Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Wales

The ironworks opened its doors in 1789, for another revolution... It is now one of the best preserved forges in Europe. We visit its huge furnaces that were powered by coal. It is also a whole living environment that we discover: an information centre houses models that provide an overview of the site's structure and internal organization. Photographs and press clippings from the period also provide information on the fate of these pioneers of the industrial revolution.

Railway inaugurated in 1902. Three superposed bridges overlook a narrow and deep gorge, where a waterfall flows. Legend has it that the villagers, unable to build the bridge, made a pact with the devil: he agreed to solve the problem in exchange for the first soul to cross the bridge. The villagers managed to get away with this haggling: they threw bread on the deck to sacrifice the innocent soul of a dog... The journey takes place on board vintage wagons pulled by a steam locomotive.

Fascinating reconstruction of an Iron Age fort. In each of the round, thatched houses, the interiors are reconstructed, based on the speculations of archaeologists. Very little information remains about the life of Iron Age man. In the houses, guides bake bread or spin wool, passionately recounting what we think we know about the period. Many discoveries about Iron Age techniques and knowledge were made during the construction of the site. Breathtaking!

Saundersfoot's beaches are among the most extraordinary in South Pembrokeshire, renowned for their exceptional beauty. To discover them, you can reach the village of Amroth from Tenby, by bus no. 350, then follow the coastal path to the beaches of Saundersfoot. To the west of the village, there is also Glen Beach, an ideal beach for family swimming, with restaurants nearby. Often events are organized throughout the year, the program is available on site.

An underground complex formed by three impressive cellars, including Dan-yr-Ogof, the largest cave open to the public in Great Britain. This complex of caves has been carved into the permeable limestone layers that make up the southern Beacon subsoil. And for the youngest or most enthusiastic, there is even a dinosaur park with about 220 animals. It's very well suited for children: interactive and a little informative; they love it!

The only whisky distilled in Wales, the independent distillery is one of the smallest in the world. A visit to Penderyn takes you on a journey through the history of the country's only single malt whisky, as well as its distillation. The whisky is a subtle blend of tradition and modernity. An innovative distillery, Penderyn is renowned for the exceptional ageing of its malts in old Madeira wine casks. The tour, led by a team of enthusiasts, is... fascinating! Store online. Don't hesitate to have a look at the online agenda.

Escape into the mysteries of Arthurian legends and let yourself be guided on a true adventure, which younger visitors will particularly enjoy. Between vast caverns and winding tunnels, this attraction takes you back to the Middle Ages, to the time of King Arthur. Discover ancient stories and other Welsh legends, with the help of a mysterious hooded guide. Please note that the attraction may be closed in the event of heavy rain, so be sure to call ahead. Numerous stores and cafés in the center.

The Llechwedd slate quarries have 250 chambers linked by 40 km of galleries. We tell you all about the living conditions of the miners at a depth of several meters. Working by candlelight, in vast caves, on the banks of underground lakes. It's a journey to the heart of the country's culture and history. It's a must to fully appreciate the hard work of the miners.

There'salso a gigantic zip line for thrill-seekers (www.zipworld.co.uk) and an underground playground with nets and trampolines.

About a mile east of Beddgelert. Take the A498 and follow the sign on your right. Buses ^Nos. 97A, 95 and 97 will also take you there. These copper mines were first exploited by the Romans. The voice of a virtual miner accompanies you as you descend the multiple floors. This guided tour (45 minutes) takes you into the shallows of copper mines in yellow tones, which have become golden under the torches! It's very interesting and it's pretty good for the kids, they don't get bored. We recommend it, especially if it rains.

Follow the river and cross the field. Under the trees is a dog's grave. Legend has it that when Llywelyn returned from her trip, her dog, Gelert, greeted her with a bloody face. Not seeing his newborn baby in the crib, he deduced that his dog had devoured the infant and pierced it with his sword. At the same time, a cry rose from the bushes where the child lay unharmed, next to the corpse of a wolf killed by... Gelert! Remorseful, Prince Llywelyn erected a grave for his dog. Not much to see, but it's a nice walk.

