West Wales
West Wales Web Site
Attractions near to West Wales
1940s Swansea Bay
Experience the sights & sounds of life during WW11. 1940s clothes and uniforms to try on. Street scene, shop, café, special events. Groups welcome.www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk
Abbey Mill
Arts, crafts and gifts from Wales, the rest of Britain and around the world. One site, five shops. Open seven days a week. Coffee Shop, restaurant, local food, famous Mill Wheel teacake, infamous Dragon Pie.www.abbeymill.com
Abergavenny Museum & Castle
Abergavenny Museum is situated within the grounds of a Norman castle and its displays tell the story of Abergavenny's historic market town and its surrounds. Children's activities. Shop. Parking. Schools welcome.www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Go 300ft underground and see the hidden world of the miner on a real underground tour. Also, visit the new Museum exhibitions and visit a modern mine with our 'virtual' Miner Guide.www.museumwales.ac.uk
Blaenavan Ironworks
South Wales's industrial history is celebrated at this revealing site, one of Europe's best preserved 18th-century ironworks located in the former iron and coal producing town of Blaenavon. The famous ironworks at Blaenavon was a milestone in the history of the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can view much of the ongoing conservation work as well 'stack square'- a rare survival of housing built for pioneer ironworkers.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Enjoy interactive exhibitions telling the story of our World Heritage Site. Visit the Art Gallery, Café, TIC and Gift Shop. Regular events throughout the year. Situated in a former school built by the Ironmasters in the early 19th century, the center has a programme of exhibitions, events and educational activities all year round. Heritage Cafe, gift shop and art gallery. Interactive screens tell the story of the World Heritage Site.http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/PlanYourVisit/PlanYourVisit/ThingsToDo/BlaenavonWorldHeritageCentre.aspx
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park offers great activities for all ages and interests. Horse riding, cycling, canoeing, gorge walking, and walking in stunning landscapes.www.breconbeaconstourism.co.uk
Caerphilly Castle
The world is waking up to the presence of this massive 'sleeping giant' of a castle which effortlessly dominates the town of Caerphilly. One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defenses are formidable even today.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Caldicot Castle and country park
Visit Caldicot's magnificent medieval castle set in fifty-five acres of beautiful parkland. Enjoy an audio tour, hands-on activities, gardens & grounds, gift shop & tea room. Active annual events programme.www.caldicotcastle.co.uk
Cantref Adventure Farm and Riding Centre
Cantref Adventure Farm & Riding Centre. Award-winning family attraction. Live show every half an hour, tractor and trailer rides, pony rides, huge indoor play area, Europewww.cantref.com
Cardiff Castle
Discover 2000 years of history in the heart of the city. From the arrival of the Romans, through the Norman conquest to lavish Victorian design - all have left their distinctive mark on the castle for you to explore. Take a guided tour of spectacular apartments and climb the Norman Keep. Plus Museum of the Welsh Regiment, Undercroft Cafe and Gift Shop.www.cardiffcastle.com
Castell Coch
Castle Coch is the ultimate fairytale castle, a rich feast of decoration, detail, and allusion. Its conical towers and needle-sharp turrets peek out from a wooded slope, presenting a vision more in tune with the Bavarian countryside than a Welsh hillside.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Chepstow Castle
Chepstow, a strategic fortress for hundreds of years, demonstrates the changes in medieval military fortification. The Castle was extensively modified and developed in successive stages throughout the middle ages and saw further use during and after the civil war.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Chepstow Museum
Attractive displays focus on the fascinating history of Chepstow and its people; a fine collection of 18th and 19th century local views; activities and quizzes for children; changing special exhibitions.Contact details: Gwy House, Bridge Street, Chepstow NP16 5EZ. Tel: 01291 625981
