Blaenavon Industrial Landscape - South Wales
Designated a World Heritage Site in 2000.
The Blaenavon area lies about 40km northeast of Cardiff and has been moulded by the coal and iron industries. It highlights the importance of South Wales in the world's production of coal and iron in the 19th century.
The preserved ironworks, built in 1789, provide a remarkable insight into the social and economical developments of the time. A visit to the area will give you a real insight into the lives and history of this area and how it changed the world through the industrial revolution.
There's so much to see and do related to this fascinating historical period that even if history isn't your thing, you'll be engrossed. You can see everything from coal and ore mines, quarries, a primitive railway system and furnaces to workers' homes and what their communities were like.
Must see & do:
- Big Pit National Mining Museum - built inside a real coal mine, Big Pit is a fascinating interactive museum where you can get kitted out as a real miner and take a tour 300ft down into a mine shaft.
- Blaenavon town - The town has a rich history which saw it grow from a tiny village to bustling town in the late 19th century. Today, you'll find traditional shops side-by-side with second-hand bookshops, gift shops and cafes.
- Bog Snorkelling - every August Bank Holiday there's the opportunity to watch this bizare international sport where competitors race each other through a peat bog wearing snorkels and flippers.
- Horse ride on the Black Mountains - pony trek through the Black Mountains. Wild ponies may follow you while magnificent birds of prey swoop and glide overhead. Horse riding in Britain
Get your Great British Heritage Pass
For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
For full details and to order click here