Explore the Blaenavon and Beyond - 2 Day Itinerary
What’s on in Southern Wales
With so much to do it can be challenging to know where to start. We’ve put together a sample two day itinerary for you, giving you the opportunity to visit some of the very best attractions.
Time your visit right and not only will you stay in some great accommodation, get to sample some great food and visit some top attractions, you’ll also get to enjoy some fabulous events.
Day 1 Stop 1 – Greenmeadow Community Farm Enjoy a farmhouse breakfast with bacon and eggs from the farm, before seeing the animals enjoy their first meal of the day. Many animals can be handled - great for young and older visitors. www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk
We’ve highlighted some of the most popular ones here, but there are hundreds more going on throughout the year. For a full list of events in the region, please visit www.visitsouthernwales.org
Stop 2 – Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre With an ever changing programme of exhibitions there’s always something new to see. The Grange is also a great starting point for a shopping trip to Cwmbran or group art activities can be arranged. www.lgac.org.uk Stop 3 – Torfaen Museum Witness the history of the area, from stone age sites, through the industrial revolution which started with the Hanbury’s in 1577, to modern days. The display of Pontypool and Usk Japanware is of national importance. torfaenmuseum.org.uk Stop 4 – Pontypool Park and Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Just a short step from the museum and you enter Pontypool Park. A circular walk route can take in the Shell Grotto, the Tower and the canal. A guide can bring the history of the park to life and stunning views can be enjoyed. www.torfaen.gov.uk
RHS Flower Show Cardiff
Merthyr Rising Steelhouse Festival, Blaenau Gwent
Day 2 Stop 1 – Llanyrafon Manor On the edge of the newtown of Cwmbran, Llanyrafon Manor dates back to around 1600. A visit gives you a fascinating glimpse of the past, and how this house has played a part in the story of the area. www.llanyrafonmanor.org
Nos Galan Road Races, Mountain Ash
Isle of Fire, Vale of Glamorgan
Abergavenny Food Festival
The Big Splash, Newport
Stop 2 – Llandegfedd Lake Created to supply water, this lake is a great watersparts centre and ideal for bird watching. The visitor centre gives you spectacular views across the water. www.llandegfedd.co.uk Stop 3 – Garn Lakes It’s hard to believe that this nature reserve was covered in coal waste only around 25 years ago. Now the two lakes and grasslands provide a diverse habitat and breeding grounds for a wide range of wildlife such as Tufted Ducks, Skylarks, Snipes, Redshanks and Little Grebes. www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/GarnLakes Stop 4 – Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway Run by a loyal band of volunteers the railway runs regularly though the summer and host numerous special events. It is also possible to hire the railway for your group, and to travel through the former industrial landscape. A great experience. pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk/
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www.visitsouthernwales.org
The Big Cheese, Caerphilly Blaenavon - Torfaen
Porthcawl Elvis Festival
Blaenavon World Heritage Day, Blaenavon
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