Fossil hunting in Mid Wales: Discover 470 million years of history near Rhiw Wood Treehouses
- Emma Hammonds
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
When most people think of a holiday in Mid Wales, they imagine rolling hills, ancient woodlands, stargazing, and peaceful escapes in nature. But did you know that during your stay at Rhiw Wood Treehouses, you can also travel back nearly 470 million years and uncover fossils from a prehistoric ocean?
Just a short drive from the Treehouses on our farm lies the renowned Upper Gilwern Quarry, which is one of the UK's most exciting fossil hunting locations. It's an unforgettable adventure for curious children, budding geologists, and anyone who loves discovering hidden treasures.
A fossil hunting experience like no other
Upper Gilwern Quarry has become famous amongst fossil enthusiasts for its abundance of remarkably preserved trilobites, marine creatures that lived during the Ordovician Period, around 470 million years ago. The quarry is considered one of the best places in Britain to find complete trilobite fossils, with discoveries regularly made by beginners and experienced collectors alike.
The quarry's fossil rich rocks were formed in a shallow ancient sea and have preserved an incredible snapshot of life from a time long before dinosaurs walked the Earth. Fossils commonly found include:
Trilobites
Graptolites
Brachiopods
Orthocones
Ancient sponges
Every rock split open could reveal a fossil that has remained hidden for hundreds of millions of years.
Exclusive cccess for our guests
Our sister property, Upper Gilwern Quarry Hut, sits alongside the famous fossil quarry and offers guests exclusive access to this remarkable site.
Guests staying at Rhiw Wood Treehouses can also arrange a visit to the private quarry during their stay, giving families the opportunity to combine luxury treehouse living with a genuine fossil hunting adventure. The quarry is approximately 10 minutes from the Treehouses and provides a unique day out that's very different from the usual holiday attractions.
Perfect for families
Children love fossil hunting because every find feels like a treasure hunt. There is something magical about discovering a creature that lived hundreds of millions of years before humans existed.
The experience encourages:
Outdoor exploration
Hands on learning
Curiosity about nature and science
Family adventures away from screens
Many fossils can be found on the quarry scree, while more determined fossil hunters can carefully split shale rocks to reveal hidden specimens. Safety equipment and sensible precautions are essential, making it an exciting and educational activity for all ages.
What you'll need for fossil hunting
If you're planning a fossil hunting trip during your stay, we recommend bringing:
Sturdy footwear
Safety goggles
Geological hammer and chisel
Gloves
A bucket or bag for your finds
Plenty of water and weather appropriate clothing
The quarry is exposed and remote, so preparation is key.
Fossil hunting responsibly
At Rhiw Wood Treehouses, we're passionate about helping guests connect with nature and discover the incredible history beneath our feet. We also encourage all visitors to fossil hunt responsibly and respectfully.
When visiting Upper Gilwern Quarry, we ask guests to follow the UK Fossils Code of Conduct, which promotes safe, ethical and sustainable fossil collecting practices. The code encourages collectors to respect land access, collect responsibly, prioritise safety, and help preserve important geological sites for future generations.
A few key principles include:
Always seek permission before accessing fossil sites.
Put safety first and be aware of quarry conditions.
Collect responsibly and avoid unnecessary damage to rocks and habitats.
Leave significant scientific discoveries in place and report them to experts where appropriate.
Respect the environment and take any litter home with you.
Fossil hunting is a wonderful way to learn about our planet's ancient past, and by following these simple guidelines, we can help ensure these special sites remain available for future fossil hunters to enjoy.
For full guidance, we recommend reading the UK Fossils Code of Conduct before your visit.
From ancient oceans to ancient woodland
One of the things we love most about offering this experience is the contrast between the two locations.
At Rhiw Wood Treehouses you'll wake amongst birdsong in our ancient woodland, soak in your private hot tub, and enjoy stunning views across the Mid Wales hills.
Then, just a short journey away, you can step into a landscape that tells the story of an ancient ocean, searching for creatures that lived nearly half a billion years ago.
It's a reminder that Mid Wales is full of hidden stories waiting to be discovered.
Make a full day of prehistoric adventure
Why stop at fossils? Combine your fossil hunting experience with a visit to one of Wales' most popular family attractions, the Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves Centre for an unforgettable prehistoric day out.
Located around 40 minutes from Rhiw Wood Treehouses, Dan yr Ogof is home to spectacular underground cave systems, dramatic waterfalls, dinosaur trails and fascinating geological displays. Visitors can explore vast limestone caverns, discover how caves are formed, and walk amongst over 200 life-sized dinosaur models hidden throughout the park.
After spending the morning searching for genuine 470-million-year-old fossils at Upper Gilwern Quarry, families can continue their journey through time by exploring the ancient caves and prehistoric exhibits at Dan yr Ogof. It's the perfect combination of hands-on discovery, outdoor adventure and family fun.
Many of our guests enjoy combining the two experiences into a full day's adventure before returning to their treehouse for an evening of relaxation in the hot tub beneath the stars.
A unique family holiday in Wales
From fossil hunting and cave exploration to woodland walks and wildlife spotting, Mid Wales offers experiences that are both educational and unforgettable.
At Rhiw Wood Treehouses, families can enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Spend your days uncovering fossils, exploring caves, meeting farm animals, hiking through the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of our woodland setting.
Whether you're searching for family activities in Mid Wales, unique things to do in Powys, or memorable days out near the Bannau Brycheiniog, you'll find plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories during your stay.
Make your next family holiday an adventure
Book your stay at Rhiw Wood Treehouses and add a fossil hunting experience to your Mid Wales holiday.
Please note that access to fossil sites is subject to landowner permission and site conditions. We encourage all guests to fossil hunt safely and responsibly in accordance with the UK Fossils Code of Conduct.
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