Blaenavon

Blaenavon is a historic town. its UNESCO World Heritage status celebrates it’s role producing coal and iron during the industrial revolution. Home to Blaenavon Cheese Company, it’s well worth a stop to stock up.

About Blaenavon

Blaenavon is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding contribution to the Industrial Revolution. At its heart is the Big Pit National Coal Museum, where visitors can journey underground to experience life as a miner. The town is also home to the Blaenavon Ironworks, historic tramroads, and a wealth of heritage trails that showcase its fascinating past. The main attractions such as Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Blaenavon Heritage Railway are all just a few minutes’ drive from each other.

Visit the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre

The Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is the best place to start, offering an overview of the exhibitions, tours and giving visitor information.

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Visitor Information

Big Pit and National Coal Museum

Big Pit offers exhibits and the chance to don a miner’s hat and go underground. This much loved attraction is enormously popular for good reason.

Big Pit, National Coal Museum
a guide dressed as a miner showing a group around the underground tour area. all wearing hard hats and head torches like a miner would have had too.

Did you know…

A lesser-known fact about Blaenavon is the existence of the Pwll Du Tunnel, constructed in the early 19th century. At approximately 1,875 meters in length, it was the longest horse-powered tramway tunnel in Britain. The tunnel played a crucial role in transporting limestone from quarries at Pwll Du and Tyla to the Blaenavon Ironworks, as well as conveying pig iron to the Garnddyrys Forge. Today, the tunnel is a scheduled monument and part of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pwll Du tunnel entrance overgrown

Blaenavons Workman's Hall

The Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall, a prime example of a Valleys miners’ institute, has been refurbished to serve as a major cultural and arts venue in the Gwent Valleys. It features a 400-seat auditorium with a balcony and full stage, an 80-seat cinema, a snooker room, bar, and meeting rooms. The Hall is fully operational, hosting theatre performances, film screenings, meetings and more

Blaenavon Workman's Hall and war memorial in black and white

Walking Routes

There are countless stunning walks throughout Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Here are some of our favourites

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Llangynidr to Storey Arms (Beacons Way -day 4)

Llangynidr to Storey Arms (Beacons Way – day 4) The most strenuous day, but you will be rewarded by spectacular views.

Penwyllt Circuit

Penwyllt Circuit – extensive views in the less visited South West of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) Park, you look down the Upper Swansea Valley and beyond as you follow old railway lines and tramroads.

Places to stay around Blaenavon

Where to Stay
one of teh glamping pods available to stay in

Camping at Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Honeysuckle Cottage at Tall John’s

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Tregib, Self Catering

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Llandyfan Camping

Suited for those wanting to be off grid and close to nature. Proper camping.

Cambrian Escapes, Sky Loft

Sky loft for the romantic boho in your life

Pentre Riding Stables, Accommodation

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
a landscape view of the Abercynafon Farm Barn

Abercynafon Farm Barn

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
old-sunday-school-room-drive-which wraps around the side of the property

The Old Sunday School Room, Trecastle

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Tan yr Eglwys

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, Self Catering Properties

A great choice for couples, groups of friends, family, solo travellers and dog-friendly adventurers

Where to eat around Blaenavon

The Bear Hotel, Bar and Restaurant

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
traders at their stalls on a summer day at Hay Market

Hay Markets

Here you’ll find a mix of local producers and makers, Bannau Brycheiniog showing off their wares
a view through the arch from the cafe towards the outdoor seating area and the cathedral

The Hours Café and Bookshop

Acclaimed winners of Brecon Beacons Tourism's 'Best Eating Out Experience';
breakast selection

Trigg’s at the Mill

Firm believers in the local supply cahin and sustainable food,
the outside of the café with the wisteria flower in bloom

The Honey Café

Homemade cakes, fresh ground coffee. Dog & Family Friendly throughout (dogs on leads pls)
an antipasti plate with bread and wine at Café Brycheiniog

Theatr Brycheiniog Café

A world class theatre in Brecon. A community building with it's people at its heart.
an interior picture of Chapters restaurant showing table setting and lighting

Chapters

Ideal for food fans who are interested in sustainable cookery and great food & drink.

Welsh Venison Centre, Beacons Farm Shop

The Welsh Venison Centre, located in Bwlch near Crickhowell, is a family-run farm and shop

Old Railway Line Garden Centre

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is family run, independent Garden Centre, Farm Shop & Restaurant
tramway-seating, Tramway Coffee Shop, Beacon Park Boats

Tramway Coffee Shop, Beacon Park Boats

Ideal for Group Activity Breaks and Family Breaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

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