kids

Llywernog an authentic 18th century silver mine in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales

Just 15 minutes from Aberystwyth. Enjoy an informative and adventurous day for all the family whatever the weather.

!!! Black Chasm PG !!!

For young apprentices or those looking for something a little less scary why not try our PG rated Black Chasm tour? Fun for all the family.

Silver Mountain is now OPEN 7 days a week.

Steeped in myths and legends, high in the ancient Cambrian Mountains, the Silver Mountain Experience has tumbling streams, mysterious forests and long abandoned mine workings that will take you on a journey through the mists of time.

Dare you enter the Black Chasm?

Rated 12A, this is Wales’s scariest underground experience where your worst nightmares will become reality. Beware of the Coblynau, Morgens, Orcs and others that dwell in the darkness. Tread lightly foolish traveller or your blood curdling screams will echo through the abandoned mine for all eternity! Not for those of a nervous disposition.

For younger members of the family they can be let loose  to experience the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood and explore the tunnels where the Grovels dwell. Whether creating dens in the trees, building dams in the stream or playing with waterwheels in our Silver River play area there is plenty to do for all the family, whatever the weather.

A Dragon’s Tale

Deep in a cave, lies a shy Dragon by the name of Grotty. Silver Mountain is her home, and she had been spotted by several visitors recently, just down by the Tell Tale bridge, having a sip at the stream under the sunshine.

This new and exciting actor led experience is suitable for over 4’s and those who are not year brave enough to take on Black Chasm!

Go deep underground on the 45-minute caplamp tour beyond the earthquake zone and into the great chasm to discover the secrets of a forgotten world. Access is easy underground. With only 8 steps in the whole tour its suitable for all ages.

• Featured on the BBC programme ‘Countryfile’
• Prince of Wales award-winning Museum
• ‘One of the best commercial museums in Britain’ (Good Museums Guide)

Explore the Miners Trail a self-guide footpath around the old workings, linking the natural and man made features of the 7-acre site.

Try your hand at Panning. It’s easy and what ever you find you keep!.

Friendly and knowledgeable guides are always on hand to answer your questions and identify your geological finds

History of the Cardiganshire Silver Mines

Mining of silver rich lead was a major industry in Mid Wales for nearly 2000 years. During the boom of the 1860s the whole of north Cardiganshire resembled the Klondike attracting speculators and adventurers from across the globe. The inevitable slump followed and the mines were abandoned. Llywernog refused to die and was reopened briefly in the early 1900s.
It was saved from dereliction in 1973 by Peter Lloyd Harvey and continues as a family concern committed to restoration of the mine.

Browse the gift shop and enjoy refreshments in the cosy tearoom. On fine days there is a great picnic site

Llywernog Silver Mine is a great adventure and learning experience for all the family.

From Devil’s Bridge: take the A4120 to Ponterwyd. Turn Left at the T-Junction onto the A44, and after a mile the Mine is on the Right-Hand side of road (opposite the Red Kite Cafe).

From Aberystwyth: take the A44 for approximately 11 miles (passing the Nantyrarian Forest Centre). The mine is on the Left-Hand side of the A.44 (opposite the Red Kite Cafe).

Sat Nav: postcode SY23 3AB FREE CAR AND COACH PARKING

Telephone: 01970 890620
E mail: info@silvermountainexperience.co.uk
Web: silvermountainexperience.co.uk
Tweets: twitter.com/silvermountexp/
Find out more about Aberystwyth.

Welcome or Croeso, as we say in Welsh,to Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park

This unique farm park is stunningly located on a scenic headland, overlooking the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, just 200 yards offshore. It is home to thousands of seabirds and a flock of wild Soay sheep, originally from the Isle of Soay near Skye.

A colony of Atlantic grey seals breed in the many caves below the cliffs of Cardigan Island Farm Park and can be seen every day. Sometimes it requires a little patience, but often they can be seen immediately.

Cardigan Farm Park is set on part of  Clyn-Yr-Ynys farm. The Jenkins family has farmed within the Cardigan area since the 1600’s, and at the current location on Cardigan Bay since 1884 – 5 generations and counting! The Farm Park was opened in 1993 and is very much a family run business.

Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is one of the best places in Wales to view seals in their natural habitat in complete safety!

Cardigan Bay is home to the only resident population of bottle-nosed Dolphins in English and Welsh waters. They are frequent visitors to this part of the coast, especially during calm weather, when they come closer to the shore. Dolphins can often be seen clearly from the Farm Park. They provide an unforgettable sight, as they leap high out of the water.

