Attractions in South Wales

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape

Situated in the heart of South Wales, the town of Blaenavon and its surrounding landscape is one of the best preserved early iron communities in Wales. This industrial landscape has been awarded World Heritage Site status, having played a leading role in the industrial revolution of the 18th/19th century. The Heritage visitor center, which relates the history of the site, is located in a restored industrial school building built by the Ironmasters. The heritage centre provides an overview of the main attractions at Blaenavon, which include the Blaenavon Ironworks (one the best preserved 18th-c ironworks of its period), the Big Pit National Coal Museum (shown above), Rhymney Brewery and the Blaenavon Heritage Railway. A great family day out.

Opening times: Tue to Sun, from 9am (closed Xmas & NY) - Free Entry to Visitor Centre
Location: Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9AS - Tel: 01495 742333 - Website

The Big Pit National Coal Museum

A real coal mine where you can travel 300 feet below ground, guided by an ex-coal miner who will recall his experiences of working at the coalface.

Opening times: see website for details - Free Entry
Location: Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9XP - Tel: 029 2057 3650 - Website

Caerleon Roman Fort & Baths

The ancient village of Caerleon dates way back to the Roman times, when a fort was established here to guard the river crossing. The Roman Fort once provided accommodation for thousands of soldiers and the extensive foundations of the barrack blocks and parts of the fortified walls can still be seen, including a large amphitheatre; one of the best preserved examples in Britain.

Excavations at the Roman Baths have uncovered a caldarium (hot plunge bath), a frigidarium (cold bath), a tepidarium (under floor heated room) and natatio (swimming pool). Together these provided a range of relaxation and bathing facilities for the resident legions. The baths are on display in a purpose built (undercover) museum in the High Street. See also the National Roman Legion Museum, also located in the High Street.

Opening times: all year, daily from 9.30 - Free Entry
Location: Caerleon, NP18 1AE - Tel: 01663 422518 - Website

Caerwent Roman Town

Excavations from the Roman town of 'Venta Silurum' provide a vivid picture of life in 2nd century Roman Britain. Excavations in the area have uncovered the foundations of Roman buildings, shops, temples and a Forum Basilica.

Opening times: access throughout the year - Free Entry
Location: Monmouthshire - Tel: 01443 336000 - Website

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village

Living museum of medieval village life, set in a reconstructed village that was wiped-out during the plagues and famines of the 14th-c. Special events throughout the year, including re-enactments.

Opening times: all year, daily from 11am (closed Xmas). Country park open at all time. Free Entry
Location: Lavernock Road, CF64 5UY - Tel: 029 2070 1678 - Website

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Wales contains a number of old gold mines and Dolaucothi is one of the best preserved. The main discovery of gold was made here by the Romans. However, it has been mined in the area for many centuries and was also very popular with the celts and ancient Britons. The mine finally closed in the 1930s and the mine and ancient mine machinery are now on display.

Regular underground and site tours available. Managed by National Trust*

Opening times: Mar~Aug daily, times vary see website for further details - Admission Charge*
Location: Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US - Tel: 01558 650177 - Website

Kidwelly Industrial Museum

Located in the old Kidwelly tin plate works, original machinery on display. Also coal mining exhibition with pit-head gear and a winding engine.

Opening times: Easter~Sep, Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 12-5 - Free Entry
Location: Broadford, Kidwelly, SA17 4LW - Tel: 01554 891078 - Website

Melin Tregwynt Mill

Working mill with weaving demonstrations, visitors always welcome. Mill and shop open daily except Sundays. Why not enjoy a picnic on the nearby beaches of Abermawr and Aberbach while your here.

Opening times: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm - Free Entry
Location: Near St Nicholas, Letterston, Haverfordwest - Tel: - Website

National Roman Legion Museum

Armour and weapons on display at Caerleon Museum

Packed with Roman artifacts and finds discovered in the town and surrounding area. Exhibits include mosaic flooring, grave goods and household items, plus weapons, armour and other militaria. Much of which is surprisingly well preserved, considering it had been buried here for well over a 1000 years.

There is also a reconstructed barrack room with replica armour and equipment and at the rear of the museum is a traditional Roman courtyard garden. An absolute must see attraction for anyone interested in Roman History.

Opening times: all year, Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm (Sun 2pm)
Free Entry
Location: High St, Caerleon, NP18 1AE - Tel: 01633 423134
Website

Oakwood Park

Amusement theme park with over 30 thrilling rides. Includes a vertical drop roller-coaster, wooden roller coaster, sky coaster, Vertigo drop tower and the Hydro - one of the steepest and wettest rides in Europe! Plus lots of other smaller rides and attractions for younger children.

Opening times: Easter~Oct, times vary see website for details - Admission Charge
Location: Canaston Bridge, SA67 8DE - Tel: 01834 861889 - Website

Rhondda Heritage Park

Heritage mining community attraction. Based at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, the Heritage Park is a fascinating 'living history' attraction. You can take the Cage Ride to 'Pit Bottom' and explore the underground workings of a 1950s pit, guided by men who were miners themselves. Visitor centre has a reconstructed period village street.

Opening times: daily 10am to 4pm (closed Xmas & Mon from Oct to Easter) - Admission Charge
Location: Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Coed Cae Road, Trehafod, CF37 2PN - Tel: 01443 682036 - Website

St Fagans National History Museum

Living Folk Museum, where historic Welsh life is represented by over 40 re-erected ancient houses, cottages, mills, chapels and farmsteads, all set-up to preserve the architectural heritage of Wales. Situated within 100 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens. Regular working craft demonstrations.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 2.30pm to 5pm (closed Xmas & BH) - Free Entry
Location: Welsh Folk Museum, St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB
Tel: 02221 569441 - Website

The Old Station Tintern

Award winning family attraction. Restored Victorian country railway station, located in the lovely Wye Valley. Although trains no longer run here there is plenty to do and see, including a miniature railway and exhibition. The station buildings have been converted into lovely tea rooms and the old signal box houses irregular craft and art exhibitions. Children's play area, walks and countryside trails.

Opening times: - Admission Charge
Location: Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 7NX - Tel: 01291 689566

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Towns and Villages in South Wales

Bridgend , Abertillery , Caerphilly , Cardiff , Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Port Talbot, Ferndale, Pontypridd , Swansea , Pontypool , Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth, Newport, Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Penarth, Ammanford, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandovery, Llanelli, St. Clears, Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke, St. David's, Tenby

Other Places to Visit in South Wales

Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.

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Family Attractions and Heritage Parks in South Wales