It is a former hospital in a charming location that now serves as an information centre for the park. Perched on a wooded valley, it can be reached by stairs on the hillside. The hospital was once used to treat miners who were often injured by dangerous working conditions. Old medical instruments are now on display in part of the hospital. Another wing has been converted into a tea room, from which there are beautiful views of the landscape. Admission is free, we recommend you take a look if you can!

The park was once a slate mining centre. The museum is located in a former Victorian workshop. Dinorwig's quarry was huge, 3,000 men worked here, whose activity and movements shaped the landscape. The display of miners' and engineers' tools is intended to be as realistic as possible. It gives the impression that the workers have just left the mine to go home! Recently, 4 workers' houses on the site were reconstructed to give a glimpse of what their domestic life could have been like.

An artificial lake designed to supply a gigantic hydroelectric power station has been dug out of the Eliden mountain. It's like something out of science fiction! Today, the project is considered a global engineering prodigy. This energy laboratory, created in the bowels of the mountain, is the subject of impressive tours. The site is currently under restoration, but the view over the lake is well worth the detour.

You'll learn everything here on the Welsh slate! The workshop was founded in 1861 to supply schools at a time when students were not using paper! When paper became commonplace, the landlord knew that the material had another function, since he made electrical panels! It was a real little revolution for the local economy! Videos, geological exhibition and documents retrace the history of the slate industry. You can take home a slate that you engrave. For young and old!

This tapestry, created in 1997, traces the events that took place during the last "attempt" of French invasion of British territory in 1797. The tapestry illustrates the arrival of the French army consisting of three ships of 1,400 soldiers recruited from French prisons. It is by landing on February 22, 1797 on the beach of Carreg Wastad, that the French thought they would conquer Great Britain! They were blown off the island in three days!

Archaeological sites and Celtic shrines along the way recall the passage of Irish settlers along the coast. There are remains of the chapel of St. Patrick, who went to preach the divine word on the Green Island; the Warrior's Dyke, a defensive rampart dating from the Iron Age (750 BC to 100 AD); the Coetan Arthur, a Neolithic burial chamber and two other cromlechs at the top of Carn Llidi, at an altitude of 181 metres. From the volcanic promontory of St. David's Head, there are superb views of Ramsey Island.

The date of the same time as the abbey (th century) and would probably have been the property of the monks. The aeronautical engineer Michael Hall bought the ruins a few years ago to put it in operation! This is done today. The wheel rotates again in the small river and you sell flour and breads made from it.

We show you everything about the Y Felin machinery, one of Wales'last water mills, during a pleasant guided tour.

Dolphins, porpoises, Atlantic grey seals, little penguins, guillemots... Since New Quay's main attraction is its marine life, you might as well go to sea! Once on board the boat, from the youngest to the oldest, we quickly get caught up in the game of looking for the presence of dolphins or others. We are welcomed by enthusiasts and we take this opportunity to learn more about marine wildlife and current issues: pollution and global warming that threaten the balance of these animals. Book in advance, especially in summer.

Gold was found here by the Romans as early as the 6th century BC, and the mine remained in operation until the 19th century! A visitor centre, created by the National Trust, provides information on the techniques used by the Romans to extract the precious mineral from the rock and on the particular geology of the site, which has been declared of scientific interest. Accompanied by a guide, you can then discover the interior of the mines in the galleries dug by hand! This site is also magnificently located: there are splendid views over the Cothi valley.

Located on a former mine, the Alternative Technology Centre attracts convinced eco-lovers and curious people by the thousands every year. Originally, the C.A.T. was a community of idealists who decided to live in self-sufficiency. To do this, they had to produce their own electricity, recycle their waste, not use fertilizers, etc. The goal: to minimize its environmental impact. The experience almost immediately attracted the curiosity of ecologists from all over the world. More than 30 years after the foundation of this community, some of the idealists of the time still live at the C.A.T.

From now on, the Centre's vocation is to explain the basics of sustainable development by exposing the different ways of using renewable resources: the sun, wind, water; the funicular that runs on water provides an excellent illustration. The C.A.T. also tries to go further in its approach to promoting renewable energies: it offers, for example, courses explaining how to build a straw-based house or how to build panels using old radiators to heat water and your home... During these courses, you can be housed in the "eco-cabins" on site. You can also taste the specialities of the vegetarian tea room or buy organic products. It is really an exciting and worthwhile visit, to better understand the climate emergency and the challenges of global warming.