City Sightseeing - Cardiff
City Sightseeing open top double decker live guided tour buses provide a unique & entertaining way to see the best sights & highlights of Cardiff. With ten stops, you can hop on hop off at your leisure.www.city-sightseeing.com
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village
Discover an authentic medieval village in 110 hectares of beautiful countryside. Explore meadows, lakes, woodland, and wetland and visit the 14th century, or simply enjoy the lakeside restaurant. Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village make a wonderful day out.Contact details: Lavernock Road, Penarth CF64 5UY. Tel: 029 2070 1678
Craig-y-Nos Castle
Reputedly haunted, Craig-y-Nos Castle is the jewel in the crown of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Licensed for weddings, its a Grade One listed Opera House and is a must see property. Extensive walks in 40 acres of lakes, woodland, and country park.www.craigynoscastle.com
Cwmcarn Forest Drive
An enchanting forest where visitors can stop off at 7 different car parks to enjoy cycling and walks with spectacular views. The newly opened visitor center has a gift shop, information area and a relaxing cafe with an impressive outdoor seating area.www.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Commissioned by ironmaster William Crawshay in 1824 to overlook his immensely successful ironworks. Admire the extensive fine and decorative art collections or stroll through the atmospheric social and industrial history galleries. Set in beautiful parkland on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park the site includes a traditional tearoom and shop.http://www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/attractions/cyfarthfa-park-museum/cyfarthfa-castle-museum.aspx
Dan-yr-Ogof The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Voted 'Britain's Finest Natural Wonder', walk deep into the subterranean world and experience some of nature’s most astounding geological formations! Above ground, see one of the largest dinosaur parks in the word, the Shire Horse Centre and much much more. One ticket - 10 attractions.www.showcaves.co.uk
Dare Valley Country Park
A visitor attraction situated in 500 acres of accessible countryside. 3 Star accommodation, caravan, and camping make an ideal base to explore this fascinating region.http://www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk/
Dewstow Gardens and Grottoes
Built in 1890, buried after WW11, Dewstow Gardens have recently been rediscovered and have undergone a huge restoration and renovation since 2001. Now open to visitors.www.dewstow.co.uk/gardens.htm
Dyffryn Gardens and Arboretum
Delightful Edwardian gardens with stunning garden rooms, tree collections, and statuary, set in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, currently being restored with the aid of a Heritage Lottery Grant.www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/?page=6907
Festival Park - Branded Outlet Shopping Centre - Ebbw Vale
Shopping village with over 40 outlets selling top brand names at up to 50% off high street prices. Large restaurant. Free parking and wheelchairs. 70 acres of parkland with owl sanctuary, 2 fishing lakes, walks, and ornamental gardens.www.festivalshopping.co.uk
Flat Holm Island
Take a trip to Cardiff's own Island, Flat Holm. Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Canons, Smugglers, and Underground stores. Family activities and guided tours. Departs from Cardiff Bay between March & Octoberwww.flatholmisland.com
Fonmon Castle
Castle dating from the 12th Century still occupied as a family home. Georgian rococo interiors house an important collection of antique paintings, books, porcelain etc all enclosed in fine walled gardens with castellated Watch Tower and Stable Block.www.castlewales.com/fonmon.html
Glamorgan Cricket
Sophia Gardens, the home of Welsh cricket and the venue for the opening England versus Australia Test match of the 2009 Ashes, providing one of the most exciting finishes ever seen in the classic series. But it’s not just a cricket stadium, stadium tours and behind-the-scenes visits are also available.www.glamorgancricket.com
Go Ape!
