Tour for those with limited mobility. The 1930s mine yard keeps its sheds of machinery, the Field Centre shows finds from the Roman fort at Pumsaint, and children can pan for gold and keep what they find. Dogs on leads are welcome on 25km of estate footpaths. Reviewers single out the guides by name and call the tours informative and fun. Tips from visitors: guided tours must be booked and are charged for members too, and the workings are damp, so wear sturdy footwear.