cave tour wales

Unmissable Caves and Caverns to Explore in Wales

Rugged peaks and fairy-tale castles aren’t the only draw in Wales. Beneath the country lie hidden caves and caverns that will challenge your perceptions of Cymru. Ready to start exploring? Whether you’re looking for adrenalin-fuelled adventures that will get your pulse racing or family-friendly tours, there’s something for everyone in our roundup of the best caves in Wales.

Mining caves in Wales

Wales has a proud mining heritage and many of its former caverns and quarries have been reimagined as adventure attractions. Here’s a collection of our favourites.

Zip World Llechwedd – Snowdonia

Located in a former slate quarry, Zip World Llechwedd is one of the top-rated caves in North Wales . The exhilarating Caverns zipline course is entirely underground and takes you through tunnels, caverns and chasms. You’ll also encounter rope bridges, tightropes and via ferrata routes along the way. If you want to go caving in Wales, Zip World Llechwedd is a must-visit attraction.

History buffs love the Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour, which brings the slate caverns to life with augmented reality. It starts with a ride on one of the steepest cable railways in Britain. You’ll descend more than 500 feet underground and get a first-hand look at the tunnels where Welsh slate miners worked in the 19th century.

Explore 10 different chambers, including the cavern where the town’s famous Llechwedd Cheese matures for around 14 months. Be sure to pick some up when you’re back in town. You’ll be amazed by the complex flavour of this unique, cave-aged cheddar.

These caverns in Wales are a stone’s throw from the historic mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, which was once celebrated as the Slate Capital of the World. Spend an hour or two strolling around the town and checking out the cute shops, cafes and pubs along the High Street.

Sygun Copper Mine – Beddgelert

Slate wasn’t the only resource being mined in Wales in the 19th century. The country was also a copper treasure house. Descend into the Sygun Copper Mine to learn about the Victorian copper boom. It’s one of the most unique caves in North Wales and features veins of the shimmering metal embedded in the rocks. The mine is a short drive from the charming village of Beddgelert, a great base to explore Snowdonia National Park.

The Silver Mountain Experience – Ponterwyd

Guided tours take you deep into a Victorian silver mine and the owners have brought the mines to life with creative themes. Explore the caves from the perspective of a 19 th -century miner or add an element of fantasy with a dragon-themed tour.

The nail-biting Black Chasm tour takes things one step further with smoke, strobe lights and plenty of action! It’s definitely one of the best caves in Wales for teens! Above ground, you’ll find an excellent museum and a cute café. Pretty much everything you need for a fun-filled family day out.

Big Pit National Coal Museum – Blaenavon

Another award-winning attraction, the Big Pit National Coal Museum takes you behind-the-scenes of an enormous mine. Tours are led by former miners, which makes this one of the most authentic caves in Wales. At the deepest points of the tour, you’ll be more than 100 metres underground. Wear warm clothes as the mines can get cold! The mine is set in the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll also find some great heritage pubs in the town centre. Here you can enjoy Welsh classics like Glamorgan sausages and ‘ cawl ’ lamb soup that the Big Pit miners once refuelled with.

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience – Trehafod

Like the Big Pit National Coal Museum, tours at this attraction are run by former miners. This makes it one of the best caves in Wales for history enthusiasts. The mine is located in Rhondda Heritage Park and takes you into the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, one of the many coal mines that once dotted the area. The real highlight are the guides, who entertain you with hand-on-heart stories of their days in the mine.

Go Below – Snowdonia

Based in Snowdonia National Park , Go Below promises a similar experience to Zip World Llechwedd. The family-friendly attraction offers a variety of underground tours featuring activities like zip lining, abseiling and rock climbing . If you’re looking for a Wales caving experience that will wear out the kids, Go Below is a top pick.

Corris Mine Explorers – Corris

Strap on a helmet and descend into a Victorian slate mine in Corris . On this caving in Wales tour, you’ll travel deep into an abandoned mine and explore a network of narrow tunnels and chambers. Antique tools and machinery dot the mine and lend a sense of authenticity to this top-rated attraction. Feeling bold? If you’re travelling with a group, Underground Sleepovers offer a unique chance to spend the night in an abandoned slate mine.

King Arthur’s Labyrinth – Corris

A firm favourite with families, King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris takes you on a journey back to the Dark Age. The former slate mine is reimagined as one of the best kid-friendly caves in North Wales. Board a wooden boat and travel along a mirror-smooth underground river hidden beneath the mountains of Snowdonia. Along the way, a mysterious hooded boatman will entertain you with stories of Arthurian myths and legends.

Great Orme Mines – Llandudno

History and industry collide at the Great Orme Mines in Llandudno . The enormous Bronze Age cavern was discovered in the 1980s and proves the Welsh have been mining for more than 3500 years. Unlike some of the modern mines in our countdown, this cavern was carved using tools crafted from stones and bones.

