The Valleys - Southern Wales

Transcription

From the heart
Broadcaster, raconteur and all-round Valleys man – or is that boy?
Roy Noble sets the scene for our look at the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Wales.
You’re making a big mistake if you stay on the
M4 as it whisks you through South Wales. It’s
not that I have anything against motorways,
you understand. But just off the M4, things
are different. It’s the land of another people, a
cocktail of close communities known as The
Valleys.
In historical terms, Valleys people are not
indigenous, coming as they did from different
regions and countries to work in the iron and
coal industries. Cawl is a nourishing Welsh broth
of many ingredients. What a wholesome ‘cawl’
they are, the Welsh Valleys tribe, divided into
rival communities, yet each standing side-by-side
in a common cause and lifestyle like colourful
patches on the quilt, woven and sewn together.
If The Valleys region begins beside the M4, it
ends at another clearly defined boundary along
the A465 ‘Heads of The Valleys’ road (though
the pedantic ex-schoolteacher in me has to
point out that the region also includes the
westerly Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys in
Carmarthenshire). But the road, more or less,
marks the northern edge of the Magic Kingdom.
It’s dangerous to name each valley in turn,
because they have all made their own historical
mark. Collectively, they present an indelible
image. On the other side of Offa’s Dyke it is
often perceived that all Welsh people come
from ‘The Valleys’. Whether you are born in
Mumbles, Ceredigion, Aberystwyth or Blaenau
Ffestiniog, in the minds of many you’re Welsh
(correct) and from The Valleys (wrong).
Genealogy is fashionable these days, and
following research, my blood mix takes in
deepest Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire,
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Cornwall and Suffolk. That is long ago history.
The recent past and present mark me down as
a pure-bred Valleys boy. I love the tribe. As a
species we are open, inquisitive, friendly,
warm, convivial, vocal, emotional, caring… if
only we could be humble we’d crack it! Alright,
there are a few rough edges here and there,
but deep intellect and vibrancy too.
The area between those highways is a special
place. Fly in a helicopter over The Valleys from
east to west and you will see this place in all
its wonder. It’s a vast range of rural moorland,
cut at regular intervals with north to south
incisions. It’s down in those deep clefts that
the tribe lives, each section in its patch, still
vibrant, still full of potential and still a special,
special breed. It’s a great place to come from,
a welcoming place to return to and a good
place to be.
I still have the T-shirt (a ‘manly’ size 46)
stamped with ‘Valleys Boy’. I'm comfortable
in it.
Croeso
Bienvenue
Welkom
Willkommen
Here’s How It Works
We don't go in for over-the-top flowery descriptions in this publication. We’ve presented The
Valleys as simply and honestly as we can, dividing the guide into sections based on various
themes, at the end of which we list detailed information on things to see and do and places to
visit. We hope you’ll find it’s helpful in planning your ideal short break or holiday whether staying
with family and friends or booking accommodation.
Wales would be a bit flat without The Valleys
More ups and downs
Soul music by Jonathan Davies
Industrial Evolution
We know where you’re coming from
Green scene
A tasty part of Wales
Talking heads, tall tales
What’s happening
It’s all in the stars
Accommodation listing
Attractions and activities
Take your pick
So easy to get to
Quirky facts & Tourist Information Centres
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Copy by Writerog Ltd (Roger Thomas Freelance Services)
Did you know?
The Coal House, BBC Wales’
living history series is filmed
at Blaenavon Ironworks
www.bbc.co.uk/coalhouse
Wales would be a bit flat
without The Valleys
We’re not talking just about the scenery. The
Valleys is a big-hearted part of Wales with an
even bigger personality. Our story has shaped
the nation – Wales simply wouldn’t be the
same without us. If you’ve not visited us before
you’re missing out on a big experience in the
birthplace of modern Wales.
Industrial heritage is just part of that story.
In fact, the coal mines of old have long since
gone, to be replaced by country and forest
parks (yes, we know it’s a bit of a cliché, but
we really are green again).
What hasn’t changed is that unique Valleys
character, born of a strong sense of community,
pride and passion, warmth and wit. We call it
the ‘Heart and Soul of Wales’. You’ll experience
it everywhere – in shops, pubs and restaurants,
at festivals and events, and in conversations
with complete strangers (though you won’t be
a stranger for long in this famously friendly
part of Wales).
Then there’s the way we look. With vales you
get hills and mountains. In our case, lots of
them, creating a restless, roller-coaster
landscape of ups and downs that – to first-time
visitors who don’t know us – is surprisingly
green and fresh. We had our Industrial
Revolution. That’s now history. The energy
now lies elsewhere. The Valleys of the 21st
century will inspire you to get out into the
Great Outdoors, go walking, cycling and
wildlife watching. So bring plenty of your own
energy too. As well as those hills and mountains
we have Wales’s largest concentration of
country parks (they’re absolutely everywhere).
Not to mention the biggest urban forest park
in the UK...
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Wales Valleys Walking Festival,
4-19 September 2010
You’ll have gathered that we’re pretty keen
on walking – so much so that we organise a
Walking Festival that gets bigger and better
each year. It features a great choice of
guided walks for all interests and abilities.
And we do it Valleys-style, with friendly,
knowledgeable guides who love to talk as
well as walk.
www.thevalleys.co.uk
Feet first
We’re talking walking. The Valleys was made
for it. Our walks come in all shapes and sizes –
long, point-to-point treks across mountaintops
for serious walkers, easy, circular low-level
paths for families. And it’s walking with a
purpose. As well as those splendid views,
many walks have themes based on our unique
landscape and heritage. You can follow in the
footsteps of ironmakers and miners
(everywhere), explore a World Heritage Site
(at Blaenavon) or trace the routes of
tramways and the world’s first steam train
(from Merthyr Tydfil).
Duke’s Table
Walking
Afan Forest
Blaenavon
Bwlch Y Clawdd, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Afan Forest Park
‘Urban’ is perhaps the wrong description. ‘Alpine’ better sums up the woods that clothe the
steep-sided Afan Valley. We don’t need to sell the Afan Forest to mountain bikers. They already
know all about its world-class offroad credentials, up there with Chamonix, California and
Kathmandu according to Mountain Bike Rider magazine. Afan’s 100-plus miles of trails and
swooping singletracks include The Wall (enough said) and Skyline, a 29-mile biking adventure
that’s a big day out in anyone’s books. But you don’t have to be a macho MTB downhill hero.
Afan also includes gentle, family-friendly trails. And for those who prefer two (or four legs)
to a pair of muddy tyres, there’s also wonderfully woody walking and horse riding. And fishing.
And two visitor centres with great cafés. Who said forests are boring? www.afanforestpark.co.uk
More ups and downs
Champion cyclist Nicole Cooke is a big fan of The Valleys – she says that our hills (quite steep in
parts), vales (not steep at all) and scenery (quite breathtaking) make us one of her favourite
training grounds. That’s a rock-solid recommendation from someone who has all of the Alps to
choose from.
Activities have always been high on our
agenda. The Valleys is full of go-do activities,
including all kinds of adrenaline sports, laid-back
canal cruising, great golf, fishing and horse
riding. And we have the facilities to match,
with activity and sporting centres that extend
the usual warm-hearted Valleys welcome to
experts and novices.
Mountain biking
Cwmcarn Forest Park is just one of our many
MTB hot spots. There are also miles of thrill-aPontypool Golf Course
minute all-weather singletracks and downhills
in Parc Bryn Bach and Gethin Woodland Park. Golf
Plus endless exhilarating riding on natural
The Ryder Cup will be played just a short putt
terrain across our hills, moors and mountains.
away from us at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport,
in 2010. If you’re coming, make sure that you
Fishing
add on a few days to sample ‘golf as it should
Gone fishing in The Valleys? Then we mightn’t be’, Valleys-style – which means golf played
in friendly surroundings, convenient tee-times,
see you for some time. Water isn’t in short
unhurried courses and unstuffy clubhouses.
supply – we have over 35 rivers, lakes,
In and around The Valleys you’ll find 30-odd
streams, canals and ponds. Neither are the
fish. Excellent fishing is one of those unexpected courses ranging from mighty big hitters to
Valleys activities. Visiting anglers are invariably intimate nine-holers, spectacular mountaintop
greens to testing parkland fairways. It’s all
surprised by the quality and quantity of our
neatly packaged if you choose a one-stop-shop
game and coarse fishing. At one time, fishing
that will ‘mix and match’ golf courses and
here was a ‘best-kept secret’. Not any longer...
accommodation. Take a look at operators like
these: www.greensofsouthernwales.com
www.valleystourism.com
Merthyr’s catch of the day
The environmental transformation of The Valleys once again hit the headlines when
Merthyr Tydfil played host to the prestigious Rivers International Fly-Fishing Championship
in 2009. Nowadays, you can fish the River Taff all the way down to Cardiff Bay, helped by
a £½-million fish pass for salmon and trout. It’s just one of Merthyr’s many angling assets.
The Pontsticill, Dolygaer and Upper Neuadd reservoirs, beautifully set in the foothills of the
Brecon Beacons, are popular and productive game and coarse fishing venues, while the
town’s Cyfarthfa Park Lake is one of a number of local ponds offering good coarse catches.
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Fishing at Garn Lakes
Cycling in Afan Forest
Caerphilly Castle
Aberdulais Falls
Afan Forest Park
‘I race all over Britain, but when it comes to training I have it
all here right on my doorstep and think it’s about time that
everyone knew what a spectacular backdrop The Valleys is
for cyclists – both those interested in leisure and others a
little more serious about the sport.’
Manon Carpenter, Caerphilly.
Female Welsh Downhill Mountain Bike Champion
Soul music
What makes The Valleys so special? Ask anyone in the know and they’ll tell you that the answer
lies in the people. They’re the beating heart of our ‘Heart and Soul’. Here are the thoughts of
Jonathan Davies, 47, rugby legend and BBC TV sports presenter. He’s a Valleys boy through
and through. But before you read any further, perhaps we should explain that, like all the locals,
he aligns himself first and foremost with his home community – in his case Trimsaran, a small
village in the Gwendraeth Valley, South-west Wales.
‘I’m a Trimsaran boy.
If anyone asks me
where I’m from I tell
them that. It’s where I
grew up and it’s where
I’m proud of. I had a
normal childhood with
a great bunch of lads.
We played cricket, rugby and football in the
woods, in the streets and in the fields.
What’s happened since is amazing. It’s now
back to green again as the new Ffos Las
Racecourse, a fabulous venue that’s fantastic
news for the local community. When I visited
for the first time the doorman on the marquee
was Paul Thomas from the village, who had
played rugby with my dad and me. They even
named a part of the racecourse after me –
the Jonathan Davies Grandstand – which I
regard as a great honour.
‘Trimsaran was a typical village of about 1,500
people and four council estates. Everyone
seemed to know everyone else. The village
was always a great support for me and my
family through good times and bad times.’
There are some beautiful parts to The Valleys.
But it’s the culture and richness of the people
that really counts. The camaraderie is special
because you’re a close community and you go
through thick and thin together. Valleys people
are very generous too. That’s evident when I do
charity events and things like Children in Need.
The hub of the village was the rugby club. My
dad, who worked in Trostre steelworks, was
the captain. I played for the team too at the
start of my career. If I hadn’t played first-class
rugby I’d have stayed playing for them. The
one regret I maybe have is that I never went
back and captained the team. There was a
great friendship and a great rivalry between
neighbouring villages. Kidwelly was only three
miles away, then you had Burry Port, Pembrey,
Pontyates – they all had their rugby clubs.
Most of the men in the village worked in the
Cynheidre colliery, the steelworks or the local
washery. I’m from a council estate that overlooked a massive open-cast coalmine. Before
the open-cast came it was a big Forestry
Commission plantation and I remember riding
around it on my bike and sliding down the coal
tips on zinc sheets. Later on, when I was about
20, I worked as a labourer on the open cast.
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I’ve lived all over the place, in Liverpool,
Manchester, Sydney and on the Barrier Reef.
But I missed the humour and the dry wit of
The Valleys. And, whoever you are, Valleys
people will keep your feet firmly on the ground.’
