The 8 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Torfaen, Wales

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.

Greenmeadow Community Farm has been a working farm for over 250 years. Set in over 120 acres, we have a wide range of pedigree and rare animals which you can come and meet up close. Nestled in the heart of Cwmbran, this is truly a Community Farm in every sense of the word, working closely with and serving the local community and welcoming visitors from far and wide. Our cosy farmhouse cafe, Cafe Cwtch, offers kids favourites and a selection of homemade specials. We aim to use as much local produce as we can, supporting local farmers, growers and suppliers. The farm shop is full of tractors and animals to take home after your visit. There really is something for everyone. We would love to see you soon! Please note we are open 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm) seven days a week, whatever the weather! The farm is closed for deep cleaning and maintenance from 24th December - 31st January each year.

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.

Blaenavon's Heritage Railway is located in the heart of the Blaenaon World Heritage Site on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. There is ample free car and coach parking at Furnace Sidings, our main station located close to the Garn Lakes. From Furnace Sidings our trains head both north to the Whistle Inn, and south to Blaenavon High Level Station, located above Blaenavon town centre. Since 2011 we also have a separate branch serving Big Pit Halt, adjacent to the Big Pit national mining museum. Whether you're looking for a family day out, or are a devoted railway enthusiast, we have something for you. With free car parking at Furnace sidings, why not combine a visit to Big Pit with a ride on the train? Enjoy a snack in the tea room at Furnace Sidings, or shop in Eric's Emporium (an outpost of The Railway Shop in Blaenavon) stocking a selection of railway models, gifts and souvenirs. Many trains also have a buffet service offering light refreshments.

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.