Natural caves in Wales

Wales is famous for ancient castles and postcard-perfect countryside. But what many people don’t realise is that beneath the surface lie incredible subterranean landscapes formed over millions of years. From award-winning attractions to hidden gems, here are some of our favourite natural caves in Wales to explore.

National Showcaves Centre – Abercraf

Set in Brecon Beacons National Park , the National Showcaves Centre is an award-winning attraction. Explore a trio of caverns, including Dan yr Ogof, one of the most beautiful caves in South Wales. Discovered by two brothers in the early 1900s, it features 16 kilometres of underground passageways decorated with otherworldly rock formations.

Thousands of shimmering stalactites hang from the ceiling of Cathedral Cave. It’s so beautiful it’s been nicknamed the Dome of St. Paul’s. More than 40 Bronze Age human skeletons were found in eerily named Bone Cave. Millenia-old jewellery, Roman ceramics and bone tools have also been found in the cave. Not to mention skeletons of bears, wolves and other animals. If you’re an archaeology fiend, this is one of the top caves in South Wales for you.

Porth-yr-Ogof

Another pick for adventure enthusiasts, the natural cave at Porth-yr-Ogof was carved by the River Mellte. Park at the Cwm Porth car park and follow the steep, winding path down to the large cave entrance. Watch your step as it’s often slippery. It’s not safe to venture into the cave, but you are free to admire it from afar.

Henrhyd Falls – Powys

Walk in the footsteps of Batman in the hidden cave behind Henrhyd Falls. It was chosen as Batman’s lair in The Dark Knight Rises and is hidden behind a tumbling, 90-foot-high waterfall. If you’re adventurous and don’t mind getting your feet wet, this is one of the best caves in Wales. Pass through the cascade of water and experience Batman’s lair for yourself.

Ystrad-Ffin – Carmarthenshire

If you’re up for a challenge, seek out the hidden cave near Ystrad-Ffin in Carmarthenshire . It’s close to the tiny village of Rhandirmwyn and according to local legend, is the former hideout of Welsh outlaw Twm Sion Cati. Known as the Robin Hood of Wales, he roamed the country in the 16th century and stole only from the rich.

The cave is carved into Dinas Hill and set within a protected RSPB reserve. To get there you’ll hike through bluebell-blanketed woodlands. Moss-covered boulders conceal the entrance to the cave, so you’ll need to search closely to find it. But if you’re ready for an adventure, it’s certainly one of the top caves in Wales!

King Arthur’s Cave – Wye Valley

Not to be mistaken with King Arthur’s Cave in Corris, this hidden gem in the Wye Valley is the real deal. Hidden in a limestone cliff, this cave has a genuine connection to King Arthur and Merlin the wizard. Geological data reveals the cave was formed around 350 million years ago and has been used by humans since 80,000 BC. It’s one of the only caves in the British Isles with a legacy dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, making it one of the best caverns in Wales for history fanatics.

More recently, archaeologists have found fossils of woolly mammoths in the cave. But of course, the main reason people visit is the link to King Arthur. Local legend says the medieval king once used the cave as a hideout from Saxon soldiers. Other stories say King Arthur buried treasure deep beneath the cave floor and enlisted Merlin to protect it with a defensive spell.

Whether you believe the stories or not, King Arthur’s Cave is definitely one of the most interesting natural caves in Wales. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the riverside town of Monmouth, where you’ll find adorable cafes and tearooms.

Sea caves in Wales

Nothing showcases the power of the ocean like sea caves. Below we list some of the top sea caves in Wales.

Bacon Hole – Southgate

This enormous cave on the Gower Peninsula won’t just delight bacon lovers. It also fascinates geology buffs with blood-red streaks of oxide minerals embedded in the rocks. These patterns are what give the cave its unique name. The 20-metre-wide entrance is easily accessible on foot. Most people don’t venture far into the pitch-black cave before getting spooked and turning around. And if you visit in the winter, you’ll see bats hanging from the cave ceiling.

Bacon Hole is a short drive from the village of Southgate, where you’ll find some charming cafes, pubs and B&Bs. And yes, there’s plenty of scrumptious bacon to be had too! Just be sure to check into a B&B that offers full cooked breakfasts with all the trimmings.

The Witches’ Cauldron – Moylegrove

Known as Pwll Y Wrach in Welsh, The Witches’ Cauldron is a collapsed crater filled with turquoise water. It’s easy to access via the Ceibwr to Pwll y Wrach section of the well-marked Wales Coast Path. Park your car at Ceibwr Bay, then follow the clifftop path to the crater. Look out for seals splashing in the water below too.

Porthmynawyd Beach – Pembrokeshire

Fancy breaking up a day of caving in Wales with a swim? Set on beautiful St Brides Bay in Pembrokeshire and framed by soaring cliffs, Porthmynawyd Beach is home to a hidden sea cave that’s revealed at low tide. Follow the scenic footpath from Pointz Castle Farm down to the beach. The cave is on the eastern end of the beach, though you’ll only be able to visit it at low tide.

