Dolaucothi Gold Mines

The Romans came here nearly two thousand years ago to dig gold out of a Welsh hillside, and you can still see the scars they left behind. Dolaucothi Gold Mines, just outside Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, is one of only two Roman gold mines known in Britain - which alone makes it worth the drive down narrow country lanes to reach it.

What you get is a proper walk through history. There are underground passages to explore, though you'll need to book a guided tour to actually go into the mines themselves - it's not a case of just wandering in. The site itself sits in lovely countryside, with information boards dotted about explaining what the Romans were up to and how they extracted the gold using water and primitive technology. The walking trails around the mine workings take an hour or so, depending on how much scrambling about you fancy doing.

It's genuinely interesting for history types and anyone curious about Roman Britain, though younger kids might get restless if the weather turns. The nearest decent base is Glynmarch Farm Camping, about four miles away - a cracking spot that works well if you're spending a few days exploring Carmarthenshire's castles and countryside.

Go when it's dry if possible. The paths can get boggy, and there's not much shelter up there. Allow a good two hours minimum, longer if you're doing the underground tour. It's the sort of place that sticks with you - something about standing in a hole that a Roman soldier once stood in does that.