As told to Roger Thomas
Build it and they will come
This famous quote, taken from the film Field
of Dreams, could well be the motto of the
new Ffos Las Racecourse at Trimsaran. Ffos
Las is an icon for the changing face of The
Valleys. It’s built on what was Europe’s largest
open-cast coalmine (though you’d never
know it). This fabulous 600-acre course, in a
magnificent setting surrounded by rolling hills,
is now a venue for top-class National Hunt
and Flat racing. Opened in June 2009, its
£30 million world-class track and facilities
are already a big hit with competitors and
spectators.
www.ffoslasracecourse.com
Jockies
Ffos Las Racecourse
Local knowledge
Green Badge guides have the key to The Valleys. They know and love their local areas –
and also love sharing that information with visitors. To see it all from a Valleys
perspective go to www.wotga.com and click on ‘Find a Guide’.
Industrial Evolution
We had our revolution a few hundred years
ago when The Valleys became the powerhouse
of the nation. The talk nowadays is of evolution
and a post-industrial age in which we are being
seen in a very different light. Reminders of
bygone times are still with us in the shape of
compelling heritage attractions that recreate
the days of coal, iron and steel. But that’s just
a part of who we are and what we offer.
We have attractions of all kinds – more, we
guarantee, than you’ll have time to visit all in
one go. Did you know, for example, that we’re
home to one of Europe’s biggest and best
medieval castles (it’s smack in the middle of
Caerphilly – you can’t miss it)? Or a scenic
narrow-gauge railway where you hop on in
Merthyr Tydfil and hop off in the heart of the
Brecon Beacons? Or western Europe’s largest
showcaves complex, at Dan yr Ogof? Or a
‘waterfall country’ in the Vale of Neath that’s
gushingly beautiful? Or one of Britain’s
spookiest houses, 17th-century Llancaiach
Fawr near Nelson, star of the Most Haunted
TV series?
Get the picture? We’re also full of family
attractions, adventure parks and museums
where you’ll be amused, bemused and highly
entertained. Some are highbrow, others are
great fun, some are family-focused, others
more for the culture vultures out there.
Go Ape!
Release your inner Tarzan at this new
treetop high-wire course in Margam
Country Park. It’s an up, up and away
forest adventure, involving ladders,
walkways, bridges, tunnels, ropes and
zip wire. You’re fully kitted out with
safety equipment then set free to swing
through the trees like you-know-who
(leather loincloth not supplied).
www.goape.com
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
We’re proud of our past – and like sharing its
memories with our visitors. The guides at Big
Pit National Coal Museum are ex-miners, so
you’re in safe hands when they take you
underground. Big Pit was one of the reasons
why Blaenavon became a World Heritage Site,
a status it shares with places like the Taj Mahal
and Great Wall of China.
Other must-visit reminders of our industrial
past scattered across The Valleys include
Aberdare’s Cynon Valley Museum, the Winding
House in New Tredegar, Merthyr Tydfil’s
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and the Rhondda
Heritage Park near Porth. It’s a hugely influential
heritage – you can’t say you know Wales unless
you’ve experienced it.
And it’s an ongoing story. One place that
perfectly sums up the transition from past to
present and future is The Works at Ebbw Vale.
It’s the new name for an historic site. The
original ‘works’, a pioneering iron foundry,
supplied the rails for Britain’s first railways.
When its doors closed in 2002, others opened.
The Works, in its 21st-century reincarnation,
will again buzz with energy, innovation and
spirit as a new sports village, genealogy centre
(details on the following pages) and vibrant
urban communities take root here. And to
kick things off in a grand style, The Works
has been chosen as the venue for the 2010
National Eisteddfod (31 July–7 August),
Wales’s most important cultural gathering.
See you there.
Neath Abbey
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Rhondda Heritage Park
‘I have noticed a large number
of people moving from areas
of England – I think people are
waking up to the fact that here
you can have a great work-life
balance.’
Donna Jones, Ebbw Vale
Go Ape! Margam Park
Blaenavon Ironworks
Cyfarthfa Castle
Festival Park
The Winding House
We know where
you’re coming from
It’s in the blood – quite literally. We’re talking
about family roots. It’s something we’re very
keen on in The Valleys, which perhaps explains
why genealogy is such a powerful force here.
Tracing your roots opens lots of doors in this
part of Wales. In the 18th and 19th centuries
The Valleys was a melting pot of influences,
with huge movements of population. So it’s
hardly surprising that the rest of the world has
strong links with the teeming communities
that grew up in this area’s booming industrial
towns and villages. We’ve made it surprisingly
easy to track them down. There’s a whole host
of helpful local organisations, offices and
websites to get you started. Rhondda Cynon
Taf’s www.routetoyourroots.co.uk is a good
example.
Trefil Quarry Workers 1800
New for 2010 –
the ‘Genealogy Experience’
We’ve taken things a step further at Ebbw
Vale, home of the new Genealogy and
Visitor Centre, an exciting £12½-million
development located at the iconic Grade II
listed offices of the town’s old steelworks.
Fun is a big part of the formula.
The centre’s ‘Genealogy Experience’ will
entertain and enlighten, allowing visitors
to explore the past through all kinds of
clever high-tech and interactive routes.
The centre will also be the state-of-the-art
home for the Gwent Archive Service and
the Steelworks Archive.
www.theworksebbwvale.co.uk
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More famous sons and daughters
The Valleys’ Fame Academy has produced
world-class singers, writers, actors, entertainers,
fashion designers and musicians. Are any of
these on a branch of your family tree?
Laura Ashley – born Laura Mountney in Dowlais,
Merthyr Tydfil
Sir Stanley Baker – actor from Ferndale who
starred in Zulu
Aneurin Bevan – Minister of Health responsible for
the creation of the NHS, born in Tredegar
Richard Burton – world-famous actor from
Pontrhydyfen near Port Talbot
John Cale – avant garde musician and founder of
The Velvet Underground from Garnant
Joe Calzaghe – retired champion rated one of the
world’s ‘top 10’ boxers, brought up in Newbridge
Petula Clark – singer with strong family roots in
Abercanaid near Merthyr Tydfil
Tommy Cooper – the comedian’s comedian from
Caerphilly
Idris Davies - poet from Rhymney
Gareth Edwards – possibly the greatest rugby player
of all time, from Gwaencaegurwen, near Brynaman
Ioan Gruffudd – Hollywood heartthrob who hails
from Aberdare
Sir Anthony Hopkins – forever Hannibal Lecter,
from Taibach, PortTalbot
Katherine Jenkins – hugely popular crossover
classical singer from Neath
Neil Jenkins – Wales and Lions rugby hero from
Church Village
Tom Jones – ‘Jones the Voice’ from near
Pontypridd. Simply the best!
Neil Kinnock – politician born in Tredegar
Julien MacDonald – darling of the fashion world
from Merthyr Tydfil
Lost Prophets – rockers from Pontypridd
Manic Street Preachers – global superstars from
Blackwood area
Kylie Minogue – mother’s family were from Maesteg
Michael Sheen – latest acting superstar to come
from the Port Talbot area
Stereophonics – learned how to rock in Aberdare
Eddie Thomas – inspirational boxing coach from
Merthyr Tydfil (see his statue in the town centre)
Howard Winstone – world-champion boxer from
Merthyr Tydfil
‘Apart from being steeped in the history of the
industrial past there is the feeling of looking forward
to a bold exciting future for the next generation.’
C. Smith, Pontardawe
Valleys Homecoming
2010 is a big year for The Valleys. It sees the launch of ‘Valleys Homecoming’, a celebration
of the past, present and future of one of the most fascinating parts of
Wales. It’s the year when the National Eisteddfod comes to The Valleys.
Well, to The Works in Ebbw Vale to be precise.
An ideal place to hold Wales’s most famous festival, The Works is the
new name for the site where a vast ironworks once stood, supplying
steel for Britain’s first railways. Its 21st Century reincarnation is a
£350 million regeneration project that will include the new Genealogy
and Visitor Centre in the iconic Grade II listed building that was once the offices of the old
works. The Centre’s Genealogy Experience will be entertaining and enlightening, allowing
visitors to explore the past in all kinds of innovative and interactive ways.
Visit valleyshomecoming.co.uk to find out what is happening as part of this celebration.
Green scene
Yes, we know that How Green Was My Valley
is still the image that some people have of us.
But the book, by Richard Llewellyn, was about
The Valleys in the 19th century. Even then,
the title wasn’t that accurate: all the industrial
activity took place along the valley floors, away
from our wild, untouched hills and mountains.
If Mr Llewellyn was writing today, he would
have to call it ‘How Green Is My Valley’. Over the
last 50 years The Valleys has been transformed.
Earlier in this guide we described the new Ffos
Las Racecourse at Trimsaran, a very green
venue created on what was Europe’s largest
open-cast coalmine.
It’s typical of our scenic renaissance. The Dare
Valley Country Park, Aberdare, and Parc Bryn
Bach near Tredegar, for example, are just
two of many green spaces where industry
once dominated. You can walk for miles on
mountaintops without seeing a soul, go cycling
on scenic trails where coalmines once stood,
follow tranquil canal towpaths, go gorge walking
in ‘Waterfall Country’, or sign up for forest
adventures.
Here are some more snapshots from our green
scene:
Water power
Aberdulais Falls in the Neath Valley combines
industrial heritage with great natural beauty.
Man and nature work in harmony at this
pioneering – and very picturesque – metalworks.
It has impeccable green credentials. Europe’s
largest working waterwheel makes the old
furnace, now a National Trust visitor centre,
entirely self sufficient. There’s also a fish pass
that gives salmon and sea trout access to the
upper reaches of the River Dulais. You can’t
get more environmentally friendly than that.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Farming today
Local farms have always played a big part in
Valleys life. And the tradition lives on. Cwmcerrig
Farm at Gorslas near Cross Hands, has its own
farm shop where you can buy beef, lamb,
poultry and other farm-fresh produce direct.
The animals are reared in the traditional way
on a family-run farm, and the shop is totally
integrated into the farm environment.
www.cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk
There’s strength in numbers. Cig Mynydd Cymru
(Welsh Mountain Meat) is a co-operative of
five farming families from The Valleys who have
formed a partnership to sell their delicious,
award-winning Welsh Black beef and mountain
lamb. Call into their shop in Treharris in the
Taff Valley. www.cigmynyddcymru.co.uk
The art of cycling
We’re big fans of cycling, an activity that’s
about as green as you can get. In addition to
world-class mountain biking there’s a great
network of scenic touring routes. The Celtic
Trail East, for example, is part of a long-distance,
largely traffic-free cycle route that takes you
across South Wales to Pembrokeshire. As it tracks
through The Valleys it uses canal towpaths,
old railway lines, forests and sections of the
Taff Trail, taking in many sites of great historic
and industrial significance, some of which are
marked by striking artworks and sculptures.
www.sustrans.org.uk
Fair play – Fairtrade
‘Fair play’ is one of our favourite sayings.
Meant as a compliment, it’s a nod to the
generous nature of Valleys folk. It helps explain
why the Fairtrade movement is so well
represented here. Ammanford, Caerphilly,
Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda
Cynon Taf have all signed up to a movement
that supports local sustainability and fair terms
of trade for people in developing countries.
www.fairtrade.org.uk
‘Lots of people have the wrong idea about
life here. But we aren’t only about greenness,
scenery and interesting places to visit –
we’ve also got great communities. There is
something special about Valleys people.’’
Mavis Ashford, Pontypridd
Rhymney Valley
Farmers’ market
Cycling competition
Miners’ Museum
Valley views
A tasty part of Wales
Places to eat in The Valleys cater for all tastes
and budgets, from simple and wholesome to
fine dining. Most of our towns have bistros and
restaurants serving a tasty mix of traditional
dishes and modern, inventive cuisine. More and
more are relying on locally sourced produce
that’s fresh and flavoursome, using it as the
basis not just of classic favourites like Welsh
lamb and beef but also for contemporary
dishes and flavour combinations cooked with a
lighter touch.