Cwmtydu Beach – Ceredigion

Hidden caves dot Cwmtydu Beach, which was once a hideout for smugglers. Today the beach is commandeered by seals, which flock to mate on the beach in September and October. Bring binoculars to watch them from a safe distance. Mums can be defensive if you get too close to their pups and bulls can be aggressive during mating season. Check the tides before you go – most of these sea caverns in Wales only appear at low tide.

Dinas Bach and Dinas Fawr – Llyn Peninsula

Looking for natural sea caves in North Wales? Set on the Llyn Peninsula, Dinas Bach and Dinas Fawr are a welcome change to the slate mines you’ll see peppered across North Wales. At low tide you can walk out to both of these caverns in Wales and marvel at their natural contours.

Nick, your trusted guide to Wales travel and exploration, shares a deep passion for this enchanting land. With years of exploration, Nick offers expert insights into the best of Wales. Join him on a journey through its captivating history, culture, and hidden gems, as he inspires you to create unforgettable Welsh travel experiences.

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The Ultimate Underground Adventure

Test your nerve by journeying through a mountain via a series of exciting adventurous challenges on one of our three epic underground adventures. Try your hand at zip-lining through caverns, or climbing up a vertical shaft, boating across a lake, traverse over an abyss, scale a waterfall or abseil your way down to the deepest point in the UK! It’s Adrenaline pumping, heart thumping, pulse jumping fun, guided by the most fun, experienced and qualified instructors in the country!

You can join us all year round, whatever the weather! No previous experience is necessary, there's no potholing or squeezing through small gaps. We provide all safety equipment and footwear. So come on over to the dark side - Adventure starts where daylight ends!

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The National Showcaves for Wales " Telephone 01639 730284 "

Main attractions | Introduction | Dan-yr-Ogof Cave | Bone Cave | Cathedral Cave | Iron Age Village | Dinosaur Park | Museum | Stone Circles | Shire Horse Centre | Mr Morgan's Farm | Barney Owl |

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The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

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       ADMISSION RATES 

The charges below allow access to the following attractions: Dan-yr-Ogof Cave Cathedral Cave Bone Cave Dinosaur Areas Shire Horse Centre Mr Morgan’s Farmyard Indoor and Outdoor Play Areas Museum Iron Age Village Millennium Stone Circles ADULTS - £21.00 CHILDREN - £16.50 (aged 3-16) Children aged 2 and under are welcome free of charge. Group rates are available when there are 20+ people visiting together. For further information, and to check availability, please contact us on 01639 730 284 during office hours. PLEASE REMEMBER : you must book your tickets online. Click here to check availability and purchase your tickets. 

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Plus so much more to see during your visit ...

DAN-YR-OGOF

Awe-inspiring  passageways!

DINOSAUR PARK

One of the LARGEST in the world!

CATHEDRAL CAVE

Some of Mother Nature’s finest work!

PLAYGROUNDS

Fun indoors and out, whatever the weather!

Why were 42 human skeletons buried here?

SHIRE HORSE CENTRE

Say hello to these gentle giants…

Meet our friendly farm animals!

IRON AGE VILLAGE

Bringing the past to life, from 700 BC...

STONE CIRCLES

How? Why? Will we ever know..?

FOSSIL HOUSE

What fossils will you discover?

PANNING FOR GOLD

Will you find a nugget?

Explore, discover, and learn.

Ten attractions all included in the one entry ticket - there is plenty to see and do for all ages.

Dan-yr-Ogof The National Showcaves Centre for Wales Abercrave Swansea SA9 1GJ

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• 10 Underground Adventures In Wales...

Underground Adventures in Wales You Can't Miss

Wales is a real adventure playground, both above ground and below. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or an all-round nature lover, the caves and caverns of this beautiful country are well worth exploring. So join us in our guide to the best underground adventures in Wales. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Llechwyd slate caverns zip world, snowdonia.

Question: what is more thrilling than zipping down a wire across a wilderness or through a forest? Answer: zipping down a wire buried deep in an underground cave system in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. You journey through a series of caverns on zip wires, rope bridges, via ferrata and through tunnels. Don’t worry, safety is a priority.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire

It is said that Welsh gold is the most expensive in the world. This National Trust-managed site, in the heart of mid Wales, takes you on a journey to the Roman times. Discover how there really was ‘gold in them thar hills’ and try your luck panning. The underground tour offers a fascinating glimpse of life as a gold miner before the mine closed in the early 20th century.

Big Pit, Blaenafon, Torfaen

The valleys of South Wales are famous for their mining communities and Big Pit, part of the National Museum of Wales, offers a complete guide to the work, lifestyle, hardships and achievements of Welsh miners. The underground tour is conducted by former miners who certainly know their stuff. As you’re lowered through the pit shaft, with a helmet lamp to guide you, you are immediately immersed in the world of an almost forgotten industry.

