Hafod-Morfa Copperworks
Explore the remnants of Swansea's 'Copperopolis' past at Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, a site undergoing regeneration with art and heritage trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Guided tours often available
Hafod-Morfa Copperworks
Best Time
Guided tours often available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remnants of Swansea's 'Copperopolis' past at Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, a site undergoing regeneration with art and heritage trails.
"A historic landmark undergoing regeneration, offering a glimpse into Swansea's industrial might."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Join a free guided walk for fascinating history and insights from local volunteers.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site involves walking on heritage trails and uneven ground.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Powerhouse & Canteen
Grade II Listed Building
Once the heart of operations, this building is being repurposed as a visitor center, showcasing unique features of the industrial era.
Former Rolling Mill Building
Museum space
This historic structure is being transformed into a museum, offering a tangible connection to the site's copper manufacturing legacy.
Art Installations
Contemporary art pieces add a modern layer to the historic ruins, offering a unique visual narrative of the site's past and future.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Access & Tours
Understand the Regeneration Phase
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Join a free guided walk for fascinating history and insights from local volunteers.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site involves walking on heritage trails and uneven ground.
📸 Capture the Contrast
Juxtapose industrial ruins with modern art installations for striking photos.
🛶 Consider a River View
Take a boat trip on the 'Copper Jack' for a unique perspective of the works.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Join a free guided walk for fascinating history and insights from local volunteers.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site involves walking on heritage trails and uneven ground.
📸 Capture the Contrast
Juxtapose industrial ruins with modern art installations for striking photos.
🛶 Consider a River View
Take a boat trip on the 'Copper Jack' for a unique perspective of the works.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hafod-Morfa Copperworks a historically significant site with great potential, appreciating the ongoing regeneration efforts and the passion of volunteers. While the site is currently a 'building site' with many areas inaccessible, the art installations and heritage trails offer an engaging experience for those interested in industrial history. Some visitors note the lack of current amenities and the derelict appearance of some structures.
"One of the most historic landmarks of great importance of Swansea and Wales 🏴 is the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. The remains are Grade II Listed Buildings ushering the statutory protection.
It was nice to see that the Swansea Council, Swansea University, Friends of Hafod-Morfa Copperworks and Local Community came forward to revive this treasured heritage after decades of despair! The Powerhouse & Canteen, a Grade II Listed Building, is currently undergoing restorative and preservative work as well as repurposing the building for the Visitor Centre with many unique features! Another Grade II Listed Building - former rolling mill building - currently being used as a museum - is also undergoing repurposing works to support the regeneration project!
However, It would be better and ideal to add a specific Visitor Centre for the site with café, souvenirs shops, information display, seating areas, disabled access, conference hall - it would bring more diverse visitors with children and younger audiences!
This new installation works is intrinsically involved with all the Grade II Listed Buildings in the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks! The whole site of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks reminds us of the historic industrial past of Swansea! These are the early signs, and perhaps, only few remaining Monuments of the industrialised nation the Swansea/Wales used to be! And perhaps, a reminder of how polluted these area was and how it contributed towards the "Climate Change"!
What a mystery! What a history! Who would have thought the Morfa Road was once a vibrant busy Swansea Canal! And because of the Swansea Canal, the current towns came to existence and without this canal, Swansea might not have the industrial revolutions for which Swansea was once Known as "Copperopolis"!
It is an amazing Heritage site - full of mystery and picturesque viewpoints - River Tawe, White Rock Heritage Park across the River, Tall Chimney, Art Works, Morfa Bascule Bridge, Heritage Trails! Art Installations brought in some life to the site and it is more descriptive through the arts! A huge potential to make this one of the best walking/hiking routes in the area!
Despite the historic importance and statutory protection, the whole site looks like derelict, run-down, barren, neglected, not of importance at all! It is currently closed due to repair works! The whole site needs a makeover with appropriate signages & lightnings, interpretation display boards and a proper maintenance programme to make it a safe site to visit and enjoy the heritage!
Whole site is temporarily closed for the regeneration project! Look forward to seeing the completed work and regeneration project reviving the site which once was bustling with workers and polluted gas!"
Muhammad Haque
"The Hafod-Morfa Copperworks was, at one time, the largest copperworks in the world and the hub of the global copper industry.
Penderyn's 3rd Distillery in Wales is located nearby, with the Distillery Hall housed in what was once the copperworks' powerhouse. The other buildings that remain on site are derelict but are currently being restored. This area is a nice place to walk and, overall, a great area to relax and learn."