We have our fair share of Italian restaurants.
But we scoop the pool when it comes to Italian
cafés – or should that be Welsh-Italian cafés?
Let us explain. Over 100 years ago many Italian
immigrants, mainly from the Bardi area of the
Apennine Mountains, settled in The Valleys.
And what did they do? They did what Italians do
best and opened cafés and ice cream parlours.
Many of these family-run businesses, with
names like Bracchi’s, Servini’s, Conti’s,
Carpanini’s, Bassini’s and – inevitably – Mario’s
survive to this day. In fact, no self-respecting
Valleys town makes do without one (or three)
of them. These much-loved local features of
our urban landscape continue to do a thriving
business. So for all those trendy city-goers
out there who thought that cappuccino was
invented by Starbucks, we have a little secret
for you – we’ve been drinking great coffee in
The Valleys for well over a century. Not to
mention eating the proper Italian ice cream.
Two of our local specialities are cheese and
whisky. The cheese comes from the Blaenafon
Cheddar Company, producers of eight highly
distinctive cheddars and four varieties of
goat’s cheese. This award-winning specialist
cheesemaker brings a strong local flavour to
its products, both visually and taste-wise. Its
four ‘heritage’ cheddars – Capel Newydd,
Blaenafon, Pwll Ddu and Pwll Mawr – are
coated in different coloured waxes with scenes
of Blaenavon’s industrial heritage on the labels.
What’s more, the Pwll Mawr cheddar is actually
matured at the bottom of the mineshaft at the
town’s Big Pit National Coal Museum.
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A selection of eating out places to try in
The Valleys: (visit www.thevalleys.co.uk for a full list)
The Coffee Bean
01495 320333
21 Church Street, Abertillery NP13 1DB
Black Mountain Centre Restaurant 01269 823400
Cwmgarw Road, Brynaman, Ammanford SSA18 1BU
The Rock Inn
01495 223441
Tredegar Road, Blackwood NP12 1DD
The Heritage Café
01495 742339
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon NP4 9AS
01656 729009
The Harlequin Restaurant,
Bryngarw House Bridgend CF32 8UU
Smithy Café
01656 842685
The Square, Blackmill, Bridgend
Glanmors Tearooms
02920 888355
Unit 30, Castle Crt Shopping Ctr, Caerphilly CF83 1NU
The Three Blackbirds Inn
01633 483130
Llantarnam, Cwmbran NP44 3AY
Tiffins Indian Buffet Restaurant
01633 480077
4 Gyndwr Road, Cwmbran NP44 1QS
Caffe Sidoli
01495 309820
35, Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale NP23 6HW
Cwmcerrig Farm Shop & Grill
01269 844405
Cwmcerrig Farm, Gorslas SA14 7HU
Prince of Wales Inn
01554 890522
Meinciau Road, Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly SA17 4RP
Llangeinor Arms, Llangeinor
01656 870268
O'Sullivans Brasserie
01443 237774
7 Swan Street, Llantrisant CF72 8ED
Fwrrwm Ishta Restaurant & Bar
01633 440227
68 Commercial Road, Machen CF83 8PG
Bellvue Pub Restaurant
01685 722568
1 Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AU
Lord Raglan Inn
01685 722512
High Street, Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2PN
Truly Scrumptious Café
07854 800272
Fox Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 5HE
Glyn Clydach Coach House
01792 816307
Longford Road, Neath SA10 7AJ
La Crème Patisserie
01639 638574
Great Western Chambers, Angel St, Neath SA11 1RS
The Red Lion
01685 811914
Church Road, Penderyn CF44 9JR
Pen y Cae Inn
01639 730100
Brecon Road, Pen y Cae SA9 1FA
The Butchers Arms
01639 641119
Alltwen Hill, Alltwen, Pontardawe SA8 3BP
Café and Visitor Centre
Lliw Reservoir, Felindre, Swansea Valley
The Swan Inn
01639 841222
50 Gurnos Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea Valley SA9 2HY
Mr Creemy Ice Cream Parlour
01443 432382
58 - 59 Tylacelyn Road, Tonypandy CF40 1JU
The Mountain Air
01495 723116
Llwyn Helyg, Tredegar NP22 3SD
Crown & Sceptre Inn
01639 642145
Main Road, Cadoxton, Vale of Neath SA10 8AP
Bryngarw House
Café Life, Pontypridd
The Welsh Whisky Company
Cheese and... whisky?
Yes, that’s right. The Blaenafon Cheddar Company’s hand-made cheeses have another strong
Valleys connection – they are flavoured with Penderyn Welsh Whisky and other local ingredients.
Whisky from the Valleys has been a huge success story. The Welsh Whisky Company at Penderyn
produces a single malt whisky and a range of high-quality Welsh spirits. The distillery is the
only one in Wales and one of the smallest in the world. Yet its fame is global, thanks to a malt
whisky that is recognised by connoisseurs as one of the finest and most delicate you can buy.
Taste it and see if you agree. Better still, go along to the new Visitor Centre for a tasting and
tour of the distillery.
www.welsh-whisky.co.uk
Talking heads, tall tales
We make no secret of it. We love to talk. In The
Valleys you’ll soon find yourself in conversation
with the locals in shops, pubs and cafés. This
love of language is part of an oral tradition
that goes back over a thousand years to the
time of the bards, storytellers and poets.
There are thousands of tales too – of ghostly
spirits and ladies of the lake, dragons and devils,
Celtic myth and chivalry. Here are just a few
to whet your appetite.
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth
We’ll start with one that’s 100 percent true.
George Stephenson’s Rocket was the world’s
first steam train, right? Wrong. In 1804, more
than 20 years before the Rocket turned a wheel,
engineer Richard Trevithick, ‘the father of the
locomotive engine’, drove his steam-powered
Penydarren 9½ miles along the Taff Valley
between Merthyr Tydfil and Abercynon. You
can see a replica at Merthyr’s Cyfarthfa Castle
Museum.
www.museums.merthyr.gov.uk
The ‘Lady of the Lake’
We’re not so sure about this one. True or not, it’s
worth getting off the beaten track at Ferndale
in the Rhondda Fach to the undiscovered Darran
Park and mysterious Llyn-y-Forwyn (the
Maiden’s Lake), cupped by mountain crags.
The ‘maiden’ in question was an enchantress
from the bottom of the lake who married a
young farmer, only to disappear back into the
depths after a quarrel. Even if you don’t manage
to spot her, you’ll love the surroundings.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy was reputedly
inspired by a visit to South Wales – specifically
to the dramatic Clydach Gorge near Brynmawr.
Go to this magical spot on a warm summer’s
evening and you’ll be convinced. It’s a National
Nature Reserve famous for its thick cloak of
rare beechwoods… and fairies.
Llancaiach Fawr
Haunted house
Llancaiach Fawr near Nelson is a rare survivor,
a Tudor manor house dating from 1530. It
ranks amongst the top 10 most haunted
houses in Britain. Strange smells –violets,
lavender, even roast beef – spookily come and
go, along with much ghostly activity. Paranormal
researchers are sure of the existence of
something strange. So is it really haunted?
Decide for yourself on one of the regular
evening ghost tours held in autumn and winter.
If you really don’t like ghosts come when the
sun is out for a spirit-free wander around this
fascinating old house.
www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
‘People visiting the area are always commenting on how
friendly and down to earth Valleys people are because
they get such a warm welcome. Everyone talks to each
other and there is a very strong community spirit.’
Gaynor Madgwick, Merthyr Tydfil
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Caerphilly Castle
A ghostly ‘Green Lady’, leaning tower and Doctor Who... what more do you want?
These are just three of the many reasons for visiting Caerphilly Castle. It’s a big place –
one of Europe’s largest and most formidable medieval fortresses. When you wander the
battlements you might see the Green Lady. Modern soap operas have nothing on her
medieval tale of love and betrayal. This French princess, thwarted in her love of a Welsh
nobleman, is doomed forever to haunt the castle in a green robe of envy. Why envy?
It’s a long story... ask someone in Caerphilly. They’ll also tell you about Caerphilly’s wonky
‘leaning tower’ (its only sign of weakness) and the role the castle played in a recent
episode of Doctor Who. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Llancaiach Fawr
Cyfarthfa Castle
Clydach Gorge
What’s happening?
We enjoy each other’s company in The Valleys.
Our communities have always nurtured a
strong and vibrant cultural life, born of shared
experiences in the industrial days of old.
The Valleys is still a place where people matter
– and a place where people get together for
all kinds of festivals and events. There’s a full
programme, from our famous Nos Galan Road
Race, which welcomes in the New Year to
atmospheric Christmas festivities. In the
months in between, you’re more than welcome
to come along to craft fairs, heritage days and
historical re-enactments, and festivals that
celebrate everything from food to literature
and music to walking in our great outdoors.
That’s just part of our rich culture. Many Valleys
towns have their own theatres and arts centres
which stage big-name productions as well as
local entertainment. Our male voice choirs,
perhaps the purest expression of the Valleys’
collective spirit, are still in fine voice, their
sweet, soaring harmonies guaranteed to touch
your emotions. Catch a performance or go
along to one of their midweek rehearsals.
Festivals and Events in
The Valleys 2010
Celtic Day
Ffos Las Racecourse
8 March
Gorseinon Food Festival
Gorseinon
24 April
World Heritage Weekend 2010
Blaenavon
26-27 June
Abertillery Blues Festival
Abertillery Park
15-18 July
UK Triathlon
Parc Bryn Bach
17 July
The Big Cheese
Caerphilly
23-25 July
Welsh Big Bite
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park,
Pontypridd
31July-1 Aug.
The Big V Festival
Parc Taf Bargoed
August
Pontardawe Festival
Pontardawe
13-15 August
Family Fun Day
Ffos Las Racecourse
25 August
Walking Festival
Various Valleys locations
4-19 Sept.
Afan Monster Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge
Afan Forest
25 September
Discover Cordell Country
The Big Cheese Festival
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thevalleys.co.uk
Abertillery Blues Festival
Nos Galan Road Race
Fireworks Skyshow
Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil
November
Medieval Christmas Fayre
Caerphilly
11-12 Dec.
Nos Galan Road Race
Mountain Ash
31 December
Tonypandy 2010
www.tonypandy2010.co.uk
All year
We’re proud to say that in 2010 Blaenau
Gwent plays host to one prestigious festival
in particular – the National Eisteddfod,
Wales’s most important cultural gathering,
which travels to a different venue each year.
In 2010 it comes with a special Valleys
flavour, so don’t miss it.
27 September – 3 October
2010 Ryder Cup Wales
Celtic Manor, Newport
Wales is proud to be hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting
tournaments - The Ryder Cup. The tournament will take place at
The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport. As well as the main event, in the
run-up to the tournament Wales will be staging a ‘Summer of Golf’ a
top quality programme of events.
www.golfasitshouldbe.com www.rydercupwales2010.com
www.greensofsouthernwales.com
27 May – 6 June
Hay Festival
Hay on Wye (Mid Wales)
Britain’s town of books once again hosts its annual
literary festival. Bill Clinton calls it ‘Woodstock of the
Mind’. An event with a laid back party atmosphere –
and it’s not just about books, you’ll get music, comedy
and current affairs crammed into its cosmopolitan
programme. www.hayfestival.com
31 May – 5 June
Urdd National Eisteddfod
Ceredigion
Europe’s largest youth arts festival will be held at
Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion for the first time since
1999. Celebrating the best talent in song, dance,
drama and design, translation are facilities available.
www.urdd.org/eisteddfod
July – August
Cardiff Summer Festival
Summer in the city can only mean one thing – the
Cardiff Summer Festival. The capital comes alive with
street theatre, live music, comedy, drama and not
forgetting funfairs. It’s the UK’s largest free outdoor
festival. www.cardiff-festival.com
6 – 11 July
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
This festival is an international gathering of singers,
dancers and musicians from over 50 countries
worldwide.
www.llangollen2010.co.uk
Tel +44 (0)1978 862000
19 – 22 July
Royal Welsh Show
Builth Wells
Britain’s most popular agricultural show, but it’s not
all about cows and sheep. Live music, stunt displays,
craft stalls, food and much more come together to
create a bustling mix of town and country.
www.rwas.co.uk
31 July – 7 August
The National Eisteddfod of Wales
Ebbw Vale
Its a massive moveable feast of Welsh culture and
heritage, held at a different location each year. Pomp
and ceremony, poetry and dance, comedy, pop and
rock are all part of the mix.