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Powys

Dan-yr-Ogof is located to the south of the Brecon Beacons. This splendid cave system is full of beautifully lit caverns, stalactites and stalagmites and is extremely accessible. Comprising three large caverns, the main cavern, known as The Cathedral, is quite breathtaking. Within easy access of the cities of Cardiff and Swansea , the National Showcaves are ideally placed to enjoy a day above and below ground in the Brecon Beacons.

King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Machynllech, Gwynedd

Mid Wales has long been associated with myths and legends. King Arthur’s Labyrinth takes you on a journey to discover the story behind one of Britain’s best known legends. Enjoy a magical boat trip through this marvellous cave system while surrounding yourself with tales of dragons, giants and astounding battles.

The Black Mountains, South Wales

For a more hands-on underground experience, the Black Mountains in South Wales provide several excellent opportunities. Led by experienced cavers, explore the myriad underground tunnels and caverns underneath one of the most famous national parks in Wales. Although it can get a little tight in places, it is an exhilarating experience and allows you to see the area from a unique angle.

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Bounce Below, Snowdonia

This is the stuff of dreams. In a cavern, in an old slate mine in Snowdonia, you’ll find Bounce Below – an atmospherically lit trampolining heaven. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and certainly one to add too the bucket list. Safely bounce to your heart’s content while enjoying the unique surroundings.

Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, Llanberis, Gwynedd

For those interested in technology and science, a visit to the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre is a must. Located on the Llyn Padarn shores, Dinorwig Hydro Electric Power Station is within the largest man-made cave in Wales. The six generators produce 1,728 megawatts of electricity from deep within the mountain. Take a tour and learn exactly how this amazing ecopower station works.

Sygun Copper Mine, Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Historians and archaeology enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Sygun Copper Mine, just outside the picture-perfect village of Beddgelert in North Wales, The first miners came here with the Bronze Age and continued throughout the Roman period. The self-guided tours focus on the Victorian era, when the copper mine was at full production; it finally closed in 1903. The caverns, tunnels and water features all make this an exceptionally memorable experience.

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Caving in Wales

Think you’ve seen all there is to see in Wales? Well you’ve never seen it quite like this before!

At Adventure Britain we offer some of the best caving experiences available in the UK, from our home in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Caving or speleology is the underground exploration of natural or man-made caverns .  Cave systems have taken thousands of years to evolve their fantastic shapes, and crystal & clay formations. Stalagtites and stalagmites found across the rocky cave floor and roofs are just two types of calcite formations that may greet a visitor to this unique natural world. Virgin clay floors remain as pristine as the day ancient floodwaters last receded. A caving trip and caving tour takes you to a world that, whether you are the first to enter or not, will leave an unforgettable impression.

What will I be doing during the caving session in South Wales?

Who can go caving ?

Where can I go caving ?

Our caving sessions take place in the wonderful range of limestone caves on offer within Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales. Caves such as Bridge Cave, Porth-Yr-Ogof (2,220m in length), Little Neath River (7,855m in length) can be used.

Duration/Length of the caving session?

When can I do it?

We operate our caving sessions in South Wales all year.

What is it going to cost me?

Phone for details or contact us. This will vary depending on the nature of the booking and age of participants.

What will I have to wear for my caving session?

A full kit list will be issued upon booking however we will supply you with a helmet, lamp and caving suit. You need to bring old warm clothes. No jeans. As to footwear, good fitting wellingtons with non-slip treads are best, otherwise boots without hooks for laces are suitable.

Whatever you wear will get wet but that’s part of the fun!

Good combinations of activities

Suitable for combination with other activities for weekends or longer duration visits. It can be combined with any of the range of activities available whether it be canyoning, gorge walking, climbing, quad biking, paintball and clays.

Can I use a camera?

Yes you can as there will be an opportunity to take photos at the start and finish but little opportunity when on the activity.

If any of the above interest you, contact us now !

We had a great time thank you! The guys that held the session were excellent and the challenges were fun. The ‘toilet’ and the final walk up the flowing river were resounding favourites amongst our group, as was the chance to sit peacefully in the total darkness listening to the water flow. Thumbs up from us! – J Townsend, 2023

Caving & Mining

A lot of Welsh life has been lived underground, from ancient cave dwellings to people mining for gold, copper and coal. And you can always rely on Celtic folklore to add a suitable air of suitable mystery to proceedings.

Exploring the underground mines of Wales

Discover the mines you can visit and explore by yourself or with an expert guide.

Going underground: Welsh caves to explore

Enjoy a unique subterranean adventure exploring underground caves in Wales.

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The Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales is one of the most exciting and varied caving areas in Britain. Our Geopark includes four of the five longest limestone cave systems in Britain. Why not explore this fascinating underworld? You can go caving with one of the expert instructors and guides.