Named for its spectacular views across to Cardigan Island just 200 metres offshore, this unique Farm Park which also overlooks the Teifi estuary and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is located on a picturesque headland in the southern part of Cardigan Bay. The island itself is a private nature reserve owned by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

There are a variety of friendly farm animals, some of which can be fed by hand. There are goats, sheep, Shetland and Welsh Mountain Ponies, rare breed cattle, pigs, ducks, geese and chickens, plus llamas, wallabies, emus and rheas from far-off lands. Rare Choughs, now disappeared from England can be seen here. Come and say hello to the farm animals. You can enjoy our fenced clifftop walk to the headland, where you can watch seals in the wild that breed in the caves below (especially around September and October) or spot our frequent dolphin visitors. There is a gift shop with toys and books, and local and Welsh crafts. There are both indoor and outdoor play areas for children and a café where you can enjoy the scenery.

Open: 10 am to 6 pm Every Day, from late April to the end of October – see website for current opening times.

Visitor Centre
Tel 01239 623637 Mr and Mrs Lyn Jenkins
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, Gwbert, Cardigan, Ceredigion, West Wales, SA43 1PR

Web: www.cardiganisland.co.uk

Constitution Hill Aberystwyth home of the longest Cliff Railway in Britain and the biggest Camera Obscura in the World

You must visit this fascinating attraction and sample the delightful atmosphere of a Victorian pleasure park. Constitution Hill rises dramatically 430 feet from the north end of Aberystwyth promenade.The views from the top are spectacular.

On a clear day you can see 26 Welsh mountain peaks including Snowdon, whilst the view of Cardigan Bay from the Llyn Peninsula to Strumble head extends for 60 miles.

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest in Britain and the only one in Wales. Its 778 feet undulating track and tilted carriages are the unique work of Victorian engineer G. Croyden Marks. It opened in 1896 operating on the water balance system but since 1921 a powerful electric motor and 2 high tensile steel cables have hauled the carriages at a stately 4 miles an hour. This gives you time to enjoy the panoramic views as you climb to the summit station and marvel at the Victorians ingenuity.
‘Safe?’ Of course it is!
Four independent braking systems maintained to the highest standards will give you peace of mind.

The Camera Obscura

On the summit is the biggest Camera Obscura in the world. The huge 14 inch lens takes a birds eye view of more than 1000 square miles of land and seascape in a 360 degree sweep around Aberystwyth, a view reflected onto the circular screen in the darkened viewing gallery below.

Souvenir Guide:The guide details the fascinating history of Constitution Hill from its early development into the focal point of Mid Wales’ leisure activities to its current status as a ‘must see’ attraction to all visitors to Wales.

Y Consti Restaurant: Our restaurant ‘Y Consti’ provides a breathtaking setting for visitors to enjoy a range of refreshments. The restaurant was designed as a replica of the former Summerhouse Tearooms cafe and funded by a European Union Objective 1 grant.

With a team of experienced waiting staff and respected chefs ‘Y Consti’ is rapidly gaining a reputation for excellence. Whether you simply wish to keep hunger at bay with a freshly made sandwich, or to cool down on a hot summer day with a creamy Welsh ice cream, we can provide a range of snacks and drinks to suit all tastes. For the more hungry visitors the restaurant offers a menu of home-cooked meals at very reasonable prices, with mouth-watering daily specials giving an even greater selection

We are open 7 days a week from mid-March until early November 10am – 5pm.
We also open 5 days a week (Wednesday-Sunday) from November to March from 10am.

If in doubt please contact us to check opening hours. Trains run every few minutes and admission to all summit attractions is FREE OF CHARGE.

Cliff Railway House, Cliff Terrace, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2DN, UK
Telephone: 01970 617642
E Mail: manager@aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk
Web: www.aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk

Find out more about Aberystwyth

You can now STAY at Aberystwyth Cliff Railway!

• The Calf Suite Holiday Cottage
• Llewelyn Lodge Aberystwyth Cardigan Bay

An unforgettable train journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley to Devils Bridge by narrow gauge steam train.

The last steam railway owned by British Rail is still running and you can enjoy the journey experienced by many thousands of passengers since it opened in 1902. Some History
The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge (1′ 113/4″) than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory. The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.

Some History of the Railway

The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge (1′ 113/4″) than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory. The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.

During the last ten years the railway has undergone a complete renovation with full restoration of the engines, carriages and track. Spectacular views, some not seen for many decades have been opened up. So if you have been a passenger before it may well be time for another trip

The original carriages used on the railway were not designed to carry wheelchairs and therefore access at present is only possible if wheelchair users can climb two steps from the platform into the carriage. An access statement is available on request.