0845 122 1176 www.eisteddfod.org.uk
6 – 8 August
Brecon Jazz
An international festival that attracts some of the
world’s top musicians and performers, bringing
super-cool jazz to one of Wales’s most historic
country towns. The Brecon Beacons have never
sounded so good. www.breconjazz.org
18 – 19 September
Abergavenny Food Festival
Tickle your taste buds at one of the biggest events on
the UK foodie calendar. Slow food, good food, local
food, celebrity chefs, masterclasses, tastings and
street stalls are all on Abergavenny’s massive menu.
www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com
Wales is a stage both for heavyweight cultural festivals and events
that are light, frothy and pure fun. So if you’re looking for an
eventful 2010, here’s a small taster of what’s happening in Wales.
For a full listing go to www.visitwales.com
It’s all in the stars
It’s a Valleys speciality. We’re renowned for
our hospitality. And you’ll find a great choice
of accommodation to go with that big Valleys
welcome. Our B&Bs and guesthouses are
famously friendly – and offer exceptional
value. We have ultra-convenient town-centre
hotels and comfy country house hotels
surrounded by green hills and vales. There are
farmhouses too – yes, we have farms in The
Valleys – which give guests an unrivalled
insight into rural South Wales. And if you’re
in a do-it-yourself frame of mind you’ll find
plenty of self-catering properties and camping
and caravanning sites.
All accommodation grades in this publication have been based
on a new set of common quality standards agreed by Visit
Wales, Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and the AA. The star ratings
reflect the facilities and overall quality of the experience.
A Guide to Quality Assurance
All the accommodation featured in this publication has been
quality graded so you can make your choice in confidence,
knowing that each place to stay has been given a star grading
according to the quality and facilities on offer. Star grades
mean that you can be sure of standards and choose the
accommodation that’s just right for you.
Visit Wales/AA are the only checking agents in Wales, checking
out over 5,000 places. In the case of properties handled by
self-catering agencies, the frequency between visits can
be longer.
Occasionally, it has not been possible to visit the accommodation
prior to publication. In these instances, the property is marked
as ‘Awaiting Grading’.
So you can safely say that we’re very
accommodating. And we do it in all kinds of
styles for all kinds of tastes and budgets – modern STARS are your guide to quality
The Star Quality Grading Schemes apply to all types of
and traditional, classic and contemporary,
accommodation: serviced – hotels, guest houses, bed and
luxurious and plain-and-simple. What’s more,
breakfast, farm accommodation, hostel/hostel type
all the accommodation – from that bijou
accommodation, self-catering cottages and apartments and
caravan holiday home and touring/camping parks.
bolthole to bunkhouse, hotel to hostel – has
been checked out by Quality Assurance
Here are the quality ratings:
schemes run by Visit Wales and the Automobile
Simple, practical, no frills
Association, so you can book in confidence.
Well presented and well run
Good level of quality and comfort
If you’re on business it’s the same story, with a Excellent standard throughout
spot-on choice of places to stay together with
Exceptional, with a degree of luxury
first-class conference venues.
Further detailed information on grading criteria and awards
Please note: All gradings and awards were correct
at the time of going to press.
Occasionally, it may not have been possible to undertake
a grading. This situation is clearly identified by ‘Awaiting
Grading’ appearing within the advertisement/entry.
Grading assessments are ongoing and improvements
made by establishments may have resulted in a revision
since publication. Please check when booking.
Further information on gradings and awards is
available from:
Visit Wales, Welsh Assembly Government,
Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion SY23 3UR
Tel: 0300 062 2000 Fax: 0300 062 2001
email: quality.tourism@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Any problems? In the unfortunate event that you do
encounter problems with your chosen accommodation,
please refer to www.wales.gov.uk/tourism
for further guidance.
22
thevalleys.co.uk
can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/tourism
Cycling and walking
Accommodation with suitable facilities.
Check first as some properties are only suitable for
either cycling or walking.
Booking is easy
Simply choose your preferred style of accommodation and
contact them direct or, where available, visit their website.
For easy reference all accommodation providers are listed in
different categories i.e. Hotels & Country Houses, Inns & Guest
Houses, Farm Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Self Catering,
Caravan & Camping and Hostels & Bunkhouses. The listings
are then sorted by alphabetical order of the nearest town,
then by establishment name.
For short breaks and special offers visit
www.thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation is listed alpabetically firstly by town, then by establishment name.
For further information on accommodation in the area please visit www.thevalleys.co.uk
Hotels & Country House Hotels
Premier Inn Aberdare
Riverside Retail Park, Tirfounders Field, Cwmbach, Aberdare CF44 0AH
0870 850 6388 enquiries@premiertravelinn.com www.premierinn.com
Budget hotel
Ty Newydd Country House
Penderyn Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare CF44 9SX
01685 813433 eddie@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk
Afan Lodge
Afan Road, Dyffryn, Afan Forest Park SA13 3ES
01639 852500 info@afanlodge.com www.afanlodge.com
Awaiting Grading
Maes Manor Hotel
Maesrudded Lane, Blackwood NP12 0AG
01495 220011 info@maesmanor.com www.maesmanor.com
Bryngarw Country House
Brynmenyn, Bridgend CF32 8UU
01656 729009 bryngarwhouse@bridgend.gov.uk www.bridgend.gov.uk/bryngarwhouse
Premier Inn Bridgend
Pantuthyn Farm, Pencoed, Bridgend CF35 5HY
0870 2428000 enquiries@premierinn.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Premier Inn Bridgend Central
The Derwen, Bridgend CF32 9ST
0870 111 2930 enquiries@premierinn.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Travelodge Pencoed
Old Mill, Felindre Road, Bridgend CF35 5HU
01656 864404 info@travelodge.co.uk www.travelodge.co.uk
Budget Hotel
Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
Maesycwmmer, Nr Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly CF82 7SN
01495 225590 reception@brynmeadows.co.uk www.brynmeadows.co.uk
Premier Inn Caerphilly (Corbetts Lane)
Corbetts Lane, Caerphilly CF83 3HX
02920 854530 caerphillynorth.pi@whitbread.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Premier Inn Caerphilly Crossways
Crossways Business Park, Pontypandy, Caerphilly CF83 3NL
08701 977046 caerphillycrossways.pi@whitbread.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Ty Newydd Country House
Miskin Manor
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Best Western Parkway Hotel
Cwmbran Drive, Cwmbran NP44 3UW
01633 871199 enquiries@parkwayhotel.co.uk www.bw-parkwayhotel.co.uk
Premier Inn Ebbw Vale
Victoria Business Park Waunllwyd, Ebbw Vale NP23 8AW
The Park Hotel
Station Road, Waunlwyd, Ebbw Vale NP23 6TN
01495 371431 mthepark@aol.com www.thepark-hotel.co.uk
Premier Inn Llantrisant
Magden Park, Gwaun Ela, Llantrisant CF72 8XF
Castle Hotel
Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8BG
01685 386868 castleinfo@castlehotelwales.com www.castlehotelwales.com
Budget Hotel
Budget Hotel
Imperial Hotel
High Street, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8UH
01685 722555 imperialhotel@btinternet.com
Nant Ddu Lodge Hotel
Cwm Taf, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HY
01685 379111 enquiries@nant-ddu-lodge.co.uk www.nant-ddu-lodge.co.uk
Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil
Pentrebach House, Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4BD
0870 2428000 enquiries@premiertravelinn.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Travelodge Merthyr Tydfil
A470/A412 Roundabout, Rhyd y Car, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1 UY
0871 984 6371 www.travelodge.co.uk
Budget Hotel
Tregenna Hotel
Park Terrace, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8RF
01685 723627 reception@tregennahotel.co.uk www.tregennahotel.co.uk
Miskin Manor Country Hotel
Miskin, Nr Cardiff CF72 8ND
01443 224204 info@miskin-manor.co.uk www.miskin-manor.co.uk
The Bluebell Hotel
14 The Parade, Neath SA11 1RA
01639 644000 info@thebluebellneath.co.uk www.thebluebellneath.co.uk
The Park Hotel
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thevalleys.co.uk
The Imperial Hotel
The Valleys
The Castle Hotel
The Parade, Neath SA11 1RB
01639 641119 info@castlehotelneath.co.uk www.castlehotelneath.co.uk
Premier Inn Pontypool
Ty'r Felin, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool NP4 0RH
0870 111 2958 Pontypool.pi@premierinn.com www.premierinn.com
Budget Hotel
Travelodge Pontypool
Lower Mill Field, Pontypool NP4 0XB
0871 9846413 info@travelodge.co.uk www.travelodge.co.uk
Budget Hotel
Heritage Park Hotel
Coed Cae Road, Trehafod, Pontypridd CF37 2NP
01443 687057 Victoriascullen@heritageparkhotel.co.uk
Llechwen Hall Hotel
Llanfabon, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd CF37 4HP
01443 742050 reservations@llechwen.co.uk www.llechwen.co.uk
Guest Houses, Guest Accommodation, Inns & Restaurants with rooms
Dare Valley Country Park
Trecynon, Aberdare CF44 7RG
01685 874672 darevalleycp@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
Fifth Avenue House
Lower Halt Road, Rhigos, Aberdare CF44 9UP
01685 819914 bookings@fifthavenuehouse.co.uk www.fifthavenuehouse.co.uk
The Falcon Inn
1 Incline Row, Godreaman, Aberdare CF44 6LU
01685 873758 www.thefalcon.co.uk
Halfway House
Upper Gelligroes, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood NP12 2HT
01495 220255 www.visitcaerphilly.com
The Rock
Tredegar Road, Blackwood NP12 1DD
01495 223441 therocktavern@tiscali.co.uk www.therockblackwood.co.uk
Hendrewen Hotel
Hendrewen Road, Blaencwm CF42 5DR
mail@hendrewenhotel.com www.hendrewenhotel.com
The Rock
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Masons Arms Hotel
Bryncethin Road, Bridgend CF32 9YR
01656 720253 info@masonsarms.co.uk www.masonshotel.com
The Cottage
Mountain View, Pwllypant, Caerphilly CF83 3HW
02920 869160 cottageguesthouse@tiscali.co.uk www.smoothhound.co.uk/hoels/cottagegh.html
Ty Castell Guest House
48 St Martins Road, Caerphilly CF83 1EJ
02920 884112 tycastellguesthouse@yahoo.co.uk www.tycastellguesthouse.co.uk
Y Fron Guest House
Mountain View, Pwllypant, Caerphilly CF83 3HW
02920 882896 cwmdu@hotmail.co.uk www.yfron.co.uk
Springfields Guest House
371 Llantarnam Road, Llantarnam, Cwmbran NP44 3BN
01633 482509 springfields@webster.uk.net www.springfieldsguesthouse.com
Ebbw Vale Guest House
Libanus Road, Ebbw Vale NP23 6EJ
01495 301044 info@ebbwvaleguesthouse.co.uk www.ebbwvaleguesthouse.co.uk
Gronow House
Llanharan Road, Llanharry CF72 9LH
01443 238608 laraine.cecil@btinternet.com
The Mole Inn
43 Heol Twrch, Lower Cwmtwrch SA9 2TD
01639 830067 llinos@themoleinn.co.uk www.themoleinn.co.uk
The Hollybush with Rooms
Daraethen, Lower Machen NP10 8GB
01633 441326 jacky@thehollybush.com www.visitcaerphilly.com
Col Mar Guest House
2 Bethania Street, Maesteg CF34 9DJ
01656 735140 marlene@colmarguesthouse.plus.com www.colmarguesthouse.plus.com
Llwyn Onn Guest House
Cwmtaff, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HT
01685 384384 reception@llwynonn.co.uk www.llwynonn.co.uk
Awaiting Grading
‘The fantastic walks and the views, good environment, healthy.
