Sygun Copper Mine

You'll need proper walking boots for this one. Sygun Copper Mine sits above the Gwynedd countryside near Caernarfon, and what you're getting is a genuine slice of industrial archaeology - not a theme park version, but the real deal. The mine operated from the 1850s through to the 1980s, pulling copper out of the Welsh mountains, and the site lets you walk through the actual workings with the original machinery still scattered about like someone just downed tools and left.

The whole thing takes a couple of hours if you're thorough, less if you just want the quick tour. There are tunnels to explore and the surrounding landscape gives you proper views across Snowdonia - on a clear day it's genuinely good. It appeals most to history buffs and anyone who fancies understanding how Wales made its money back in the day. Families with older kids will find it interesting; younger ones might get restless in the shafts.

The admission situation and opening hours aren't entirely clear from current information, so ring ahead before making the trip - nothing worse than driving out from Caernarfon only to find the gates closed. Cae Du Campsite is barely half a mile away if you're based locally, or Beddgelert Campsite at 1.6 miles offers a decent base for exploring this corner of North Wales. It's proper Welsh industrial heritage without the crowds you'd get at bigger attractions.