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Caves, Mines & Underground in Cardiff
Underground days out mean a proper trip out from Cardiff, and the nearest is the closest to home: A Welsh Coal Mining Experience in Tonypandy, about 12 miles out, with a simulated dram ride and a coal owner's parlour to poke round. Head further towards Bristol and you get a cluster worth the drive, including Giant's Cave, where a steep 130-step descent through a 200-foot tunnel opens onto a cliff platform staring straight at the Avon Gorge, entry from £1.50. Clifton Suspension Bridge nearby is free to walk, with a museum and a children's trail thrown in. For toddlers or anyone after fresh air over tunnels, Mendip Hills National Landscape (also out near Bristol, from £8) offers guided walks through gorges and woodland rather than proper caving, and it is pushchair and wheelchair friendly. Giant's Cave asks for ages 4 and up, given the steps. For real coal-mining grit, Hopewell Colliery out in Coleford, a longer trip at around 35 miles, has an ex-miner leading you underground to watch coal actually being dug, booking required, ages 4 to 16.
6 places 1 free to visit
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience
Tonypandy
A trip underground-style, with a simulated dram ride, interactive displays and a coal owner's parlour to poke around.
CaféGroup bookings
FreeClifton Suspension Bridge
Bristol
Free walk across a famous bridge, plus a museum with hidden vaults, a film and a children's trail to hunt down.
Bike parkingCaféGift shopGroup bookings+5 more
from £1.50Giant's Cave
Bristol · ages 4+
A steep 130-step descent through a 200-foot tunnel to a cliff-side platform looking straight at the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
CaféIndoor seatingFood on siteVegetarian options
from £10Hopewell Colliery
Coleford · ages 4-16
A real ex-miner takes you underground to see actual coal being dug and hauled up in carts.
Booking requiredCaféFree parkingGift shop+1 more
from £8Mendip Hills National Landscape
Bristol
Guided walks through limestone gorges, ancient woodland and hidden caves across the Mendip Hills.
Dog friendlyOutdoor playPicnic areaPicnics allowed+2 more
from £3South Wales Miners Museum
Port Talbot · ages 0+
A retired coal miner leads you underground to see the pit face, then it's a blacksmith's forge and steam engines above ground.
Accessible toiletBooking requiredCaféGroup bookings+3 more
Good to know: caves, mines & underground in Cardiff
Are any of them free?
Yes, Clifton Suspension Bridge is free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £1.50 at Giant's Cave. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find caves, mines & underground in Tonypandy, Bristol, Coleford and Port Talbot. Every place we list is in or around Cardiff, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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