The community spirit is second to none.’
Mrs G Davies, Port Talbot
Llwyn Onn Guest House
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thevalleys.co.uk
Ty Castell
Springfields Guest House
The Valleys
Mount Pleasant Inn
Mount Pleasant, Merthyr Vale, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4TD
01443 693555 enquiries@themountpleasantinn.co.uk www.themountpleasantinn.co.uk
Penrhadw Farm
Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2TU
01685 723481 treghotel@aol.com www.penrhadwfarm.co.uk
Tredegar Arms Hotel
Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 3PW
01685 377467 bookings@tredegararmsinn.co.uk www.tredegararmsinn.co.uk
Green Lanterns Guest House
Hawdref Ganol Farm, Cimla, Neath SA12 9SL
01639 631884 caren.jones@btinternet.com
Tree Tops Guest House
282 Neath Road, Briton Ferry, Neath SA11 2SL
01639 812419 info@treetopsguesthouse.net www.treetopsguesthouse.net
Plas-y-Coed Guesthouse
Cwmffrwdoer, Pontypool NP4 6UE
01495 762505 joann.piddin@btconnect.com www.plasycoed.com
Central House Guest House
Stow Hill, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 1RZ
07815 916581 centralhousewales@gmail.com www.centralguesthouse.co.uk
The Queens B&B
1 Queen Street, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot SA13 3BL
01639 850487 rentonad@tiscali.co.uk www.thequeensguesthouse.co.uk
Ty Lily Mia
Station Road, Trealaw, Tonypandy CF40 2PL
07877 687949 alun.price@sky.com
Wern Ganol Guest House
Nelson, Treharris CF46 6PS
01443 450413 mail@wernganol.co.uk www.wernganol.co.uk
Brynmorgan Villa
Lower Brynmorgan Bridge, Upper Cwmtwrch SA9 2XG
01639 830480 clubbe1@aol.com
‘It is a really good place to just relax and escape from everything.’
Ashley, Pontycymmer
Tree Tops Guest House
Penrhadw Farm
Plas-Y-Coed
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Farm Guest Houses
Llwyn Iago Farm
Fochriw, Bargoed CF81 9JR
01685 844085 Llwyn.iago@lineone.net www.llwyn-iago.com
Gelligravog Farm
Upper Cwmbran, Cwmbran NP44 5AT
01633 871147 charmandchris@btinternet.com www.gelligravog.co.uk
Ty Shon Jacob Farm
Tranch, Pontypool NP4 6BP
01495 757536 tyshonfarm@aol.com www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/tyshon.html
Ty-Cooke Farm
Mamhilad, Pontypool NP4 8QZ
01873 880382 tycookefarm@hotmail.com www.downourlane.co.uk
Tir Twyn Farm
Tredomen, Ystrad Mynach CF82 7BF
01443 812612 saltkidd@aol.com www.tirtwynfarm.com
Awaiting Grading
‘The Valleys are busting with adventure and family fun. You can have
great days out with loads of local places to visit.’ Elizabeth Weed, Blackwood
Bed & Breakfast
Bryn Heulog
11 Bedwellty Road, Aberbargoed CF81 9AE
01443 833084 brynheulogguesthouse.bb@googlemail.com
Beili Helyg
Cwm Cadlan, Penderyn, Aberdare CF44 0YJ
01685 813609 willow.walks@hotmail.co.uk
Maesyronnen
Ystradfellte, Aberdare CF44 9JE
01639 722343
Pen Y Graig Canol
69/71 Mountain Road, Brynamman, Ammanford SA18 1AN
01269 824336
Oakfield B & B
1 Oakfield Terrace, Varteg Road, Blaenafon NP4 9DS
01495 792 829 enquiries@oakfieldbnb.com www.oakfieldsbedandbreakfast.co.uk
Gelligravog Farm
28
thevalleys.co.uk
Ty Shon Jacob Farm
Lugano
The Valleys
Bed & Breakfast
Herons Brook
2 Buarthau, Blackmill, Bridgend CF35 6ER
01656 849450 www.heronsbrook.uk.com
New Station House B&B
Bryn Road, Brynmenyn, Bridgend CF32 9LA
01656 729116 j.treharne@homecall.co.uk www.newstationhousebandb.co.uk
Oakfield House
Pen-Y-Bryn, Pyle, Bridgend CF33 6RA
01656 740652 oakfieldbanb@aol.com www.oakfieldbnb.com
Coach House
2 Twyn Sych, Rudry, Caerphilly CF83 3EF
02920 8847723 coachhouserudry@yahoo.co.uk www.coachhouserudry.com
Lugano
Hillside, Mountain Road, Caerphilly CF83 1HN
02920 852672 citrus_67@hotmail.com www.visitcaerphilly.com
The Forge
Lower Machen, Caerphilly NP10 8GU
01633 440226 visitcaerphilly@caerphilly.gov.uk www.visitcaerphilly.com
Ysgubor Fach
Coalbrookvale, Nantyglo, Ebbw Vale NP23 4QQ
01495 290413 joe_pat@btinternet.com www.southwalesbnb.com
Highfields
Tir-Y-Berth Farm, Penpedairheol, Hengoed CF82 8BS
01443 862287 www.visitcaerphilly.com
Kidwelly B&B
62 Causeway Street, Kidwelly SA17 4SU
01554 890716 kidwellybandb@yahoo.co.uk www.kidwellyband.co.uk
The Stables at Brook House
Rhiwsaeson Road, Cross Inn, Llantrisant CF72 8NZ
01443 228526 info@thestablesllantrisant.co.uk www.thestablesllantrisant.co.uk
Island House
Gwynfe Road, Loughor SA4 6TE
01792 899217 gordon.9@gordon9.plus.com www.evanroberts.co.uk
Ty Gronfa
Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UP
01685 371399 yvonnejones8@aol.com
Awaiting Grading
Oakfield B&B
Highfields
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Bed & Breakfast
Pentre Tai Farm
Rhiwderin, Newport NP10 8RQ
01633 893284 enquiries@pentretailfarm.co.uk www.pentretaifarm.co.uk
Glyn Llech Isaf Farm (Guest House)
Heol Nant Y Ffyn, Pen Y Cae SA9 1FJ
01639 730205 sandeep.marketing@craigynoscastle.com www.craigynos-farmhouse.com
Ael-Y-Bryn
Coedffaldau, Rhiwfawr, Pontardawe SA9 2RL
01639 830079 info@welshbreaksaway.co.uk www.welshbreaksaway.co.uk
Tyn-Y-Wern B&B
Pontypridd CF37 3LY
01443 790551 tynywern2002@yahoo.co.uk www.tyn-y-wern.co.uk
Bryn Teg House
9 Craig-Y-Fan, Cymmer, Port Talbot SA13 3LN
01639 851820 jennie@brynteghouse.com www.brynteghouse.com
Pentre Riding Stables (Guest House)
Pen-Y-Cae, Swansea SA9 1GJ
01639 730639 enquiries@pentrestables.co.uk www.pentrestables.co.uk
The Miskin Hotel
Miskin Road, Trealaw, Tonypandy CF40 2QN
01443 430058
Fairmead Guest House
24 Gelligaer Road, Treharris CF46 6DN
01443 411174 fairmead@aol.com
Ty Draw B&B
Blaencwm, Treorchy CF42 5DW
01443 778028 tydrawfarm@yahoo.com www.tydrawfarm.com
Awaiting Grading
Holtwood
Neath Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1PR
01639 849744 jemwood@btinternet.com www.holtwood.me.uk
Pen-Pentre
Neath Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1PR
01639 843013 penpentre@btinternet.com www.b-n-b-in-wales.co.uk
Roseland
thevalleys.co.uk
Awaiting Grading
Roseland
Dukestown Road, Dukestown, Tredegar NP22 4RE
01495 722040 susanroseland@aol.com
30
Pentre Tai Farm
Blaen-Nant-Groes
The Valleys
Self Catering
& Blaen-Nant-Groes Farm Cottages
Blaen-Nant-Groes Farm Cottages, Cwmbach, Aberdare CF44 0EA
01685 881457 harpers@runbox.com
Ivy House
10 Craig y Fan, Afan Forest Park SA13 3LN
7979218017 enquiries@ivyhousewales.com www.ivyhousewales.com
Ty Afan Holiday Cottages
22 Maesteg Road, Cymmer, Afan Forest Park SA13 3HS
07866 680465 enquiries@ty-afan.co.uk www.ty-afan.co.uk
Ty Dor
3 Alban Terrace, Abercregan, Afan Forest Park SA13 3LH
01639 852225 mrpetergibbs@hotmail.co.uk www.tydorabercregan.com
Windways
50 Afan Road, Duffryn, Afan Forest Park SA13 3ET
01639 687110 gary@neuadd-afan.com www.windways.co.uk
Lothlorien Cottage
49 Heol y Gors, Cwmgors, Amman Valley SA18 1PT
208364669 lothlorien@rainbowzebra.com www.rainbowzebra.net/lothlorien
Arhosfa Cottage
19 Rhosfa Road, Brynamman, Ammanford SA18 1DF
01269 822953 julia.terry@ukonline.co.uk www.arhosfacottage.co.uk
Pen y Graig Canol
69/71 Mountain Road, Brynamman, Ammanford SA18 1AN
01269 824336 terriinwales@yahoo.co.uk www.penygraigcanol.co.uk
Gwern-Ty-Isaf Cottage
Mill Road Deri, Bargoed CF81 9HF
01443 820123 lidog166@aol.com www.caerphillycottage.co.uk
Wyrloed Holiday Cottages
3, Wyrloed Lodge Cottage, Manmoel, Blackwood NP12 0RN
01495 371198 norma.james@btinternet.com www.wyrloedlodge.com
Ivy, Swallow, The Coach House & Granary Cottages
& Tytanglwyst Farm, Pyle, Bridgend CF33 4SA
01656 745635 info@tytanglwystholidaycottages.co.uk www.tytanglwystholidaycottages.co.uk
Miners Cottage, 4 Margam Row
Kenfig Hill, Bridgend CF33 6DP
07971 950772 ruth@ruthdavid.com www.minerscottage.com
Gwern-Ty-Isaf Cottage
Ivy House
Ty Afan
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Self Catering
Swn Y Nant
Cwm Risca Lane, Off New Road, Tondu, Bridgend CF32 0EH
01656 723783 aclswnynant@hotmail.co.uk
Ty Gwyneth
Haulfryn, Ffordd Y Gyfraith, Bridgend CF32 0BS
01656 743983 gaina@gainamorganmedia.co.uk www.plushplacesinwales.co.uk
Bwthyn Felgaws
Gellifelgaws Farm, Tyllwyd Road, Bryncoch SA10 7DX
07971129321 briandavies@aol.com www.wales-holidays.co.uk
The Courtyard
Bryncenydd House, Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly CF83 3FB
02920 866666 nigelwphillips@aol.com
Valley Break
72, Hanbury Street, Glan Y NantGlan Y Nant, Caerphilly NP12 3XP
07725 540049 jan@valleybreak.co.uk www.valleybreak.co.uk
Cwmcarn Holiday Let
32 Caradoc Street, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys NP11 7EF
01495 271061 enquiry@cwmcarnholidaylet.co.uk www.cwmcarnholidaylet.co.uk
Safe Haven Lodges
Ty Hafod Tudor, Ty Hafod Tudor Terrace, Wattsville, Crosskeys NP11 7QQ
01495 271225 enquiries@safehavenlodges.co.uk www.safehavenlodges.co.uk
Drws Nesaf & Hen Stabal, Abergwrelych House
Pontwalby, Glynneath SA11 5LN
01639 720035 margaret@cottagessouthwales.com www.cottagessouthwales.com
Blaenpant
Mynydd-Y-Garreg, Kidwelly SA17 4RP
01623 490881 meynonfreeman@yahoo.com
Cwrt Y Cadno
Heol Waun Y Clun, Trimsaran, Kidwelly SA17 4BS
01554 810397
Wren, Jay & Little Owl Cottages
Parc Y Llong, Kidwelly SA17 4RN
07816 921612 shezling@hotmail.co.uk www.parcyllongcottages.co.uk
‘The way nature has reclaimed what is hers but shows tantalising
glimpses of the ancient past.’ Lucy Mumford, Cwmaman
Miners Cottage
32
thevalleys.co.uk
Safe Haven Lodges
The Valleys
Self Catering
6 Pant Y Gino
Trimsaran, Llanelli SA17 4DJ
01554 741582 dbs.walesltd@yahoo.co.uk www.ffoslasaccomodation.co.uk
Awaiting Grading
Cwmbach Cottage
Maesybont, Llanelli SA14 7SR
01269 842986 lletycoed@aol.com
The Stables at Brook House
Rhiwsaeson Road, Cross Inn, Llantrisant CF72 8NZ
07801 356259 www.thestablesllantrisant.co.uk
Granary Cottages
Torpantau, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UT
01685 383358 sian@selfcateringcottagesinwales.co.uk www.selfcateringcottagesinwales.co.uk
Winch Fawr Lodge
1 Winch Fawr, Heol Gerrig, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1RD
01685 385071 nigel@winchfawrlodge.co.uk
Caer Arba
7 Brynawel, Crynant, Neath SA10 8SR
01639 750875 sueplasypentre@aol.com
Crynant Holiday Cottages
Llwyn Llanc Uchaf, Crynant, Neath SA10 8SF
07966 149136 crynantcottages@btconnect.com www.crynantcottages.co.uk
Cwmbach Lodges (1 & 2)
Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH
01639 639825 www.cwmbachcottages.co.uk
Cwmnant Hir
Banwen, Neath SA10 9LU
01639 722322 camping@pearlmedical.co.uk www.campbyastream.co.uk
Hafodwen
Bryncaws Farm, Cilfrew, Neath SA10 8NF
01639 644609 bryncaws@btinternet.com www.hafodwenholidaycottage.co.uk
Meadow View, 18 Glan Gwrelych
Glyn Neath, Neath SA11 5LN
01639 720767 val@holidaysinthecountry.co.uk
