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.

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.