Brecon Beacons National Park

Here are a few ideas of how you could combine the attractions across the area create a fascinating day out.

Torfaen Museum

Set in the Georgian Stables, the museum explores the areas past through an extensive display of artefacts. In particular there is an extensive display of Pontypool & Usk Japanware, and the Pontypool Rugby Club archive is on show, including the Pontypool Front Row.

tel: +44(0)1495 752036 email: TorfaenMuseum@outlook.com web: torfaenmuseum.org.uk

Greenmeadow Community Farm

Hands on farming experience. Meet and feed the animals, see the daily milking demonstrations, take a tractor & trailer ride, explore the woodlands and enjoy the adventure playground. Seasonal events, cosy cafe and gift shop.

tel: +44(0)1633 647662 email: greenmeadowcommunityfarm@torfaen.gov.uk web: www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk

Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway

Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway is set at the head of the Eastern Valley. From Furnace Sidings you can take the train to the Big Pit National Coal Museum, the heritage town of Blaenavon or simply relax and take in the scenery.

tel: +44 (0)1495 792263 email: info@pbrly.co.uk web: www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre

Located in two beautifully restored former industrial schools from the early 19th Century, the Heritage Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into the significance of Blaenavon’s Industrial Landscape and also introduces them to the area’s many attractions.

tel: +44 (0)1495 742333 email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk web: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk

Pontypool Park

Formerly owned by the Hanbury Family, the park is now a great family day out with play and sports facilities as well as historical features like The Grotto and Tower. Nearby is the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Junction Cottage.

tel: +44 (0)1495 762200 web: www.torfaen.gov.uk

Rhymney Brewery Visitor Centre

Sample a unique opportunity to step back in time when ale was king. Go on a journey through the history of the Rhymney Brewery up until the modern day and witness the brewing process of award winning ales.

tel: +44 (0)1495 790456 email: enquiries@rhymneybreweryltd.com web: www.rhymneybreweryltd.com

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

Housed in a Victorian gentleman’s residence, Llantarnam Grange shows local, national and international art & craft. Also runs a variety of workshops. High quality craft for sale in the shop, and home made food served in the cafe.

tel: +44 (0)1633 483321 email: info@lgac.org.uk web: www.lgac.org.uk

Blaenavon Heritage Town

Take time to explore Blaenavon Heritage Town, which is the best preserved early iron town in Wales. Only a few minutes stroll from the World Heritage Centre, discover what this town has to offer.

tel: +44 (0)1495 742333 email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk web: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk

Big Pit National Coal Museum

Big Pit stands high on the heather-clad moors of Blaenavon, and in its heyday, employed 1,300 workers. Today you can follow in their footsteps through award winning interactive exhibits and the world famous underground tour led by a real miner.

tel: +44 (0)2920 573650 email: bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk web: www.museum.wales/bigpit

Blaenafon Cheddar Company

Making a wide variety of cheese matured deep underground at Big Pit, Blaenafon Cheddar also organises talks and tastings at their shop in the centre of Blaenavon or at other venues for larger groups.

tel: +44 (0)1495 793123 email: achunkofwales@btinternet.com web: www.chunkofcheese.co.uk

Llanyrafon Manor

Recently restored, a visit to the Manor allows you to discover how it looked and operated in Tudor times, through the Victorian era and during WW2. It also plays host to regular craft and food markets. Nearby is Llanyrafon Mill.

tel: +44 (0)1633 648562 email: llanyrafonmanor19@gmail.com web: www.llanyrafonmanor.org

Blaenavon Ironworks

One of the best preserved 18thcentury ironworks to be found anywhere in the world. When Blaenavon Ironworks was built in 1788 it was part of a revolution of industrial proportions. Visit Stack Square cottages and see how generations lived.

tel: +44 (0)1495 792615 email: BlaenavonIronworks@gov.wales web: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/blaenavon-ironworks