Great Orme Copper Mines
Explore the world's largest prehistoric copper mine, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Great Orme Copper Mines
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's largest prehistoric copper mine, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age wonder.
"A unique tour well worth visiting, offering a glimpse into ancient mining and history. "
Wear a Jacket! 🧥
Mines are cool year-round (5-8°C). Bring layers for comfort.
Sturdy Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:
Concrete floors & metal steps. Good grip is key for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bronze Age Tunnels
Underground
Explore the world's largest prehistoric copper mine, a labyrinth of ancient tunnels.
Visitor Centre & History
Entrance area
Learn about the mine's 4,000-year history and the lives of Bronze Age miners.
Outdoor Quarry Site
Above ground
Walk around the open quarry and see the scale of ancient mining operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Mines
Prepare for the Underground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear a Jacket! 🧥
Mines are cool year-round (5-8°C). Bring layers for comfort.
Sturdy Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:
Concrete floors & metal steps. Good grip is key for exploring.
Bring a Torch (Optional) :flashlight:
Enhances exploration of darker areas, though lighting is present.
Family Fun :child:
Activity sheets for kids, and the echoing tunnels are a hit!
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear a Jacket! 🧥
Mines are cool year-round (5-8°C). Bring layers for comfort.
Sturdy Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:
Concrete floors & metal steps. Good grip is key for exploring.
Bring a Torch (Optional) :flashlight:
Enhances exploration of darker areas, though lighting is present.
Family Fun :child:
Activity sheets for kids, and the echoing tunnels are a hit!
Combine with Tram Ride :tram:
Catch the Great Orme Tramway up to the mines for a scenic journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Orme Copper Mines for its unique historical significance and immersive underground experience. The friendly and informative staff, along with the well-presented history, are frequently highlighted. While the tunnels are narrow, most find this adds to the authentic feel, though those with claustrophobia should be aware.
"Great place to visit near halfway station on great omre tramway.
Excellent informative friendly staff. Go around visitor centre pick read history about mine and pick up your hard hat.
Then venture into bronze age mine entrance
go down 35 steps. Throughout tour a number of boards with information about the mine and working conditions.
Really unique tour well worth visiting. Able to walk around outdoor area of mine.
Gift shop has lots of unique rocks etc."
Steve Dodsworth
"This place is a great attraction, the whole experience was very enjoyable. We visited on a Sunday mid September and it wasn’t overly busy. The staff were really nice, friendly and talkative. The layout from the car park, shop/entrance to the mines is well laid out.
When you go into the attraction you get a hard hat and can take your time going through the experience, roughly 40 minutes to an hour but there is no rush. There is lots of history and information about the history of the mines and people that worked there and it that was fascinating to read, there is a short video presentation you can choose to watch which gave more insight into the history.
You get to walk round the open quarry site and venture into the mines. It’s a self guided tour/walk and as others have stated and I’ll confirm it is narrow with low ceilings in places, this adds to the experience in a good way (unless you’re claustrophobic).
There is lighting in the mine which highlights the natural features, but I would advise a good torch to see into the dark areas not lit, not necessary but again this added to our experience in a good way."
Robbie
"Thought I mightn't be allowed in as t, shorts, sandals but self guided tour so nice to go at your own pace. Quite busy but space to pass families (great kids shouting echo!) a concrete floors, metal steps and railings whilst looking around. Activity sheet for kids, drinks van, shop, lovely interesting few hours. All CCTV, lights also panic buttons, is narrow but I wore my rucksack no issues, mums with babies in there too. Have fun! I bought tickets as walking past"
ilona rigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mines are accessible by car, with a dedicated car park. Many visitors also combine their trip with the Great Orme Tramway, which stops near the mines.
Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. It's described as a good car park with a narrow road leading to it.
While driving or taking the tram are common, walking is also an option for those who enjoy hiking. The Great Orme offers various paths with incredible views.
You can drive, take the Great Orme Tramway, or use a tour bus. The tram is a popular choice for its unique experience and views. +1
The underground tour involves narrow passages, low ceilings, and steps, which may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues or claustrophobia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A family ticket for 4 people is around £33.50, with children under 4 entering for free.
While you can buy tickets on arrival, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Great Orme Mines website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, the tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Information boards are placed throughout the tunnels.
Tickets typically include access to the visitor center, a hard hat for the mine tour, and the self-guided exploration of the tunnels and outdoor quarry site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a fascinating self-guided tour through ancient Bronze Age copper mines, offering a glimpse into prehistoric mining. You'll explore tunnels and an outdoor quarry site.
Most visitors spend around 40 minutes to an hour exploring the mines and visitor center. However, you can take your time and there's no rush.
Yes, there is a visitor center, a gift shop selling rocks and souvenirs, toilets, and picnic tables available.
You can see the ancient mining tunnels, learn about Bronze Age mining techniques, view historical information boards, and explore the outdoor quarry area.
The mines can be narrow and have low ceilings, which might be intimidating if you're claustrophobic. However, they are well-lit and have safety features like panic buttons. Many find it thrilling rather than scary.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the mines, but be mindful of other visitors and the narrow spaces. The lighting can be dim, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is beneficial.
The entrance to the mines, the illuminated tunnels, and the views from the outdoor quarry site offer great photographic opportunities. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and attractions. It's best to check with the venue directly or local regulations before flying a drone.
Expect atmospheric shots of the ancient tunnels, rock formations, and the historical context of the mining operations.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that might disturb other visitors or potentially damage any sensitive historical elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
📚 History Buffs
Delve into the Bronze Age origins, understand the trade networks that copper facilitated, and examine the tools used by ancient miners. The detailed information boards and the preserved underground environment offer a rich, immersive historical experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient History of the Great Orme Mines
Evidence suggests mining activity began around 4,000 years ago, dating back to the Bronze Age. +1 This makes them one of the oldest known mines globally. The scale of these operations is astounding, with thousands of years of history buried beneath the surface. During the Bronze Age, copper extracted from the Great Orme was a vital resource. It was combined with tin, often sourced from Cornwall, to create bronze.
This bronze was then traded extensively, reaching as far as Sweden and Poland, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of these mines in ancient Europe. The discovery of 30,000 bones and 3,000 granite hammer stones within the tunnels further illustrates the intense labor and the tools used by these ancient miners. Today, visitors can walk through approximately 200 meters of these ancient passageways, following in the footsteps of Bronze Age miners.
The self-guided tour provides insights into how these miners worked with simple stone and bone tools, showcasing their remarkable skill and determination. +1 The visitor center offers additional historical context, making the underground experience even more immersive and educational. Experiencing the Great Orme Mines: What to Expect
The underground experience involves walking through narrow passages with low ceilings, which adds to the authenticity of the visit.
Beyond the tunnels, the site includes an outdoor quarry area that provides a broader perspective on the scale of the ancient mining operations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit