Parys Mountain Copper Mines (pits, opencast and spoil areas)

Rust-coloured earth and fluorescent green pools create an otherworldly landscape that looks more like Mars than Anglesey. These abandoned copper mines near Penysarn tell the story of what was once Europe's largest copper operation, where thousands of workers gouged metal from the earth between the 18th and 20th centuries.

Walking through the site today feels properly post-apocalyptic. The open pits are vast, their walls stained orange and purple from centuries of oxidation, while pools of acidic water shimmer in brilliant emerald and turquoise. It's simultaneously beautiful and unsettling - nature reclaiming an industrial scar in the most spectacular way possible.

Families with older children will find this fascinating, though the uneven terrain and unfenced drops mean it's not suitable for wandering toddlers. History enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the remains of engine houses and following the old tramways that once carried ore to Amlwch port.

The site appears to have free access, though there are no facilities whatsoever - bring water and wear proper walking boots. An hour gives you the highlights, but geology buffs could easily spend half a day here.

For those staying at nearby parks like Gadfa Touring or Mount View Caravan sites, this makes an excellent morning expedition before heading to Anglesey's beaches. It's a proper contrast to the island's gentler attractions - industrial heritage at its most dramatic.