At a glance
12 verified prehistoric sites — Neolithic passage tombs, Bronze Age copper mines, Iron Age hillforts and standing stones — concentrated on Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. Most are free and open year-round.
About prehistoric North Wales
Anglesey (Ynys Môn) has been described as the most sacred island in the ancient world. It was the last stronghold of the Druids, destroyed by the Roman governor Paulinus in 60 AD, and it has an astonishing concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres are passage tombs of the same tradition as Newgrange in Ireland — built around 3000–2500 BC by farming communities who moved extraordinary quantities of stone to honour their dead.
On the Great Orme headland near Llandudno, Bronze Age miners worked the richest copper deposit in prehistoric Europe. Dating to around 1700 BC, the Great Orme Copper Mines produced an estimated 1,760 tonnes of copper — enough to supply much of Bronze Age Europe. The mines used stone and bone tools; thousands of bone tools from red deer and ox have been recovered.
On the Llyn Peninsula, the hillfort of Tre'r Ceiri ("Town of Giants") crowns the summit of Yr Eifl at 485 m with stone ramparts still standing up to 4 metres high. Over 150 round hut platforms are preserved inside. The Llyn was also an important pilgrimage route — Bardsey Island at the tip was the destination of three pilgrimages equivalent to one to Rome.
Top 8 prehistoric sites
Prehistoric sites by region
- Anglesey
- The highest concentration in North Wales. Bryn Celli Ddu, Barclodiad y Gawres, Din Lligwy, Lligwy Burial Chamber, Penrhos Feilw standing stones, Tŷ Newydd cromlech — all within 20 miles of each other.
- Conwy & North Coast
- Great Orme Copper Mines (Llandudno), Maen y Bardd cromlech (Conwy Valley).
- Llyn Peninsula
- Tre'r Ceiri hillfort (finest in Wales), Plas yn Rhiw prehistoric landscape.
- Vale of Conwy
- Capel Garmon chambered tomb — one of the best Neolithic monuments in inland North Wales, with free access.
Practical information
Access
Most Cadw prehistoric sites are free, unstaffed and open at any reasonable time during daylight hours. Many are in rural locations reached by narrow lanes — check OS mapping before travelling. The Great Orme Copper Mines operate paid, timed tours and should be booked in advance in summer.
Best combined visits
Anglesey prehistoric circuit (half or full day): Bryn Celli Ddu → Lligwy Burial Chamber → Din Lligwy → Penrhos Feilw standing stones. Great Orme circuit: Great Orme Copper Mines → Great Orme Summit (tram or cable car) → Llandudno Victorian town.
Frequently asked questions
Bryn Celli Ddu (meaning "Mound in the Dark Grove") is a 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered passage tomb on Anglesey, managed by Cadw. The passage is aligned so that the rising sun illuminates the chamber at summer solstice (around 21 June). The site is free to visit and open dawn to dusk year-round. A replica decorated stone stands at the entrance — the original is in the National Museum in Cardiff. Park in the small Cadw car park on the lane near Llanddaniel Fab.
The Great Orme Copper Mines date to approximately 1700 BC — making them about 3,700 years old. They are the largest known Bronze Age copper mines in the world, with over 5 miles of underground passages. The mines produced an estimated 1,760 tonnes of copper during the Bronze Age period. Guided underground tours run year-round (adult ~£9.50, child ~£7). The bones of children — who worked the narrowest passages — have been found on the site.
Din Lligwy is a late Roman-period enclosed settlement on Anglesey, dating to around the 4th century AD. The substantial stone walls of round and rectangular huts survive to impressive height. The site is free, managed by Cadw, and open at all times. A short walk from the Lligwy burial chamber (a Neolithic cromlech) — the two make a worthwhile combined visit. Park in the small layby on the lane near Llanallgo.
Tre'r Ceiri ("Town of Giants") is an Iron Age hillfort on the Llyn Peninsula, sitting at 485 m on the summit of Yr Eifl. It is the best-preserved hillfort in Wales and one of the best in Britain, with stone ramparts surviving to over 4 metres in places and the remains of over 150 round huts inside. Free, open access at all times. The ascent (about 2 miles return, 250 m) rewards with panoramic views over the Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia.
Anglesey has more Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain. The top three are: Bryn Celli Ddu (passage tomb, free), Barclodiad y Gawres (passage tomb with decorated stones — key required from Cadw) and the Lligwy Burial Chamber (large Neolithic cromlech, free). The remote standing stones at Penrhos Feilw and the Iron Age settlement at Din Lligwy are also excellent.
Most of Cadw's prehistoric sites are free and unstaffed — including Bryn Celli Ddu, Din Lligwy, Capel Garmon, Penrhos Feilw and Lligwy Burial Chamber. Barclodiad y Gawres requires a key from Cadw (advance booking). The Great Orme Copper Mines charge admission (~£9.50 adult) as they operate a guided tour service. Tre'r Ceiri on the Llyn Peninsula is free and open access.