The Return of Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine’s Heritage Weekend: The Boom Years

1840: Mid Wales enters a Mining Boom. Mines to be grandly branded the California of Wales (Ponterwyd), Welsh Potosi, Silver Brook, Silver Stream, and Silver Mountain. The next three decades would see increased production, fortunes made, and hopes raised.

*Suggested donation of £5 per person. All donations go to the Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine CIC to help support the preservation of this unique historic site, the only surviving Silver-Lead Mine in Wales open & accessible to the public

Travel back in time with us on 30th & 31st March as we visit a great industrial age. We warmly invite all to discover and explore by joining us for special demonstrations, tours and a whole host of exciting features. Highlights include:

• From ‘Hard Rock to Heavy Metal’: discover how rock formed millions of years ago, was mined, processed and smelted – join our ‘A Miner’s Life’ guided tour*, special talks and demonstrations

• Visit the restored Blacksmith’s Forge in Llywernog’s main mine building – special full open access during the Heritage Weekend only

• Heritage in Action: waterwheel & mine machinery demonstrations

• ‘Voices from The Past’ and Mining Memorabilia stand – more information coming soon

• Visit Llywernog’s Mining Museum, with new exhibits and information recently added

• Follow the Miner’s Trail

• ‘Voices from The Past’ and Mining Memorabilia stand – material from organisations including Ceredigion Archives and Ceredigion Museum.

• Tell us about your ancestors or bring in any artefacts from the time. If you have something you think may be related to mining, our mining experts will do their best to identify and tell you more about it!

• Join in with fun interactive activities run by The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales’ Ceredigion Heritage Youth Panel

• Historic dressing-up in the children’s den & plenty of great photo opportunities

• Panning for gems and ‘fool’s gold’!*

• Discover Silver Mountain’s new features for 2019

• For the younger adventurers, why not go on the hunt for our shy resident dragon! This epic quest is fun for all the family, so join us on Dragon’s Tale: A Knight’s Quest

• Other great family attractions such as the Fossil Dig and Silver River Water Play open

• Annual Pass available to purchase at reception

• Opportunity to speak to members of the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust and Cambrian Mines Trust about their work & how you can become a member

• Plus the café travels back in time, offering Victorian treats – why not try an authentic Miner’s Pasty while you’re here!

*Small supplementary charge for this activity.

Find out more about the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust, visit their website HERE.

You can also find out about the Cambrian Mines Trust HERE. 

Prices for A Miner’s Life or Dragon’s Tale tour:

£8 per adult

£7 per concession

£6 per child

Want to do a second tour? Add this for £3 per child, £3.50 concession & £4 per adult on the day.

Tours last approx. 45mins – 1 hour. Wear sturdy shoes, boots or trainers. Suggested fleece or jacket for constant cool temperature in mine. Safety helmets provided