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Corris Mine Explorers: Journey into Victorian Slate Mining Heritage

Explore the authentic Victorian slate mine tunnels beneath Southern Snowdonia with expert guides and discover Wales’ rich mining heritage.

4.9

Corris Mine Explorers offers an immersive underground adventure in a historic Welsh slate mine near Machynlleth. Step through a hidden door into the untouched tunnels and chambers where Victorian miners extracted world-renowned slate. Guided explorations reveal the harsh working conditions and mining techniques that shaped the region’s industrial heritage. Located at the Corris Craft Centre, the site also features craft workshops, a café, and family-friendly attractions, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

A brief summary to Corris Mine Explorers

  • Corris Craft Centre, A487, Machynlleth, Corris, SY20 9RF, GB
  • +441654761584
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Book your mine exploration trip online in advance to guarantee availability and secure the best prices.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing as underground temperatures remain cool and terrain can be uneven.
  • Combine your visit with the Corris Craft Centre workshops and café for a full day of cultural and creative activities.
  • Children must be at least 8 years old to join the Pathfinder trip and 10 years for the Adventurer trip.
  • Allow 2 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the mine tour and surrounding attractions, including the Welsh Legends Maze.
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Getting There

  • By Car

    Drive via the A487 road between Machynlleth and Dolgellau; free parking is available on site. Travel time from Machynlleth is approximately 15 minutes. Note that parking can fill during peak season.

  • By Bus

    Take the T2 bus service from Aberystwyth, Dolgellau, or Machynlleth, which stops within a short walking distance of the Corris Craft Centre. Bus frequency varies, so check current timetables. The walk from the stop is on flat, accessible paths.

  • By Train and Taxi

    Alight at Machynlleth railway station, about 6 miles away, then take a taxi to the site. Taxi travel time is around 15 minutes. Train services connect to Birmingham and other major cities.

Corris Mine Explorers location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather

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Unearthing a Forgotten Industrial World

Corris Mine Explorers invites you to descend into the depths of a former Welsh slate mine, largely untouched since its closure in the 1970s. The mine’s tunnels and vast chambers tell the story of a bygone era when slate was hand-extracted and blasted from the mountainside, destined for markets worldwide. This site offers a rare, authentic glimpse into Victorian mining life, preserving the atmosphere and conditions miners endured daily. The guides, experts in the mine’s history, lead visitors through the broad passageways, sharing insights into the techniques, tools, and dangers of slate mining.

A Rich Heritage Amidst Southern Snowdonia

Situated in the heart of Mid Wales, the mine lies beneath the scenic landscapes of Southern Snowdonia, an area recognized by UNESCO for its slate heritage. The region’s geology and mining legacy have shaped local communities for centuries. Corris Mine Explorers forms part of the larger Corris Caverns complex, which includes the Corris Craft Centre, King Arthur’s Labyrinth, and the Welsh Legends Maze. This cluster of attractions celebrates both the industrial and cultural heritage of the area, offering visitors a multifaceted experience.

Engaging Experiences for All Ages

The mine offers different exploration trips tailored by age and interest, including the Pathfinder trip for children aged 8 and above and the more challenging Adventurer trip for those 10 and older. Visitors experience the mine’s eerie darkness illuminated only by hand torches, navigating tunnels and chambers that evoke the miners’ daily toil. The tours last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with options for shorter or extended routes to suit different preferences and physical abilities.

Complementary Attractions and Amenities

Above ground, the Corris Craft Centre hosts nine independent craft workshops where visitors can meet artisans and participate in pottery painting, chocolate making, and other creative activities. The on-site café serves locally sourced Welsh produce, providing a welcoming space to relax before or after underground explorations. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, and the site is dog-friendly in designated areas. The location also offers educational group visits, with tailored tours supporting curriculum topics such as history and geology.

Preserving Nature and Supporting Sustainability

Corris Mine Explorers and the surrounding craft centre emphasize sustainable practices, including eco-friendly craft production and conservation of the natural landscape. The site encourages responsible tourism, with accessible paths and facilities designed to minimize environmental impact. Visitors can enjoy nearby walking routes and even spot low-flying military jets training in the Mach Loop, adding an unexpected dimension to the visit.

Planning Your Visit and Practical Information

Open seasonally from late March to early November, with pre-booked group visits available year-round, Corris Mine Explorers requires advance booking to secure your preferred time and best prices. Typical visits last between 2 and 4 hours, allowing ample time to explore both the underground mine and surface attractions. The mine is located on the A487 road between Machynlleth and Dolgellau, with regular bus services and nearby train connections. Facilities include restrooms, visitor information, and free parking, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all.

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