Top Things to do in Blaenavon
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5 Free Things to do in Blaenavon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Blaenavon, United Kingdom including Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Garn Lakes.
1. Big Pit National Coal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,618 reviews
Take a unique underground tour of a real coalmine, where hundreds of men, women and children once worked to extract the precious mineral that stoked furnaces and lit the household fires of the world.
Reviewed By CJonsey83
This would be my third visit to Big Pit and I loved as much this time as the first. The underground tour really gives you a sense of how hard it was and the tour guides are always great. (dress warmly for going underground) There is also an above ground video / Live tour that showcases some of the machines used underground, again brilliant. Plenty of parking very near the main entrance. Single tariff of £3.00 all day. I'd recommend this to anyone whose in the area. You will not be disappointed at what you find. Note: be sure to check the website / call if the weather is poor/has been poor for a few days as it may effect the tour availability.
2. Blaenavon Ironworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Advance booking required. In 1789 Blaenavon Ironworks first harnessed the power of steam to blow air into its huge blast furnaces. A century later it was here that Sidney Gilchrist Thomas transformed the world’s steel industry by inventing a method to remove phosphorus from iron ore. The ruined furnaces are still visible today alongside the impressive remains of the foundry, cast house and water balance tower that raised wagons 80 feet into the air.
Reviewed By 661timu
very interesting historical site - spent 2 hours here learning of the iron making process that helped fuel the industrial revolution . Loved the period cottages depicting several eras of family life and a big mention to the 3 wonderful members of staff who were only to happy to provide extra information with enthusiasm and warmth. Definitely worth 5 stars - Tim , Mary and Corey
3. Big Pit National Coal Museum
4. Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The World Heritage Centre is situated in Blaenavon itself, within the historic former St. Peter’s Church School, founded in 1816, and is the starting point for your visit to the whole Blaenavon World Heritage Site. The former heavy industries left their mark on the environment, which is full of hidden treasures to be discovered after learning what this incredible valley has to offer. St Peter's School, founded by Sarah Hopkins for the education of iron workers' children was the first school of its type in Wales. The visitor (whether tourist or group organiser) will find information on the World Heritage Site, its history and how it can be viewed today as well as a Tourist Information Centre. The main exhibition follows the words of historical characters so that visitors can gain an insight into the daily lives of ordinary people and understand the changes that they experienced during the 19th century. Self-led visits to explore the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre are free of charge.
Reviewed By cgaw14 - Horley, United Kingdom
We returned to Blaenavon again to visit with our ever expanding family and we again chose the heritage centre as the focal point of the weekend. Locals also eat there so you know what that says about the place. Jackie and the café staff were all great as usual, food was delicious and prices were really good. The welcome all over the town and especially here was heartwarming. So please always pop in for a smile and dish of crumble and custard. We did !! We return in April and November next year..
5. Garn Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By robynj527 - South Wales, United Kingdom
New notices have recently appeared on dog bins placed around the lakes in place of previous ones issuing a ban on dogs due to lapwing breeding etc. The new notices simply state that a £75 fine will be issued should your dog foul and you fail to pick it up. I spoke to a Dog Warden yesterday and he told me the reason for the new notices was that they had investigated the breeding area and this was not happening at Garn Lakes - apart from which, the lapwing breeding area was so well fenced off that no dogs would be able to access it anyway. So, good new to dog walkers for once. Your dogs (and mine) can now run around Garn Lakes until their little legs drop off and their human owners can relax and enjoy their walks. This is my favourite place throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Throughout the winter I have enjoyed walking round the lake with my dogs - all of us being very well wrapped up because the wind cutting across Garn Lakes in winter can be memorable! In summer it is lovely to take a picnic and flask of coffee along with a picnic rug and a good book as there are loads of comfortable grassy areas. There are also picnic tables and bench seats dotted around the lake and amongst the trees. I think, of all the different places I visit to walk my dogs, Garn Lakes is probably my favourite overall. I only have one gripe - there are no toilets! As you get older or if you have young children, toilets are a must. Toilets would be a huge asset to this lovely area.