Bring out your inner ape! Are you wild enough to climb 40ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan swing into a giant rope net, zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and tackle high wire rope bridges? If the answer's yes, you’re ready to Go Ape!www.goape.co.uk
Gower Heritage Centre
Historic 800-year-old water-powered corn mill. Sawmill complex together with craft workshops; large tearooms; children's puppet theatre; pottery; Willow weaving; wood turning; blacksmiths; and small animal farm.www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Experience everyday life in the 17th century in the company of the servants of the Manor. Modern visitor facilities, exhibition, cafe/restaurant, and shop.www.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr
Llanerch Vineyard
Visit the largest vineyard in Wales producing the award-winning, estate grown 'Cariad' Welsh wines. Take the vineyard trail, tour the estate and taste the wines. Also, explore the delights of their culinary food school with many courses throughout the year.www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk
National Museum Cardiff
History, science, and the arts at your fingertips - the National Museum and Gallery really captures your imagination. Admire world-famous works of art, or explore a land of dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. Uncover the secrets of our ancestors, or discover the natural history of Wales. Whatever your interest there's something to amaze everyone - and it's all under one roof!www.museumwales.ac.uk
National Waterfront Museum
Opened in the Summer of 2005, this 30.8million landmark attraction in Swansea's maritime quarter tells Wales story of industry and innovation. This exciting visitor experience users up-to-date forms of interpretation and offers free admission to all.www.museumwales.ac.uk
Newport Museum & Art Gallery
Natural science displays including geology; fine and applied art, specializing in early English watercolors, teapots, and contemporary crafts; prehistoric finds from Gwent and Romano-British remains from Caerwent; local history including the Chartist movement. Regular exhibitions and associated activities.www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=museumheritage.museum
Penderyn Distillery
Penderyn Distillery has one of the best visitor centers in the UK. Watch a bottling line in action producing an award-winning Welsh single malt whiskey. Learn for yourself the history of whiskey making in Wales as well as more general Welsh history in our exhibition center. Finish off in our magnificent tasting room where you can experience for yourself our range of spirits.http://www.welsh-whisky.co.uk/
Pontypridd Museum
Museum of the History of Pontypridd, where the Welsh National Anthem was composed. Located in a former chapel, next to William Edwards' famous bridge.Contact details: Bridge Street, Pontypridd CF37 4PE. Tel: 01443 490748
Raglan Castle
Raglan remains the finest late medieval fortress in Britain and survived one of the longest sieges of the Civil War. Raglan was built in the mid-15th century and remodeled in the Tudor period.http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/
Sirhowy Ironworks
Recently restored and conserved ironworks are a rare survivor of the heyday of the iron industry in Georgian Waleswww.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/
St Fagans National History Museum
Step back in time and experience centuries of Welsh history gathered together in acres of beautiful countryside at St Fagans Natural History Museum, one of Europe's biggest open-air museums!www.museumwales.ac.uk/
Techniquest
Voted the best science center in Europe, Techniquest houses over 120 interactive hands-on exhibits. Suitable for all ages, visitors can fire a rocket, launch a hot air balloon, play a tune on a giant piano and much more. Audience participation is encouraged in the science theatre which hosts live shows and the mysteries of space are uncovered in the Planetarium.www.techniquest.org/start/
The National Roman Legion Museum
Step back in time at the Roman Legionary Museum in Caerleon, and learn what made the Romans a formidable force. See how they lived, fought, worshipped and died.www.museumwales.ac.uk/
The Nelson Museum & Local History Centre
A magnificent collection about the famous admiral, Horatio Nelson. Learn about his life, loves, death and commemoration in one of the world's major Nelson museums. The Local History Centre in the same building deals with Monmouth and its people.Contact details: New Market Hall, Priory Street, Monmouth NP25 3XA. Tel: 01600 710630
Tintern Abbey
Travelers have been flocking to the river bank in the wooded Wye Valley for hundreds of years to admire Tintern's grace and sublime beauty. The appeal of this exceptional religious house, the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales, remains enduring as ever.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/
Tredegar House & Park
Set in 90 acres of award-winning gardens and parkland, Tredegar House is one of the finest examples of Restoration Architecture in Wales and was the ancestral home of the Morgans for over five hundred years. Visitors today can discover what life was like for those who lived 'above and below' stairs. A stunning sequence of Staterooms, elaborately decorated with carvings, gilding, and fine paintings contrast with the fascinating and extensive domestic quarters. Lakeside walks, beautiful walled gardens, orangery and spectacular stable block complete the 'Country House' picture. Gift shop, tea room, craft workshops together with special events in the house and park throughout the year.www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=thingstosee.tredegarhouse
Winding House
The Winding House in New Tredegar is the museum for Caerphilly County Borough. Explore and discover the history of the County Borough from its first inhabitants to the present day. From the Celts and Romans to Castles, Cavaliers and the Industrial Revolution. Join us in our striking new building and explore our exhibitions, discover our Victorian winding engine - eat, drink and shopwww.caerphilly.gov.uk/windinghouse/
Wye Valley & Vale of Usk
Lose yourself in the Natural beauty and rich heritage of Monmouthshire and Newport. From the remains of Medieval castles and the outstanding product and crafts of local artisans to the busy cultural diary of acclaimed festivals, the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk is a feast for the senses.www.visitwyevalley.com
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