‘Amercian canyons, Scottish Glens, English Dales - But The Valleys of
Wales.....? Now you're talking!’ Stuart Luckwell, Risca
The Courtyard
The Stables
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Self Catering
Upper Grippath Farm Holiday Cottages
Upper Grippath Farm, Risca, Newport NP11 6JB
01633 615000 holidaycottaes@uppergrippath.co.uk www.uppergrippath.co.uk
Glyn Llech Isaf Farm (Self Catering)
Heol Nant Y Ffyn, Pen Y Cae SA9 1FJ
01639 730205 sandeep.marketing@craigynoscastle.com www.craigynosfarmhouse.com
Cilhendre Fawr Farm Cottages
Wern Ddu Road, Alltwen, Pontardawe SA8 3HY
01792 862210 roderickl@aol.com www.cilhendrefawrfarmcottages.co.uk
Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages
Plas Farm, Cilybebyll, Pontardawe SA8 3JQ
01792 864611 enquries@walescottages.com www.walescottages.com
The Log Cabin
59 Heol Las, Pontardawe SA8 4PR
01792 869363 sara_harris@hotmail.co.uk
& Awaiting Grading
7 White Springs
Pentrebach, Pontarddulais SA4 8QG
01792 885699 edward_lloyd@btconnect.com
Llwynau Farm Self Catering Pine Lodges
Castellau, Llantrisant, Pontyclun CF72 8LP
01443 229021 llwynaufarmlodges@hotmail.com
Vale Holiday Homes Ltd, Llwyn Nwydog Farm
Cowbridge Road, Talygarn, Pontyclun CF72 9JU
01446 774144 info@valeholidayhomes.co.uk www.valeholidayhomes.co.uk
Rhiw Ffranc Farm Holiday Apartments
Pentwyn, Abersychan, Pontypool NP4 7TJ
01495 775069 rhiwffrancfarm@aol.com www.rhiwffrancfarmholidayapartments.co.uk
Ceffyl Cottage
Cefn Farmyard, Cefn Lane, Pontypridd CF37 3AL
01443 400163 ceffylcottage@btinternet.com
Tyn-Y-Wern Self Catering Lodges
Pontypridd CF37 3LY
01443 790551 tynywern2002@yahoo.co.uk www.tyn-y-wern.co.uk
Afan Cottage
Jersey Terrace, Cwmafan, Port Talbot SA12 9AS
07977 145766 taverninns@yahoo.co.uk www.afancottage.co.uk
Pentre Riding Stables
34
thevalleys.co.uk
Ceffyl Cottage
Rhiw Ffranc Farm
The Valleys
Self Catering
Tan y Graig House
1 Macpelah, Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot SA12 9TU
01639 896722 tanygraig09@yahoo.co.uk
The Vestry
1 Uplands Cottages, Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot SA12 9TQ
01639 631884 info@afanvestry.co.uk www.afanvestry.co.uk
Awaiting Grading
1 + 2 Tan Yr Eglwys
Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3JR
01792 863367 rees.lloyd@btinternet.com www.walescottagebreaks.co.uk
Capel Cartref
Lower Cwm Twrch, Heol Twrch, Swansea SA9 2TE
07825 874926 marnie.slade@sky.com
Awaiting Grading
Gerdinen Ganol
Felindre, Swansea SA5 7PX
01269 592064
Pentre Riding Stables (Self Catering)
Pen-Y-Cae, Swansea SA9 1GJ
01639 730639 enquiries@pentrestables.co.uk www.pentrestables.co.uk
Ty Llwy & Fir Tree House
Craig-Cefn-Parc, Swansea SA6 5TE
07793 073811 cartrefholidays@fsmail.net
Y Bwthyn
Glyn Cynwal Isaf Farm, Cwmtwrch, Swansea SA9 2UR
01639 830737 craig.mali@gmail.com
Ynys-Y-Coed
Coedffaldau, Rhiwfawr, Swansea SA9 2RL
01639 830079 info@welshbreaksaway.co.uk www.welshbreaksaway.co.uk
Tynewydd Farm
Nant-Y-Bwch, Tredegar NP22 3BB
01495 724155 connieprunell@btinternet.com www.beaconvalleybreaks.co.uk
Y Beudy
Ty Gwyn Farm, Penywern Road, Ystalyfera SA9 2NH
01656 733454 joanna.id@tiscali.co.uk www.ybeudy.co.uk
20 Heol Giedd
Ystradgynlais SA9 1LQ
01279 303072 wandj.morgan@btinternet.com
Tyn-Y-Wern
& & Tynewydd Farm
thevalleys.co.uk
Accommodation
Touring Caravan & Camping
Dare Valley Country Park - Camping
Trecynon, Aberdare CF44 7RG
01685 874672 darevalleycp@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk
Glyncorrwg Ponds Campsite
Ynyscorrwg Park, Glyncorrwg, Afan Forest Park SA13 3EA
01639 851900 actesonleigh@hotmail.com
Pen Y Fan Caravan & Leisure Park
Manmoel Road, Oakdale, Blackwood NP2 0HY
01495 226636 info@penyfancaravanpark.co.uk www.penyfancaravanpark.co.uk
Brynhyfryd Caravan & Camping
Awaiting Grading
Ffordd Y Gyfraith, Tondu, Bridgend CF32 0BS
01656 740544 yellow-bus@hotmail.co.uk www.brynhyfrydcampingcaravanning.co.uk
Black Lion Caravan & Camping Park
78 Black Lion Road, Gorslas, Cross Hands SA14 6RU
01269 845365 blacklionsite@aol.com www.caravansite.com
Cwmcarn Forest
Nanatarn Road, Cwmcarn, Crosskeys NP11 7FA
01492 272001 cwmcarn-vc@caerphilly.gov.uk www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre
Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UR
01685 721751 dolygaer@merthyr.gov.uk
Grawen Caravan & Camping Park
Cwm Taff, Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2HS
01685 723740 grawen.touring@virgin.net www.walescaravanandcamping.com
Ty Canol Farm
Penyard Road, Neath Abbey, Neath SA10 7EY
01792 814172 www.tycanolfarm.co.uk
Caravan Club
Waters Meet Caravan & Camping Site
Caravan Club
Waters Meet, Rhos, Pontardawe SA8 3EY
01792 863038 kenliz@watersmeet.wanadoo.co.uk caravancampingsites.co.uk/glamorgan/watersmeet.htm
Parc Bryn Bach (Bunkhouse and Caravan & Camping)
Merthyr Road, Tredegar NP22 3AY
01495 711816 parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
‘The beauty of the waterfalls, the challenging tops and the whole
magnificent pleasure of walking along them.’ Mrs Mary Galpin, Swansea
36
thevalleys.co.uk
Grawen Farm
The Valleys
Bunkhouse and Group Accommodation
Cynon Valley Tyle Morgrug Cottage & Bunkhouse
Halt Road, Rhigos, Aberdare CF44 9UW
01903 742206 jcrobbins44@aol.com www.cyat.org
EcoDysgu
Tondu Farm House, Bridgend CF32 9HF
01656 728137 ecodysguecolearn@aol.com
www.ecodysgu.co.uk
Wern Watkin Hillside
Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1LG
01873 812307 andrew@wernwatkin.co.uk www.wernwatkin.co.uk
Dulwich College Field Centre
Heol Callwen, Glyntawe SA9 1GR
01639 730892 fieldcentre@dulwich.org.uk www.fieldcentre.dulwich.org.uk
Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UR
01685 721751 dolygaer@merthyr.gov.uk
Absolute Adventure Ltd
Rhongyr Isaf Centre, Pen Y Cae SA9 1GB
01639 730518 enquiries@absoluteadventure.co.uk
Clyngwyn Bunkhouse
Clyngwyn Farm, Ystradfellte Road, Pontneddfechan SA11 5US
01639 722930
Glamorgan Court
University Of Glamorgan, Pontypridd CF37 1DL
01443 482002 events@glam.ac.uk www.glamorganconferenceservices.co.uk
Rose Cottage
Craig-Y-Fan, Cymmer, Port Talbot SA13 3LN
01639 851820 jennie@brynteghouse.com www.brynteghouse.com
Call of the wild
Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1XU
01639 845670 mark@callofthewild.co.uk
Parc Bryn Bach (Bunkhouse and Caravan & Camping)
01495 711816 parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
‘Cardiff Ramblers regularly walk in The Valleys to soak in the majestic
scenery that's freely available all the year round.’ Gwyn, Cardiff
Cwmcarn Forest
Cynon Valley Tyle Morgrug
thevalleys.co.uk
Attractions & Activities
Activities
Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure Margam Country Park
Port Talbot
01284 852218
www.goape.co.uk
Absolute Adventure Ltd
Upper Swansea Valley
01639 730518
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Gwent Adventures
Pontypool
01291 673002
www.gwent-adventures.co.uk
All Terrain Services
Pontardawe
01792 862669
www.allterrainservices.co.uk/
Milestone Activities
Pontyclun
01443 224117
www.milestoneactivities.co.uk
Amman Valley Trotting Club
Ammanford
07909 698309
www.ammanvalley-trotting.co.uk
Paraventure Airsports (Paragliding)
Blaenavon
0845 4790635
www.paraventure.co.uk
Blaenafon Mountain Tours (Cycling)
Blaenavon
01495 793123
Bowlplex
Cwmbran
www.bowlplex.co.uk
01633 867744
Parc Bryn Bach Country Park & Activity Centre
Tredegar
01495 711816
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Bowlplex
Pontypridd
www.bowlplex.co.uk
01443 844944
Pontymoile Day Boat Hire
Pontypool
07981 846184
www.pontymoilemarina.co.uk
Bryn Oer Tramroad
Tredegar
01495 355937
http://brinore-tramroad.powys.org.uk/
Call of the Wild (Adventure Activities) Limited
Neath
01639 700388
www.callofthewild.co.uk
Team Force Paintball
Llangyfelach
www.teamforceuk.com
Dynamic Rock Adventures ltd
Clydach
01792 845655
www.dynamicrock.co.uk
01495 785777
38
thevalleys.co.uk
01792 824119
01792 772311
Terence Leslie Jones T/A Outdoor Ed Venture
Pen Y Cae
01639 849378
The Twrch Trail (Mountain Bike) at
Cwmcarn Forest Drive
Cwmcarn
01495 272001
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
Top Gun Paintball
Neath
01639 700487
www.topgun-paintball.co.uk
Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre and Ponds
Port Talbot
01639 851900
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Blaenafon Mountain Tours
01443 672672
Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre
Pontypridd
029 20 831658
www.adventurewales.co.uk
Dulais Valley Quads & Archery Centre
Neath
01639 701768
www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk
G-Force Karting
Pontypool
www.g-forcekarting.co.uk
Rhondda Bowl
Porth
South Wales 2000 Shooting Ground
Blackwood
01495 201182
www.southwales2000.com
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 721751
www.merthyr.gov.uk
01656 784222
01495 756955
Sbri Cymru Ltd
Swansea
www.sbricymru.com
Dare Valley Country Park -Outdoor
Aberdare
01685 874672
www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk
EcoDysgu EcoLearn
Tondu, Bridgend
www.ecodysgu.co.uk/
Pontypool Ski Centre
Pontypool
Bowlplex
Parc Bryn Bach Country Park
Wales Activity Breaks
The Valleys
Twin Dragons Archery Range
Pontypool
01495 763917
www.twindragonarchery.co.uk
Tickens Trekking Centre
Cwmbran
www.tickenstrekking.co.uk
Vale of Neath Gliding Club
01685 811023
Glynneath
valeofneathglidingclub.bravehost.com
Tir Twyn Farm Livery Yard
Ystrad Mynach
01443 812612
www.tirtwynfarm.com
07722 547084
Wales Activity Breaks
Pontypridd
029 20 831658
www.walesactivitybreaks.co.uk
Waun Fawr Farm Riding School
Pontardawe
01792 830273
Wet and Wild Adventures
Pentre
www.wetwild.co.uk
Visitor Attractions
07841 054205
Ynys Hywel Activity Centre
Cross Keys
01495 200113
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/leisure
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Blaenavon
01495 790311
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Young's Activities
Aberfan
Blaenafon Cheddar Company
Blaenavon
01495 793123
www.chunkofcheese.co.uk
01443 693536
Horse Riding Centres
Cimla Trekking & Equestrian Centre
Cimla Neath
01639 644944
www.cimlariding.co.uk
Dinefrw Riding Centre
Ammanford
01269 850042
Bridgend Designer Outlet
Bridgend
01656 665700
www.bridgenddesigneroutlet.com
Chocs Away
Blaenavon
01495 790790
www.chocsawayparty.co.uk
E K M Equestrian
Bridgend
01656 743950
www.ekm-equestrian.netfirms.com/
Cwmbran Boating Lake
Cwmbran
www.visittorfaen.co.uk
01495 742333
Greenmeadow Riding Centre
Aberdare
01685 874961
www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk
Dan Yr Ogof
Abercrave
www.showcaves.co.uk
