Sightseeing
A free day out for all. Go underground with a guide who will explain working in the mines.
Above ground there are other exhibits & refreshments.
174 locals recommend
Big Pit National Coal Museum
A free day out for all. Go underground with a guide who will explain working in the mines.
Above ground there are other exhibits & refreshments.
Visit the miners cottages and iron making kilns used from the 18th century onwards.
37 locals recommend
Blaenavon Ironworks/ Gwaith Haearn Blaenafon
North StreetVisit the miners cottages and iron making kilns used from the 18th century onwards.
This magnificent building was built with subscription monies from the miners. Now holds cinema Mon-Thurs as well as other shows/special occasions.
Blaenavon Workmen's Hall
97 High StThis magnificent building was built with subscription monies from the miners. Now holds cinema Mon-Thurs as well as other shows/special occasions.
A good place to start. Here you can find out the history of Blaenavon - it's growth and decline and ultimately how it achieved World Heritage status.
The Heritage Tea Rooms are worth a visit too.
24 locals recommend
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Church RoadA good place to start. Here you can find out the history of Blaenavon - it's growth and decline and ultimately how it achieved World Heritage status.
The Heritage Tea Rooms are worth a visit too.
Ride the steam and/or diesel trains.
This is volunteer run attraction.
Open Easter to end of September on weekends only.
Also runs on Wednesday during the summer school holidays.
Special events throughout the year including galas, Santa Specials and Ghost Trains.
Tea rooms also open.
13 locals recommend
Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway
Ride the steam and/or diesel trains.
This is volunteer run attraction.
Open Easter to end of September on weekends only.
Also runs on Wednesday during the summer school holidays.
Special events throughout the year including galas, Santa Specials and Ghost Trains.
Tea rooms also open.
A huge metal sculpture in the memory of the Six Bells Mining disaster.
Visitor centre nearby.
Cycle track NCN465 runs past the memorial.
6 locals recommend
The Guardian Of The Valleys
Six Bells RoadA huge metal sculpture in the memory of the Six Bells Mining disaster.
Visitor centre nearby.
Cycle track NCN465 runs past the memorial.
Good place for lunch
The Heritage Tea Rooms are worth a visit. If you want just a coffee and cake or a hot meal then this cafe is open 9:15am to 4:00pm every day except Mondays
24 locals recommend
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Church RoadThe Heritage Tea Rooms are worth a visit. If you want just a coffee and cake or a hot meal then this cafe is open 9:15am to 4:00pm every day except Mondays
Neighbourhoods
The Garn Lakes is one of the favourite local nature reserves in the area.
It is easily reached from Oakfield B&B by walking along the NCN492 cycle track for approx 25 minutes.
A lovely area to sit and watch the wildlife.
Garn-yr-ew
The Garn Lakes is one of the favourite local nature reserves in the area.
It is easily reached from Oakfield B&B by walking along the NCN492 cycle track for approx 25 minutes.
A lovely area to sit and watch the wildlife.
Food scene
An excellent place to dine.
Booking may be required, especially at weekends.
13 locals recommend
Butterflies Bar & Kitchen
31 Old Queen StAn excellent place to dine.
Booking may be required, especially at weekends.
The Lion Hotel
41 Broad StA great place to dine.
Booking may be required, especially on weekends.
A dog friendly pub and restaurant near the Garn Lakes nature reserve so it has excellent views over the lakes.
The Whistle Inn and Campsite
A dog friendly pub and restaurant near the Garn Lakes nature reserve so it has excellent views over the lakes.
Traveler advice
Getting around
X24 Newport to Blaenavon bus runs every 15 minutes.
X24 Stagecoach bus runs back and forth from Newport to Blaenavon passing through Cwmbran and Pontypool along the route.