Vale of Rheidol trains depart from the centre of the town of Aberystwyth on the Cambrian coast. The railway is adjacent to the British Rail Station.
Postcode for SatNav: SY23 1PG

Vale of Rheidol Railway,
Park Avenue,
Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire,
SY23 1PG

Telephone: 01970 625819
E Mail: vor@rheidolrailway.co.uk
Web: www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

The Great Little Trains of Wales are a very special way of seeing some of the best scenery in the British Isles and this year a new discount card costing £10 will be available, entitling the holder to a 20% discount for a return trip on each of the following 9 railways:

Ffestiniog Railway – Porthmadog
Welsh Highland Railway – Porthmadog
Talyllyn Railway – Tywyn
Bala Lake Railway
Vale of Rheidol Railway – Aberystwyth
Brecon Mountain Railway – Merthyr Tydfil
Welshpool & Llanfair Railway

Each card is valid for 12 months from the date the first journey is made; the cardholder can also take advantage of discounts that have been arranged with selected accommodation providers close to many of the railways. Please check details on website we are not responsible for external links or information on this site.

For further details please visit the GLTW website www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Web: www.rheidolrailway.co.uk

Find out more about Aberystwyth

Europe’s leading Eco-centre

Set against the backdrop of beautiful Snowdonia, this unique visitor attraction is guaranteed to entertain, inform and fascinate all the members of your family.

Lifted up by ‘the water-balanced’ cliff railway with its breathtaking views visitors arrive at our 7 acre display gardens, crammed with exhibitions displays and information.

Whether you want learn all about the environment, how to save energy and money in your home or just enjoy the gardens, shops and the excellent vegetarian restaurant it will be an experience to treasure and remember.

The Centre for Alternative Technology is concerned with presenting solutions to environmental problems, rather than the doom and gloom view, we take a positive and uplifting approach, demonstrating all kinds of environmental technologies in an interesting and informative way. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales and has evolved into Mid Wales’ most unique and popular visitor attraction.

Please visit www.cat.org.uk for details on day visits, our residential courses and for lots of useful environmental information and contacts.

Sail from New Quay to see the Dolphins, porpoise, seals and other fascinating marine life along the Cardigan Bay Heritage Coast.

For Half Term one hour boat trips on the Dreamcatcher. There is only space for 12 people on each trip so please book now to avoid disappointment.

You can choose a dolphin spotting boat trip of either one hour or an hour and a half on our multi passenger vessels Ermol 5 and Ermol 6, with partially covered seating and we have the Dreamcatcher, a modern ten metre catamaran which only carries twelve passengers with an island wheelhouse you are free to walk all around the boat wherever the dolphins are and enjoy unobstructed views in 360 degrees

The Ermol VI [1 hour cruise] The boat trip passes Birds Rock, The Caves, Cwmtydu and Seals Bay.
Dreamcatcher 1 hour trips and private charter available (up to 12 passengers)
The Ermol V [2 hour cruise] The boat trip passes Birds Rock, The Caves, Cwmtydu and Seals Bay and as far as the beautiful peninsula of Ynys Lochtyn.
Suncatcher [1.5 hour] Dolphin and Wildlife Spotting Trips. The Suncatcher will take you south along the coast not only passing Birds Rock, The Caves but to Cwmtydu and Seals Bay giving you more of the coast’s protected area than the one hour trip and longer to spot dolphins.

Dolphins, Porpoise and Seals are wild and as such cannot be guaranteed on every trip. However, when encountered, the skipper of your boat will slow down [or stop] to allow the best possible view without causing disturbance to the animals in line with the in line with the ‘S.A.C. code of conduct. When dolphins are encountered any stop time will result in the boats not travelling as far down the coast as advertised.

Winston Evans started crewing for his father on the Yns-Enilli in the late 1950’s (Pictured right), Winston has over 75 years experience in operating safe, fun and educational boat trips from New Quay.

Our vessels are fully licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and our experienced skippers are fully qualified boat masters. Our vessels and crew are regularly inspected to ensure we fully conform to U.K. regulations. We carry full lifesaving and emergency apparatus and all our passengers are fully insured. Our experienced and enthusiastic crews will be happy to answer all your questions about the wildlife and local area.

Don’t miss this fascinating experience. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Please wear suitable warm clothing and sun protection.

Please visit their website for any changes, availability and online booking.

PRICES:
1 hour trip on Ermol – £16 per adult – £8.50 per child.
1 hour trip on Dreamcatcher – £21.60 per adult – £16 per child.
1.5 hour trip on Suncatcher – £23.32 per adult – £12 per child.