01639 730284
Rockwood Riding Centre
Caerphilly
www.visitcaerphilly.com
02920 866281
South Wales Equestrian Centre
Bridgend
01656 862959
www.visitbridgend.com
Sunny Bank Livery Yard
Caerphilly
02920 864943
Sunny Bank Equestrian Centre
Rudry
02920 864943
www.sunnybankec.com
Talygarn Equestrian Centre
Pontyclun
01443 225107
http://www.talygarnec.co.uk/RidingLessons/
Tickens Trekking
Dan-yr-Ogof
Festival Park
Ebbw Vale
01495 350010
www.festivalshopping.co.uk
Ffos Las Racecourse
Trimsaran
01554 811092
www.ffoslasracecourse.com
Garwnant Visitor Centre
Merthyr Tydfil
www.forestry.gov.uk
01685 723060
Greenmeadow Community Farm
Cwmbran
01633 647662
www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk
Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre
thevalleys.co.uk
Visitor Attractions
Maesteg Town Hall
Maesteg
01656 733269
www.maestegtownhall.com
Margam Abbey Stones Museum
Port Talbot
029 2050 0200
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Margam Country Park
Port Talbot
www.visitnpt.co.uk
01639 881635
Mynydd Bach Trout Ponds
Maesteg
01656 731367
Mynydd Mawr Woodland
Upper Gwendraeth Valley
01554 747500
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Neath Museum
Neath
www.visitnpt.co.uk
St John the Baptist Church, Aberdare
Aberdare
01685 879999
www.gocities.com/campanologywales
The Black Mountain Centre
Ammanford
01269 823400
www.brynaman.org.uk
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Swansea
01639 730 284
www.showcaves.co.uk
The Pit Pony Sanctuary
Pontypridd
www.visitpitponies.co.uk
01443 480327
Thomas Dadford Canal Trip Boat
Neath
www.neath-tennant-canals.org.uk
01639 645726
Country Parks
Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre
Aberdare
01685 810651
www.welsh-whisky.co.uk
Aberdare Park
Aberdare
Pontardawe Arts Centre
Swansea
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Afan Forest Park and Visitor Centre
Port Talbot
01639 850564
www.afanforestpark.co.uk
01792 863722
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway
Blaenavon
01495 792263
www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk
Princess Royal Theatre
Port Talbot
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Shell Grotto
Pontypool
01495 766754
St Elvan's Church, Aberdare
Aberdare
01685 879999
www.gocities.com/campanologywales
St. Illtyd's Church
Abertillery
http://www.illtyd.co.uk
01495 355972
Cwmbran Boating Lake
thevalleys.co.uk
Barry Sidings Countryside Park
Pontypridd
Bryngarw Country Park
Brynmenyn, Bridgend
01656 725155
01639 760551
Roundhouse Towers
Nantyglo
01495 355937
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/leisure/8044.asp
40
St James Pond
Tredegar
01495 355937
Craig-y-nos Country Park
Pen Y Cae
01639 730395
www.breconbeacons.org
Cwmcarn
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
01495 272001
Cwmcelyn Pond
Blaina
07773 524418
Cwmtillery Lakes
Abertillery
01495 320504
Cyfarthfa Park
Merthyr Tydfil
www.visitmerthyr.co.uk
Blaenavon Ironworks
01685 727474
South Wales Miners Museum
The Valleys
Aberdare
01685 874672
www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk
RSPB Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve
Clydach
029 2035 3000
www.rspb.org.uk
Festival Park
Ebbw Vale
01495 350010
www.festivalshopping.co.uk
Silent Valley Nature reserve
Ebbw Vale
01600 740600
www.gwentwildlife.org/reserves/SilentValley.htm
Glamorgan Wildlife Trust
Tondu, Bridgend
Sirhowy Country Park
Blackwood
01495 270991
www.Caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside
01656 724100
Gnoll Estate Country Park
Port Talbot
01639 850564
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Lakeside Farm Park
Glynogwr, Blackmill
01443 676805
www.lakesidefarmpark.co.uk
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park
Gorslas
01269 832229
Margam Country Park
Port Talbot
www.visitnpt.co.uk
01639 881635
Parc Bryn Bach
Tredegar
01495 711816
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/5807.asp
Parc Coetir
Bargoed
01495 235219
Parc Cwm Darran
Bargoed
01443 875557
Parc Penallta
Caerphilly
01443 816853
Parc Slip Nature Park
Tondu, Bridgend
01656 724100
Parc Taf Bargoed
Trelewis, Merthyr Tydfil
www.visitmerthyr.co.uk
01685 727474
Waterfall Centre/Waterfall Country
Neath
01639 721795
www.breconbeacons.org
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park
Pontypridd
01443 490249
Ynys Dawel Nature Park
Amman Valley
01554 833913
Arts and Crafts
Art Gallery - Rhondda Heritage Park
Trehafod
01443 682036
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
Beaufort Theatre and Ballroom
Ebbw Vale
01495 355800
www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
Berwyn Centre
Nantymoel, Bridgend
01656 840439
www.berwynartscouncil.org
Blackwood Miners Institute
Blackwood
01495 227206
www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bmi
Congress Theatre
Cwmbran
01633 868239
www.congresstheatrecwmbran.co.uk
Form Contemporary Craft
Blaenavon
01495 790926
www.form-gallery.co.uk
Gelligroes Mill & Candle Workshop
Blackwood
01495 222322
Pen y Fan Pond & Country Park
Blackwood
01495 270991
LLanhilleth Institute
Llanhilleth
01495 212000
www.llanhillethinstitute.com
Pontypool Park
Pontypool
Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
Cwmbran
01633 483321
www.lgac.org.uk
Afan Forest Park
01495 766754
thevalleys.co.uk
Arts and Crafts
Market Hall Cinema
01495 310576
Brynmawr
www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
Muni Arts Centre
Pontypridd
www.rct-arts.co.uk
08000 147111
Myfanwy Theatre
Merthyr Tydfil
0751 6774384
www.myfanwytheatre.co.uk
Blaenavon Ironworks
Blaenavon
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
01495 792615
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Blaenavon
01495 742333
www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
Odeon Cinema
Bridgend
www.odeon.co.uk
0870 5050 007
Blaengarw Workmen's Hall
Blaengarw, Bridgend
01656 871911
www.creation.me.uk/hall.htm
Parc and Dare Theatre
Treorchy
www.rct-arts.co.uk
08000 147111
Blaina Heritage Action Group Museum
Blaina
01495 292025
www.blaina.moonfruit.com
Tredegar Little Theatre
Tredegar
01495 724979
www.tredegar.co.uk/littletheatre
The Coliseum Theatre
Aberdare
www.rct-arts.co.uk
08000 147111
Brecon Mountain Railway
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 722988
www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk
Brynmawr Museum
Brynmawr
01495 313900
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/leisure
The Grogg Shop & Museum
Pontypridd
01443 405001
www.groggs.co.uk
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly
The Met
Abertillery
www.the-met.co.uk
Cefn Coed Viaduct
Merthyr Tydfil
01495 322510
Cefn Cribwr Ironworks
Bridgend
Heritage Attractions
029 2088 3143
01685 727474
01656 725155
Aberbeeg Packhorse Bridge
Aberbeeg
01495 355937
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/8040.asp
Cefn Junction Signal Box
Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend
Aberdulais Falls
Neath
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Chartists' Cave
Tredegar
01495 355937
01639 636674
Abertillery & District Museum
Abertillery
01495 211140
www.abertilleryanddistrictmuseum.org.uk/
Coity Castle
Bridgend
Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones & Trail
Tredegar
01495 355937
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/advice/13572.asp
Clydach Ironworks
Brynmawr
01495 355937
www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/easy-access/placesto-visit-with-easier-and-disabled-access/clydachironworks
Bedwellty House & Park
Tredegar
01495 355937
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Blaenavon
01495 790311
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Cordell Museum
42
Blaenafon Community Heritage & Cordell Museum
Blaenavon
01495 790991
www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
thevalleys.co.uk
Cyfarthfa Castle
01443 336000
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Park
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 723112
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
The Valleys
Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery
Aberdare
01685 886729
www.cvmg.co.uk
Sirhowy Ironworks
Tredegar
01495 355937
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/advice/7936.asp
Ebbw Vale Works Archival Trust
The Works, Ebbw Vale
01495 350941
www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/theworks
Six Bells Mining Memorial
Abertillery
Folly Tower
Pontypool
01495 766754
Garw Valley Railway Company Ltd
Sarn, Bridgend
01656 722234
Griffithstown Railway Museum
Pontypool
01495 762908
Joseph Parry's Ironworker's Cottage
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 723112
Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly
01554 890104
Kidwelly Industrial Museum
Kidwelly
01554 891078
www.kidwellyindustrialmuseum.co.uk
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Nelson
www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
01443 412248
Llanyrafon Mill
Cwmbran
01633 482780
Miners Family Statue
Llwynypia
01443 490249
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Pontypool
01873 881069
www.mon-brec-canal-trust.org.uk
Nantgarw China Works Museum
Nantgarw
01443 841703
www.sallystubbings.co.uk
Pontypool Museum
Pontypool
01495 752036
www.pontypoolmuseum.org.uk
Pontypridd Museum
Pontypridd
01443 490748
Rhondda Heritage Park
Pontypridd
01443 682036
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
SIrhowy Ironworks
South Wales Miners Museum
Port Talbot
01639 850564
www.visitnpt.co.uk
Statue of Evan James and James, James,
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park
Pontypridd
01443 490249
St Peter's Church
Pontardawe
01792 862003
The Old Bridge
Pontypridd
01443 490748
The Winding House
New Tredegar
www.windinghouse.co.uk
01443 822666
Tredegar Town Clock
Tredegar
01495 355937
Trefil Rail Road
Tredegar
01495 355937
Trevithick's Tunnel
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 727474
Ty Mawr Mansion & Roundhouse Towers
Nantyglo
01495 355972
Ynysfach Engine House
Merthyr Tydfil
01685 727474
Guides
Blue Badge Guides
01286 678590
Central Enquiry Service for Wales
www.wotga.com
Cordell Country Official Guides
www.wotga.com/cordellcountry.php
Heads of the Valleys Green Badge Guides
www.realvalleytour.org.uk
01873 8116525
M W Guiding Services
Treharris
www.mwguiding.co.uk
Big Pit
01443 453494
Griffithstown Railway Museum
thevalleys.co.uk
Take your pick
Introducing Wales’s Holiday Areas. The Valleys, ‘Heart and Soul of Wales’, is one of the Holiday
Areas within Wales. Each area has its own distinct character.
