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The Valleys
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Rhondda Heritage Park was formed by locals when the Lewis Merthyr
Colliery in Trehafod closed in 1983, and is now one of South Wales'
top attractions. You can explore the engine-winding houses, lamp
room and fan house, and take a simulated 'trip underground' with
stunning visuals and sound effects re-creating 1950's and late
nineteenth century life through the eyes of colliers. A Visitor Centre houses an art gallery, restaurant, gift shop and a period re-constructed village street.
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Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining
museums and makes for an exciting and informative day out. Take a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual
miner, explore colliery buildings and see exhibitions in the Pithead
Baths. Travel 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. The Pithead Baths Canteen serves meals and snacks and a gift shop sells souvenirs and books.
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Built in the early 16th century, Llancaiach Fawr Manor is one of
the finest examples of a semi-fortified manor house in Wales. Its
original design incorporated four-foot thick walls, a single
entrance to the Manor and a system of defendable staircases and stout
wooden doors. On your visit you'll experience the sights, sounds and
smells of 1645. Costumed guides re-enact the roles of previous
inhabitants including servants, the master of the house, Edward Prichard and his wife, Mary.
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The Welsh International Climbing Centre has one of the biggest and best
indoor climbing walls in Europe. They also offer adventure
activities including caving, gorge scrambling, kayaking and
mountaineering. Taster sessions are available to learn the challenges of indoor
climbing and practice outdoor skills on the indoor wall -
suitable for 6 year olds and above. For a more exhilarating experience
try the 'High Ropes Course,' 50 feet off the ground with cargo net,
rope bridge and zip wire.
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The Romans founded their fortress at Caerleon in 75AD. One of just
three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain, it guarded the region for
over 200 years. Visitors to the museum, set within the
walls of the old fortress, will learn just what it was that made the
Romans such a formidable fighting force. There is a large collection of
objects showing how the soldiers lived, fought, worshipped and died,
and at weekends and holidays children can step into the barrack room and try on replica armour.
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Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil is situated in 160 acres of parkland
with formal gardens, a lake, children’s play area and a model railway.
The castle was built in 1824 during the industrial revolution, and has
now opened its doors to the public, hosting a spectacular museum and
art gallery. Visitors can witness a range of art displays and eclectic
collections from the ancient world, including Egyptian grave goods,
Greek and Roman artefacts, and Far Eastern decorative arts.
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South Wales's industrial history is recalled at Blaenavon, one of Europe's best-preserved 18th century ironworks. Built in the 1780s, it was at the cutting edge of new technology. A steam engine allowed the construction of the first purpose built multi-furnace works in Wales, a milestone in the Industrial Revolution. Visitors to the site can still trace the entire process of production,
from the charging at "furnace top" with coal, iron ore and limestone to
the casting of the molten metal in the yard below.
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Cynon Valley Museum features exhibitions on the social and
industrial history of the Cynon Valley, focusing mainly on the last 200 years, from the birth of
the Hirwaun iron industry to the closure of the coal industry. The Space, contemporary Art Gallery shows a range of work by local
artists, and the Footprints Cafe’ serves freshly prepared light meals, fairtrade coffees and teas. A gift shop sells contemporary
jewellery, glass and ceramics, a range of art books and
limited edition prints.
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Proudly standing on a 30-acre site, Caerphilly Castle is one of the
largest fortresses in Europe. Complete with moat and bridge, and
boasting a tower which 'out leans' that of Pisa, the castle also
receives visits from the infamous Ghost of the Green Lady. Located
close to the site of a former Roman fort, the building of Wales'
largest castle began in 1268, under orders from the Anglo-Norman Lord
Gilbert de Clare, later suffering from numerous Welsh attacks!
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Built in the 1820's for the workers of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks,
Number 4 Chapel Row was the birthplace of Wales best known composer,
Joseph Parry, born in 1841. His much loved 'Myfanwy' is still a
favourite of Welsh Male Voice Choirs to this day. The interior of the
cottage is set in the 1840's and shows the living conditions of the
ironworkers at the time when Parry was a young boy, as well as displays
on Parry's life and music.
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