Blaenavon
Blaenavon is a historic town at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its important role in coal and iron production during the Industrial Revolution. It is also home to the Blaenavon Cheese Company, making it well worth a stop to explore and stock up on local produce.
About Blaenavon
Blaenavon lies at the heart of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding contribution to the Industrial Revolution. At its heart is Big Pit National Coal Museum, where visitors can journey underground to experience life as a miner. The town is also home to Blaenavon Ironworks, historic tramroads and a wealth of heritage trails that reveal its fascinating past.
The main attractions, including Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Blaenavon Heritage Railway, are all within a few minutes’ drive of one another.
Visit the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
The Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is the best place to begin your visit, offering an introduction to the area’s history, exhibitions and tours, as well as practical visitor information.
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and Visitor Information
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit offers exhibitions and the opportunity to don a miner’s helmet and join an underground tour. This much-loved attraction is enormously popular for good reason.
Big Pit, National Coal Museum
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 metres 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.
Blaenavon Workmen’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.
Explore Blaenavon and the surrounding area
Walking Routes
There are countless stunning walks throughout Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Here are some of our favourites
Carreg Cennen Castle to Bethlehem (Beacons Way – day 8) Day eight is short and the least demanding – appropriate for the last day.
