Beneath the popular North Wales seaside town of Llandudno lies a vast network of abandoned copper mines, some dating back 4,000 years and others from the 19th century. The tunnels, many sealed for safety, have been explored by the Great Orme Exploration Society (GOES), which has reopened parts of this underground world.
The Ty Gwyn mine was rediscovered near the North Shore after a cow slipped on wet grass, exposing a green streak of copper ore. Adrian Hughes, GOES coordinator, noted that the society has long known of more tunnels and gaining access was a key goal.
Some shafts exceed 200 feet in depth, and artefacts such as Victorian bottles, gunpowder horns, and mine clogs continue to be found. The system is so extensive that some tunnels may extend beneath the sea, while others are flooded or collapsed. Instability has led to past tragedies, prompting calls for caution.
Today, visitors can book safe tours with GOES. Above ground, Llandudno boasts over 30 shipwrecks in its bay, including the 1642 warship Phoenix, and the longest pier in Wales at 2,295 feet. The town centre offers quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, with nearby nature reserves for hiking and bird-watching.