Sightseeing Underground

If you aren't quite ready to commit to the full caving experience the  Dan yr Ogof Showcaves offers an amazing opportunity to explore caves and admire rock formations.

If you fancy immersing yourself in Wales' industrial past  Big Pit  should be on your itinerary.  It's near the Park boundary to the South and the the main attraction is  the mine underground but don't miss out the galleries on the hill - well worth a visit

General information

Our caves and caverns have been quietly forming for thousands of years, underground and out of sight. Visitors from all over the world come to the southwest section of the Brecon Beacons National Park to explore these amazing spaces and feel the thrill of discovery. For some, it’s their first ever caving trip, while others have many years of experience.

Since caving is a potentially dangerous activity, inexperienced cavers should always have a qualified instructor or leader with them. Some of the more extensive cave systems in the National Park can only be accessed with the prior permission of local caving clubs, whose experience is invaluable. There are also many outdoor centres and activity specialists in the Brecon Beacons which offer caving experiences.

Caving experiences

1. tasters (for beginners).

If you’re a novice caver, you’ll need to set out with an experienced and qualified Cave Leader. Our numerous outdoor activity companies can help. Book a half day or a full day, and you can learn horizontal and vertical caving skills, visiting sites that are approved for beginners.

2. Improvers (for returners and skills builders)

Once hooked on caving, many people want to try something more challenging and visit a greater variety of caves. For this, you need the services of a qualified Cave Instructor. A member of the Association of Caving Instructors holding a Cave Instructor Certificate can take you to more extensive or unusual cave systems and can teach you the single rope technique for vertical cave sites.

3. Independent experiences (for enthusiasts and experts)

All but a handful of the caves of the Brecon Beacons National Park are accessible only to the experienced caver with local knowledge or with the assistance of an expert local guide. Many are the sole preserve of clubs. A list of caving clubs can be found on the Cambrian Caving Council website.

Find out more

To learn about the unique geological make-up of the western section of the Brecon Beacons National Park, visit our  Caves  section and Fforest Fawr Geopark website .

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Brecon Beacons

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Caving in South Wales

Book now for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the brecon beacons.

• Full-day (7 hours) or half-day (3.5 hours) caving tours available  
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• 100% customised caving activity schedule  

Booked an individual climbing session for my grandson aged 14 ( with his grandfather) with Steffan. It was great for his self confidence and he will definitely continue with this activity. We would come back to Wales specifically for Steffan.

Excellent instruction and tuition from Steffan for four ‘apprehensive’ climbers. Steffan was very patient and calming showing us the ‘ropes’. Would definitely recommend.

We had a great full day of activities with Hawk Adventure and had Steve as our guide. We started in the morning with rock climbing and abseiling which was a great fun, and Steve made us feel at ease with his expertise.

Caving with Hawk Adventures

Discover the numerous wonders of caving in South Wales with us! The Brecon Beacons stand out as one of Britain’s most breathtaking caving areas, with its diverse variety of caves and potholes that provide endless opportunities for exciting exploration. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a guided cave tour or an adventurous spirit looking for an exciting caving trip, our tailored caving experiences in the Brecon Beacons guarantee a memorable and safe underground adventure.  

Our team chooses caves that match the preferences and abilities of each individual or group to deliver a fantastic and enjoyable experience to all participants. So, whether you’re interested in the intricate cave systems of the Brecon Beacons or the vertical challenges of potholing in South Wales, we have something for everyone to enjoy! So, gear up and get ready to discover the unique thrill of caving and potholing in Brecon Beacons.  

About Our Caving Adventure Days

Who can go caving, what to expect, caving locations, booking info.

Our caving and potholing adventures in South Wales are organised to suit your preferences, and the instructor will adjust the level of challenge on the day.   

Groups that are perfect for caving are:  

• Beginners looking to learn basic caving skills.  
• Social get-together groups seeking a fun outdoor activity.  
• School groups .  
• Families who want to experience a memorable adventure.  
• Stag and hen parties .  
• Corporate team-building groups .  
• Seasoned cavers who want to take their skills to the next level.  
• Scout groups.  

Our caving trips can be entirely customised to your group’s preferences, and the challenge level can be discussed with the instructor. But, so you can imagine how the day might look, we’ve put together an example caving day structure for you:  

• Meet at or near Ystradfellte, Glynneath, our most popular caving location.  
• We will provide you with all necessary caving equipment, such as helmets, lamps, belts, oversuits, and footwear (if needed).  
• You and your group will live the adrenaline-fuelled experience of caving in breathtaking cave systems safely.  
• The caving session could be wet, so spare, warm clothes are highly recommended! Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a packed lunch with water.   
• Caving in South Wales lasts half a day, which is 3.5 hours, or a full day, which is 7 hours. We recommend that novices start with half a day.  

