Top Things to do in Torfaen
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Torfaen, Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Torfaen, United Kingdom including Big Pit National Coal Museum, The Blaenafon Cheddar Company, Blaenavon Ironworks, Big Pit National Coal Museum, Cwmbran Centre, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Pontypool Park, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Folly Tower, Cwmbran Boating Lake.
Restaurants in Torfaen
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. The Blaenafon Cheddar Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
A Food Tourism Destination for Wales, based in the World Heritage Town of Blaenavon. See the Award winning cheeses being matured 300ft below ground at Big Pit Mining Museum which is free entry. Visit us and have a cheese tasting & see the hand made cheese production,the cheeses are also available to purchase. We are a family business, mum, dad & son & son in law. We have won many medals for our cheeses including; The International Cheese Gold 2013, Great Taste Awards double Gold 2012, British Cheese Awards Silver 2012, Royal Welsh Cheese Awards Gold 2014, Royal Malvern Gold 2013 & the South West of England Cheese Awards Gold 2014
Reviewed By WelshTraveller5
The cheese is so tasty and full of flavour. I've bought the cheese for myself a number of times and decided to buy a gift set for a friend. I odered through the website which was easy to use. Can't fault the customer service. Friendly staff.
3. 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
4. Big Pit National Coal Museum
5. Cwmbran Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By lorna1471622 - Cwmbran, United Kingdom
A great place to shop, best rail and bus links also FREE Parking. Nice places to eat and drink and even the beach during summer school holidays besides this many attractions and displays are put on through the year. Marks and Spencer, most of the best super markets and some independent shops. Almost all undercover therefore can take a pavement coffee even in the rain. At the moment a mini train is circling the town. Also disability shop to hire wheelchairs to assist les able visitors. if you've never been give it a try, I don't think it will disappoint.
6. 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..
7. Pontypool Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By bearrobertconnorbear - Cwmbran, United Kingdom
I have visited this Park Many times. Its really big and got lots of facilities ranging from tennis courts, outdoor bowling Green, Skate board park for all the keen skate boarders and trick cyclists. Childrens play area, Home to the famous Pontypool rfc. There is also the run in the park every sunday for all you fitness people. Lovely Place. Pontypool Council need to wake up and utilise this fantastic park with more event. Steam and classic car shows would work as well as more music. Make car parks in Pontypool Free like cwmbran and see the difference. Support your Local traders and bring the future in to Pontypool. Sorry for going on but this is a fantastic Park. People naturally wander into Pontypool Centre to check the shops out.there is a leisure Centre at the park with Cafe and Sports utilities. Also Parking there.
8. Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The regional centre for the applied arts featuring regular changing applied arts exhibitions, educational workshops, craftshop and cafe. Open six days a week.
9. Folly Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By johncZ4852NW - Kingsteignton, United Kingdom
This is a great walk around the outer boundary of the park taking in the Shell Grotto, Folly Tower and gardens. The views from the top of the hill near the Folly are spectacular covering many counties and 360 degree landscape.Highly Recommended first class.
10. Cwmbran Boating Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By Sjabena - Newport, United Kingdom
Had a lovely walk here yesterday. We parked at the road resource centre which is further away so we could enjoy a longer walk. We walked through a woodland area and then over the road to the lake. It’s a lovely stroll around the lake and there were plenty of people also enjoying the dry weather. Plenty of swans, ducks and geese around and on the lake. unfortunately the shop was shut before we finished walking around to it but I’m sure during the warmer months it is jam packed. The walk to our car park and back totalled 3 miles so a longer route if that’s what you’re after.
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