John A
"Looks like a cool site but is a building site currently if you're considering visiting"
Kieran Boast
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Copperworks is located near the Swansea.com Stadium. You can reach it via car, with parking available at the overflow car park opposite Landore Park & Ride. Public transport options to Swansea city centre are also available, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.
Yes, parking is available at the overflow car park opposite Landore Park & Ride, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the site.
It's a bit of a walk from the city centre, but doable if you enjoy longer strolls. Alternatively, local buses run frequently towards the stadium area.
The site has heritage trails, but some areas can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Guided tours offer the best way to understand the layout and history.
Yes, buses serving the Swansea.com Stadium area will get you close to the Copperworks. Check local bus timetables for routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the site for general exploration is typically free. However, guided walks may have a small fee or be donation-based. It's best to check with the Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks for specific tour details.
The site is generally accessible for walks during daylight hours. However, specific buildings undergoing restoration may have restricted access. Always check for any temporary closures due to regeneration work.
Currently, the site is undergoing regeneration, so some buildings are closed for restoration. You can explore the grounds and heritage trails, but access to all structures is not guaranteed.
Yes, guided walks are often led by volunteers from the Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks. These tours provide excellent historical context and are highly recommended.
While it's a 'building site,' you can still visit and explore the accessible areas and heritage trails. Be mindful of safety notices and restricted zones.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the remains of the historic copperworks, including the Powerhouse & Canteen and the former rolling mill building, alongside art installations and heritage trails. The site offers a glimpse into Swansea's industrial past.
Families can enjoy exploring the open spaces and art installations. Guided tours can make the history more engaging for older children. However, due to ongoing work, supervision is essential.
It was once the largest copperworks in the world and a hub of the global copper industry, earning Swansea the nickname 'Copperopolis'. It's a key monument to Wales' industrial heritage.
Currently, dedicated visitor facilities like cafes and souvenir shops are limited as the site is under regeneration. The Powerhouse building is being developed into a visitor centre.
Art installations have been introduced to the site, adding a contemporary layer to the historical ruins and providing visual narratives.
📸 📸 Photography
The contrast between the decaying industrial structures and the surrounding landscape, including the River Tawe and modern art, offers great photographic opportunities. The Powerhouse building and the rolling mill ruins are particularly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be mindful of any restricted areas due to ongoing construction or safety concerns.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide dramatic lighting for the industrial ruins. Overcast days can also offer soft, diffused light ideal for capturing details.
Capture the scale of the remaining structures, the art installations, and the views of the River Tawe. The Morfa Bascule Bridge is also a notable feature.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the site and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive industrial remains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dedicated play areas or extensive family facilities are still developing, the site offers a unique outdoor space for exploration. The River Tawe nearby also provides scenic views. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as on-site amenities are limited during this development phase.
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts & Walkers
Walkers will appreciate the heritage trails that wind through the site, offering picturesque views of the River Tawe and surrounding areas. The juxtaposition of industrial ruins with modern art creates a unique and visually stimulating walking experience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Legacy of Hafod-Morfa
Today, the site stands as a significant heritage asset, with its remaining structures, including the Grade II Listed Powerhouse & Canteen and the former rolling mill building, undergoing crucial restoration. These efforts aim to preserve the tangible links to this industrial past, allowing future generations to understand the magnitude of Swansea's contribution to the industrial revolution. The ongoing regeneration project seeks to balance preservation with modern use, creating a vibrant space that honors its history.
The Swansea Canal played a vital role in the Copperworks' success, facilitating the transport of raw materials and finished goods. The remnants of this industrial era, including the canal's historical path, are interwoven with the Copperworks site, offering a layered historical narrative. Exploring Hafod-Morfa is not just about seeing old buildings; it's about connecting with the stories of innovation, labor, and the environmental transformations that defined an era.
Regeneration and Community Involvement
The Powerhouse & Canteen, a Grade II Listed Building, is a key focus of the regeneration, slated to become a new visitor centre. Similarly, the former rolling mill building is being adapted to house a museum, offering visitors a deeper dive into the site's history. These developments aim to create a more engaging and accessible experience, drawing diverse audiences, including families and younger visitors, to the site.
The passion of the volunteers is a driving force behind the site's revival. Their efforts ensure that the historical significance of the Copperworks is not forgotten, even as the site evolves. The introduction of art installations further enriches the visitor experience, adding a contemporary artistic dimension that complements the industrial heritage and signals a forward-looking approach to heritage site development.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit