Aberdulais Tin Works & Waterfall - National Trust
Aberdulais
Neath SA10 8EU
Famous waterfall and fascinating industrial site with tin workers' exhibition Set in a steep gorge, this place demonstrates the power of water and its impact on industry. Our film 'Reflections on Tin' traces its 400-year history, from 1584, including a visit by the famous artist JMW Turner. An early water-powered tin works was the last industry here. Today the waters of the River Dulais are used to make Aberdulais Falls self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy.
Caerphilly Castle
Castle Street
Caerphilly CF83 1JD
One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 by the Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gilbert de Clare. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable even today.
Castell Coch
Tongwynlais CF15 7JS
While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The 'eccentric genius' William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a High Gothic rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied.
Cefn Coed Colliery Museum
Blaenant Colliery Site, Neath Road, Crynant
Neath SA10 8SN
Located near the village of Crynant in the Dulais Valley five miles north of Neath, Cefn Coed Colliery Museum tells the story of coal mining at Cefn Coed pit, once the deepest anthracite coal mine in the world. Cefn Coed was one of the most dangerous coalmines in Wales, gaining the nickname 'The Slaughterhouse'.
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Brecon Road
Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RE
The 'Ironmaster' William Crawshay commissioned Cyfarthfa Castle in 1824. This grand castellated mansion overlooked his immensely successful ironworks and has been called, 'the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales'. At the castle you can admire the extensive fine and decorative art collections, including Swansea, Nantgarw and Wedgwood porcelain.
Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery
Depot Road, Gadlys
Aberdare CF44 8DL
Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery opened in 2001 and is situated on the outskirts of Aberdare in the South Wales valleys. Developed with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum and gallery are situated on the site of the 19th century Gadlys Ironworks. Discover two hundred years of the valley's history - take an interactive journey through the 'Footprints through Time' gallery to see how the lives of the people of the Cynon Valley have changed.
Drenewydd Ironwork's Cottage
No 26/27 Lower Row, Butetown
Rhymney NP2 5HQ
The ironworks would have once been the most important industry in this area of Wales and, although it is no longer in service, the heritage that is associated with it, and the way that it shaped the community, is still of significant importance. This cottage shows the way that a typical worker would have once lived, close to the main works: a simple existence, and a fascinating insight into social history.
Dyffryn Gardens - National Trust
Dyffryn Gardens
St Nicholas CF5 6SU
Dyffryn Gardens are an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design, covering more than 55 acres featuring a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and seasonal bedding. There is also a statuary collection, and an arboretum featuring trees from all over the world. Within the gardens, Dyffryn House, a grand Victorian mansion overlooks the key aspects of the gardens.
Egypt Centre
Swansea University, Singleton Park
Swansea SA2 8PP
The Egypt Centre houses an important collection of Egyptian antiquities. The museum, officially opened in September 1998, has a collection of over 3,000 Egyptian antiquities once owned by the manufacturing pharmacist Sir Henry Wellcome (1853-1936).
Gelligroes Mill
Gelligroes
Pont Llansraith NP2 2HY
The Old Mill, Gelligroes was built in the 17th century and was once a favoured source of grain milling for the local crop farmers. The mill now has a radio museum and a candle-making workshop, which has a Royal Warrant to make candles for Prince Charles. The Mill is also home to the Arthur Moore Amateur Radio Society.
Gower Heritage Centre
Parkmill, Gower
Swansea SA3 2EH
The centre is based around a historic 12th century water-powered corn and saw mill, with craft workshops, daily tours and demonstrations. It caters for individual visitors, school and group visits, with an extensive programme of special events throughout the year. Collections: The centre has a large collection of rural crafts machinery from the 19th century.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Plas Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson
Treharris CF46 6ER
The peaceful, rural setting of Llancaiach Fawr Manor gives no clue to the turmoil of its early years nor to the exciting living history it now portrays. Built in 1530 for Dafydd ap Richard it was designed to be easily defended during the turbulent reigns of Tudor kings and queens. By the start of the Stuart dynasty the Prichards had prospered and the house was extended in 1628 to demonstrate their status.
Nantgarw China Works Museum
Tyla Gwyn
Nantgarw CF15 7TB
nantgarwchinaworksmuseum.co.uk
The museum is housed in Nantgarw House where a collection of Nantgarw China is on display. While visiting the museum you can find out where this now world famous porcelain was made.
Rhondda Heritage Park
Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Coed Cae Road
Trehafod CF37 2NP
The Rhondda Heritage Park based at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Trehafod, is one of the top heritage and cultural visitor attractions in South Wales and provides a fun and interesting day out for individuals, groups, school children and students. The Black Gold Tour features a fully guided tour with ex-miner guides and involves multimedia presentations, a tour of the pit head buildings and a trip 'underground' to experience the life of a coal miner.
South Wales Miners' Museum
Afan Forest Park, Cynonville
Port Talbot SA13 3HG
south-wales-miners-museum.co.uk
Visit the museum and find yourself being taken on a historical journey back in time. The Museum portrays the working life of a miner and the hardship adults and children had to endure. The Museum is made up of both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Outdoor exhibits include a the Blacksmith Shop, Lamp Room and an Engine House.
Swansea Museum
Museum Square, Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter
Swansea SA1 1SN
Swansea Museum is the oldest museum in Wales. The collections contain all kinds of objects from the past of Swansea, Wales and the rest of the world. We have everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh Kitchen, displayed in six galleries.
Winding House
Cross Street
New Tredegar NP24 6EG
The Winding House is the museum for Caerphilly County Borough. Inside the striking new building you can unearth the hidden history of Caerphilly County Borough, explore our latest exhibition, research your family's past, take part in one of our many events, discover the Victorian Winding Engine, eat, drink and shop.