Our caving sessions take place across various cave systems in South Wales and in the Brecon Beacons region, specifically near Ystradfellte, Glynneath. Our guided tours take you through several stunning caves, one cave per session. These include Porth yr Ogof, White Lady, Pwll Dwfn, Bridge Cave, Llygad Llwchwr in Carmarthenshire, Eglwys Faen in Llangattock, Abergavenny, and Little Neath.   

In these enchanting caves, you will marvel at the beauty of majestic stalactites, towering stalagmites, rippled curtains, smooth flowstone, and mineral-rich calcite veins.  

Our most common meeting points for our popular caving sites are The Angel Inn in Pontneddfechan and The Cwm Porth Car Park.

Detailed meeting instructions and maps are provided with the booking.  

*Discounts are available for larger groups; contact us to learn more.

Get in touch with us with your preferred date, duration, and the number of participants in your group for your caving trip. Share any specific requirements or customisations you need to make your day perfect.  

To confirm your booking, we’ll request a deposit, with the remaining balance payable the day before your scheduled activity.  

Receive Your All-Inclusive Information Pack

We’ll organise all the details for you and provide a comprehensive information pack outlining the planned activities.  

Enjoy An Unforgettable Caving Experience!

All you have to do is immerse yourself in our award-winning caving session. To make the experience even more memorable, we’ll provide you with photos of your adventure!  

On the day of your caving activity, you’ll meet your instructor at or near your chosen location to begin your adventure. It’s that simple!  

Our post-activity card will include instructions on how to access your photos for free.  

Why Choose Hawk Adventures for Your Caving Activity Day?

We are a multi-award-winning activity provider, taking people on adventures since 1990. Here’s why:  

• We offer great value: our full days last 7 hours, and half days for 3.5 hours. And the photos we take are yours for free.   
• Our instructors are amazing to go on an adventure with, but they are also highly trained, qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable in all the activities they deliver, which gives you further peace of mind.   
• We are inspected and hold a licence from the Adventure Activities Licencing Authority. Safety is paramount to us, and our track record is exemplary.   
• We provide all the safety equipment you need, including footwear for activities like caving and Gorge Walking.   

We are flexible and adapt to our customers’ needs so they can have the experience of a lifetime.  

What Does Caving Involve?

Caving involves exploring natural underground spaces with a guide. It includes walking, crawling, and sometimes climbing through cave passages. You should expect a potentially wet experience and need to bring appropriate clothing and gear as specified.  

Will We Abseil or Prusik or Do Any Rope Work?

We can run a range of vertical cave trips, which can include SRT/ladder climbing/abseiling, or we can run horizontal trips.  

What Skills Will I Learn?

You will learn basic caving skills, including navigation through cave systems, safety practices, and, depending on the cave and the agreed-upon level of challenge, potentially some single-rope techniques.  

Is There a Difference Between Potholing and Caving?

Yes, there is a difference. Potholing specifically refers to exploring vertical caves or potholes, often involving prusiking and abseiling. Caving, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes exploring all types of natural underground spaces.  

What Happens if the Conditions on the Day are Poor?

If conditions on the day are poor, the instructor will make decisions based on safety and may adjust the session accordingly. We can offer an activity substitute for the same day, such as canyoning or Gorge Walking (something more weather-tolerant), or you can re-book your caving experience for an alternative day. If you have any concerns about weather or conditions, we recommend that you contact us directly.  

Is Caving Safe?

Our highly qualified and experienced instructors supervise all our caving activities in South Wales. Safety is a priority for us, and we provide all necessary equipment. Remember always to follow your instructors’ instructions and guidelines.  

What Do I Need to Bring for My Caving Experience Day?

Here’s a list of things you need to bring:  

• A change of clothes and a towel for the end of the session  
• Two layers of upper body clothing (e.g., t-shirt and jumper or fleece)  
• Old trousers, leggings, or tracksuit bottoms (no jeans or shorts)  
• Wellies and thick socks if you have them  
• Spare contact lenses (if required)  
• Any relevant medication  

If you need further information, feel free to contact us directly.  

Let Us Show You the Ropes, Book Today!

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Tours Wales

The Wales Tour Company

Reserve your spot today!

Enjoy a Day Tour

Discover the landscape, interested in history.

Why not take a trip on one of our fully guided sightseeing day tours from Cardiff. 

Wales Has History Everywhere You Look. Let Our Knowledgeable Driver Guides Take You Back in Time 

Sightseeing Tours in Wales Allow You to See the Splendour and Majesty of this Beautiful Country

Looking for Adventure

The Excitement and Adrenalin of an Action Packed Adventure Tour is just a Click Away

Croeso/Welcome

Experienced guides.

Tours Wales Driver Guides are all Green Badge Guides Recognised by the Welsh Government and the European Union with many years of guiding experience and a knowledge of Wales that is unrivalled.   

Wales/Cymru

Wales/Cymru (pronounced Kum-Ree in the Welsh language);

Land of Song and Music, an Ancient Land; of Gods and Goddesses, Dragons, Myths, Legends and Cwrw (beer). Visit Wales with Tours Wales and you too will experience the Hiraeth… (love&belonging)

Travelling/Teithio

Our Driver Guides will take You on Your Tours Wales Trips in fully air-conditioned 9 Seater Minivans, with excellent views out of every window, as We don't want You to miss a single moment of your time in Wales.

All our day tours depart from Cardiff, unless otherwise stated.

One Day Sightseeing Tours

• Roman Caerleon and the Wye Valley
• Abergavenny and the Black Mountains
• Mumbles and Gower Peninsular
• Castles - Cestyll - Caer*
• The Rhondda Valley and Heritage Coast
• Cardiff Bay and the Vale of Glamorgan

             *Entrance fees included

One Day Adventure Tours

• Brecon Beacons Gorge Walking Adventure Tour*
• Mountain Walking Adventure Tour
• Waterfalls Country Adventure Tour

            *Equipment and instruction included

Overnight Tours

All our multi day tours depart from Cardiff or London, unless otherwise stated.

Celtic Adventurer

This multi day sightseeing tour visits many of the sites of Historic Celtic Wales; ruined Castles, ancient hill forts, standing stones, hidden churches and wizard’s caves. Staying in 3/4 star hostel/hotel accommodation along the way, this is a great introduction to Wales. 

Accommodation included in Price.

5 Day All Wales Sightseeing Tours

Our  Multi  day extended sightseeing tours allow you the time to see Wales in comfort and to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer; go hunting for Dragons in the mountains*, sing and dance in a friendly hostelry with the locals**,  stand in a stone circle at midnight, swim on a deserted beach. All of this and much, much more is yours to discover when you visit with Tours Wales. Accommodation is not included in the price.

*dragons not guaranteed.

** guaranteed.

Tours Depart Cardiff 

London to Wales one day and multi day tours are available, please contact us for details

Bespoke Tours Available

For small group tours, we can customise an itinerary to cater for your interests, e.g. TV and Film Tours, Gastro Tours. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get back to you asap.

Pen y Bont Ar Ogwr, Cymru, Deyrnas Unedig

00447828768925 [email protected]

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Rydyn ni wrthi'n cyfieithu ein gwefan newydd ar hyn o bryd. Dewch yn Ôl yn fuan i weld y fersiwn Gymraeg.

• Number of zips 13
• Other elements? Via Ferrata, rope bridges, tightrope...
• Duration 3 hours

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Caverns essentials, who's it for.

• Getting here

About Caverns

A challenging underground course, Caverns is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes up to 3 hours and will leave you exhilarated and drained in equal measure. Set in a historic slate mine, the various nooks, crannies, tunnels and chasms have been brought back to life with 13 zip lines, as well as via ferrata, rope bridges, tightropes and more, to push your bravery and endurance to the ultimate test.

It’s the perfect family day out in the heart of North Wales, with real teamwork and encouragement required to help each other round the course. It’s also a favourite amongst couples, as well as stag and hen parties – a truly unique activity that will provide a lifetime of memories.

Being completely underground, Caverns is an all-weather activity, making it a good plan for when the worst of the Welsh weather hits. It’s located at Zip World Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestioniog in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. If you’re not quite up to the challenge, Bounce Below is right next door, where you can let loose and have fun in the same stunning setting on our bouncy trampoline-style nets.

Need a Basecamp for the Night?

Are you looking to extend your experience into the night? Whether you're soaring through the skies or delving deep underground, ensure your journey is complete with a comfortable Basecamp for the evening. Explore our unique accommodations tailored to adventurers like you.

What is a Summit site?

Unlock your full potential at a Zip World Summit site; from the world’s fastest zip line, to the UK’s only underground bouncy playground, the ultimate experience awaits on our world-class Summit sites; the best-of-the-best when it comes to unique, extraordinary adventure activities, restaurants and facilities.

Step into a whole new world and soak up the stunning locations, some of which are based in world-heritage status areas, and enjoy the thrill of adventure in a breath-taking space you’ve never before experienced. Unlock your potential and push yourself to embark on a truly epic, memorable adventure that will leave you feeling accomplished. Enjoy everything the site has to offer, including exceptional food and beverage options, comfortable facilities, and WiFi.

Where are we?

The Slate Caverns includes an experience for almost everyone, from Titan, the first 4 person zip line in Europe to the unique, all weather underground adventures that are Bounce Below and Zip World Caverns.

Zip World Llechwedd Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3NB

Play, eat, drink

Llechwedd Cafe

If you’ve been underground or flying over the mountains you’ll need something to eat or drink. Pop over to our cafe for fresh local food, such as tasty burgers or crisp fresh salads.

There's loads more to do on this site

See what we've got to offer, underground golf.

Bounce Below

Deep Mine Tour

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Wombeyan Caves tours

Take a fascinating journey back in time at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve . With tours for all ages, Wombeyan Caves is the perfect destination for your next family adventure.

Start with a self-guided tour through Fig Tree Cave’s colourful chambers. Then, join a guided tour in Wollondilly, Kooringa or Mulwaree caves to learn more about the history and geology of this impressive cave network.

Get the full Wombeyan Caves experience with a cave combo pass, there’s a 2-cave or 3-cave pass to choose from .

Book a tour today

Fig Tree Cave

Be sure to take a family-friendly, self-guided tour through the impressive Fig Tree Cave while you’re at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. It’s widely regarded as one of NSW’s best self-guided cave experiences.

Wollondilly Cave

Wollondilly Cave is the longest and most diverse cave at Wombeyan. Book a guided tour to see the stunning features of this sparkling 5-level cave. A trip to Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve wouldn’t be complete without a visit.

Mulwaree Cave

Join a 1hr guided tour through the magnificent Mulwaree Cave in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. Inside this cave you’ll see shining decorations, large stalactites and spectacular colour variations on the walls.

Kooringa Cave

The ornately decorated Kooringa Cave in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is sure to impress. Bring your camera to capture striking columns and rippled draperies on a guided tour through this single-chamber cave.

Combine and save

2-cave combo pass.

The 2-cave combo pass includes:

• A self-guided tour of Fig Tree Cave at any time between 9am and 3.30pm.
• A guided tour of Wollondilly Cave at 1pm on weekdays and 10.30am or 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.

3-cave combo pass

The 3-cave combo pass includes:

• A guided tour of Wollondilly Cave at 10.30am or 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
• A guided tour of Kooringa Cave at 2.30pm on Saturday or Mulwaree Cave at 2.30pm on Sunday.

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Northern Europe and the British Isles

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Made Possible Through the Support of

An Excavation in Wales Paints a Picture of Home Life 3,500 Years Ago

Archaeologists have enlisted volunteers to dig up the remains of a Bronze Age roundhouse found beneath a park

Sonja Anderson

Daily Correspondent

Researchers are excavating the remains of a Bronze Age roundhouse hiding beneath a field in Cardiff, Wales. A series of digs has allowed the team—which includes both trained professionals and local volunteers—to touch the very floor the house’s residents walked on 3,500 years ago.

Located in the city’s Trelai Park , the historic site was first identified during a land survey in 2022. Soon after, the  Caerau and Ely Rediscovering Heritage Project (CAER), a group that promotes community involvement in archaeological research, began an excavation in collaboration with Cardiff University and local schools.

Experts initially hoped the roundhouse would shed new light on everyday life in the region between the late Iron Age and early Roman era , according to a 2023  statement from Cardiff University. However, they soon discovered the structure was much older than they thought, thanks to a shattered clay pot unearthed in the park. The artifact dated to around 1500 B.C.E.—placing the site in the Bronze Age.

As such, the home is thought to be “the earliest house discovered in Cardiff,” as Oliver Davis , a Cardiff University archaeologist and co-director of CAER, said in the statement.

Subsequent excavations have revealed many clues about the lives of the roundhouse’s Bronze Age residents, as the Guardian ’s Steven Morris reports. Archaeologists have learned that two roundhouses were built at the site, one after the other. Just last month, they unearthed a clay furnace—only the second of its kind discovered in the United Kingdom—which a Bronze Age metalworker may have used to forge weapons, jewelry and tools.

Thousands of years ago, the roundhouse’s residents would have kept a hearth blazing in the middle of their abode: “It would have been dark and smoky,” Davis tells the Guardian . “We’ve found a lot of pottery there, so we know that’s where they’re cooking, preparing and probably eating food.”

Researchers are particularly excited about the dwellings’ floors, which have survived in excellent condition because the field has never been plowed.

“It is the actual surface that people trod on in the Bronze Age,” Davis adds. “That is incredibly rare.”

Other discoveries include “a number of flints,” suggesting that tools were made there, and “evidence of cereals being prepared,” per the Guardian . The team is also planning to extract a pot that may have functioned as an urn, perhaps containing the ashes of a blacksmith who used the furnace.

“We’re beginning to get glimpses of how Bronze Age people lived,” Davis tells BBC Newsround .

The field has also revealed artifacts from the early 20th century, when the site was used as a race course, and World War II, when it hosted training sessions for the home guard, as Sky News ’ Tomos Evans reports.

The excavation presents an opportunity for local residents to interact directly with Wales’ history. Children from local schools frequently tour the site, while retirees and other interested amateurs can even volunteer to participate in the digs.

“It’s the community involvement that makes me get up in the morning,” says Davis to Sky News . “It’s seeing people come and just the joy on their faces of being involved in something. An archaeological dig creates a community.”

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Sonja Anderson | READ MORE

Sonja Anderson is a writer and reporter based in New York City.