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland
Aberglasney, a garden lost in time
The Isle of Anglesey
A place like no other, Anglesey offers unparalleled
beauty, amazing adventures, serious solitude and warm
welcome. Easily accessible; this unique Island, with its
coastline, varied beaches and historical towns make it a
superb base for all the family. Thos that have visited
need not be told. They just return…
Tel +44 (0)1248 713177 or (0) 1407 762622
email: tourism@anglesey.gov.uk
www.visitanglesey.co.uk
Llandudno, Colwyn Bay
Vibrant Llandudno, the Victorian seaside gem. World
Heritage Conwy. Waterfront adventure at Colwyn Bay.
Year round breaks, filled with fun, good food, great
walking and wolrd class theatre. All within easy reach of
Snowdonia.
Tel: +44 (0) 1492 577577
Email: llandudnotic@conwy.gov.uk
www.visitllandudno.org.uk
Rhyl and Prestatyn
Among the best recognised British seaside resorts.
Fabulous award-winning beaches with a range of family
friendly attractions, events and activities. Walk the
Offa's Dyke path in Prestatyn. An hour’s drive from
Merseyside and the West Midlands.
Tel +44 (0)1745 344515/355068
email: rhyl.tic@denbighshire.gov.uk
www.rhyl-prestatyn.co.uk
The North Wales Borderlands
Short journey: very different place. At less than 20
minutes from Chester, we’re just a hop and a skip away
from the North West and the West Midlands. From the
bustling shops and nightlife of Wrexham to the culinary
delights of the Mold food and drink festival to the
world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
100% Wales on your doorstep!
Tel: 01978 292015
Email: tourism@wrexham.gov.uk
www.northwalesborderlands.co.uk
44
thevalleys.co.uk
Llanddwyn Island Lighthouse
The Brecon Beacons
Snowdonia Mountains and Coast/
Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr
An exciting destination that includes the Snowdonia
National Park, Llŷn Peninsula and Cambrian Coastline. A
wide choice of quality accommodation, attractions and
activities – castles, narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling,
walking, World Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. Open all year….
Tel: +44 (0) 1341 281485 (24hr)
email: tourism@gwynedd.gov.uk
www.visitsnowdonia.info
Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Step into fabulous walking country, right on your
doorstep. Two National Trails and a National Park,
charming spa and market towns, outdoor pursuits in
outstanding scenery.
Home to Hay Literary Festival and Brecon Jazz, events
throughout the year make this a destination for all seasons.
Tel: +44 (0)1597 825748
Email: tourism@powys.gov.uk
www.exploremidwales.com
Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay
Some of the UK’s finest coast and countryside. Holiday
areas include Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, New
Quay, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Borth, Cardigan, the
Teifi Estuary and Valley, Devil’s Bridge and Cambrian
Mountains. Popular pursuits include mountain biking,
cycling, walking, sailing and angling.
Tel +44 (0)1970 612125
email: brochure@ceredigion.gov.uk
www.tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk
Pembrokeshire
Choose between lively Tenby and Saundersfoot or
peaceful St Davids and Newport. No other county in
the UK has more Blue Flag Award beaches, all set in the
magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Perfect
for outdoor activities or just relaxing.
Tel +44 (0) 844 888 5115
email: tourism@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
www.visitpembrokeshire.com
Carmarthenshire - Carmarthen Bay
Stretching from Carmarthen Bay in the South to the
Western Brecon Beacons in the North, discover Wales'
longest beaches, the Botanic Gardens of Wales, the
home of Merlin the magician plus Laugharne, Llandeilo,
Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Pendine, Llandovery & the Teifi &
Towy valleys. Perfect fishing, cycling & walking.
Tel: +44 (0) 1267 231557
Email: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
www.discovercarmarthenshire.com
Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower,
Afan and the Vale of Neath
Unwind in the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, relax on award-winning beaches, and explore
unspoilt countryside. Some of the UK’s best locations
for walking, cycling, watersports and golf, together with
Swansea, Wales’ Waterfront City.
Tel +44 (0)1792 468321
email: tourism@swansea.gov.uk
visitswanseabay.com
Cardiff, capital of Wales
The capital of Wales has unique attractions, top-class
entertainment – and quality shopping with a difference.
Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium, National Museum
Cardiff and Wales Millennium Centre combined with
Cardiff Bay offer indoor and outdoor entertainment for
everyone.
Tel +44 (0)8701 211258
email: visitor@cardiff.gov.uk
www.visitcardiff.com
The Most Southerly Point in Wales –
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside
The dramatic Heritage Coast and popular resorts of
Barry Island and Porthcawl are fringed by lovely Vale
and Bridgend countryside and green hills. Discover the
special character of an area steeped in history – and it’s
close to Cardiff, Wales’ cosmopolitan capital.
Tel +44 (0)1446 704868 or +44 (0)1656 672928
emails: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
tourism@bridgend.gov.uk
www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk
Food lovers flock here. Maybe it's because Monmouthshire’s officially the ‘best food destination’ in
Wales. Or it could just be because there are so many
ways to work up an appetite. Like the walking. We've
got more than 1,000 miles of footpath to explore. The
flying is good too. Take off on a tandem paragliding
flight from the Blorenge Mountain, near Abergavenny,
and spot the 11th century castle. From the ground it’s
even more impressive.
Tel +44 (0)1633 644842
email: tourism@monmouthshire.gov.uk
www.visitwyevalley.com
Activities for All: Find out more with these FREE
action-packed guides and take a look at the websites.
Fishing: Wales’s 750-mile coastline and countless
rivers and lakes all add up to a paradise for sea, game
and coarse fishing. www.fishing.visitwales.com
Golf Wales: The secret’s out! More and more players
are discovering and thoroughly enjoying ‘Golf as it
should be’ in Wales. www.golfasitshouldbe.com
Visit Wales Holiday Guides
For FREE copies of any THREE Holiday Area brochures
please tick the appropriate boxes and send to:
Visit Wales, Dept G16, PO Box 1, Cardiff CF24 2XN
The Isle of Anglesey
Llandudno & Colwyn Bay
Rhyl & Prestatyn
The North Wales Borderlands
Snowdonia Mountains & Coast/
Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr
Mid Wales & the Brecon Beacons
Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay
Pembrokeshire
Carmarthenshire – the Garden of Wales
Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, Afan
& the Vale of Neath
Cardiff
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & Countryside
Wye Valley & Vale of Usk
Name (please print):
Address (please print):
Post Code:
Visit Wales Activity Guides
For FREE copies of any of the activity guides please
tick the appropriate boxes and send to:
Visit Wales, Dept H16, PO Box 1, Cardiff CF24 2XN
Fishing Wales
Golf Wales
Name (please print):
Address (please print):
Post Code:
So easy to get to
By coach and bus
Travel information
Regular luxury express coach services run to Newport, Cardiff,
Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd with good onward connections
to The Valleys.
For all transport information on Wales visit
www.traffic-wales.com
National Express T: +44 (0)870 580 8080
www.nationalexpress.com
The Valleys has a comprehensive bus network serving many
tourist attractions.
Traveline Cymru
T: +44 (0)871 200 2233
www.traveline.org.uk (also rail enquiries)
For further travel information visit www.thevalleys.co.uk
By rail
By air
There are regular services from London to Newport and
Cardiff with good regional railway links (Valleys Lines) to The
Valleys. Cardiff is also served hourly from major cities including
Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and many other towns in the
Midlands, the West Country and Southern England.
Cardiff International, Bristol and Birmingham airports offer
comfort and convenience for passengers to and from Britain.
National Rail Enquiries/Valley Lines T: +44 (0)845 748 4950
Bristol International Airport
T: +44 (0) 87733 44444 www.bristolairport.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com (for booking tickets)
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
On two wheels
You can cycle to the region from the Severn Bridge on the
Celtic Trail part of the Cycle ‘Network’ (map NN4B).
Sustrans
T: +44 (0)29 2065 0602
www.sustrans.org.uk
Cardiff International Airport
T: +44 (0)1446 711 111 www.cwlfly.co.uk
Birmingham International Airport
T: + 44(0) 84457 66000 www.bhx.co.uk
By sea
There are ferry connections from mainland Europe to the UK’s
south and east coast and from Ireland to ports in Wales.
Brittany Ferries
www.brittany-ferries.com
T: +44 (0)870 536 0360
The Taff Trail, dedicated cycle route, will then take you
through the Valleys. T: +44 (0)1685 883880 for a map
Irish Ferries
www.irishferries.ie
T: +44 (0)870 517 1717
By car
P&O Ferries
www.poferries.com
T: +44 (0)871 664 6464
Stena Line
www.stenaline.co.uk
T: +44 (0)870 570 7070
Cork - Swansea Ferries
www.fastnetline.com
T: +44 (0) 844 576 8831
Via the M4, M5 and M50 The Valleys enjoy excellent motorway
links with easy access from the South East, the Home Counties,
the Midlands and the South West.
South East and Home Counties
The M4 junction 32 (Cardiff) links with the A470 or as an
alternative take the scenic A40 route westwards linking with
the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. From London to the centre
of The Valleys it is approx 150 miles with a journey time of 3hrs.
Midlands and North
Use the M6, M5, M50 and A40 or use the A49 which also links
with the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. From Birmingham,
West Midlands, to the centre of the Valleys it is approx 106
miles with a journey time of 2hrs 25mins.
For travel routes visit www.theaa.com
By car
46
Local traffic, travel and weather information can be found on
the following radio stations
Red Dragon
103.2 and 97.4 FM
Real Radio
105-106 FM
BBC Radio Wales
882 and 657 AM
(FM depends on location)
BBC Radio Cymru 92.4-96.1 FM
thevalleys.co.uk
By coach
Via Channel Tunnel
T: +44 (0) 8432 186 186
Eurostar passenger train service www.eurostar.com
Eurotunnel vehicles & passengers T: +44 (0)870 535 3535
www.eurotunnel.com
Tours
For tours to The Valleys
SeeWales
www.seewales.com
By train
By bike
This map is only a guide to the region, when
travelling please refer to the relevant O/S map.
These are available from the Tourist Information
Centres or www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk.
Brecon Mountain Railway
This guide has been funded and produced by the Valleys Consortium consisting of Blaenau Gwent CBC, Bridgend County Borough Council,
Caerphilly CBC, Carmarthenshire Council, Merthyr Tydfil CBC, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Powys Council, Rhondda
Cynon Taff CBC, City and County of Swansea, Torfaen CBC, Visit Wales and Capital Region Tourism.
Published by Vibe PR & Marketing www.vibeprandmarketing.co.uk
Photographs © Crown copyright (2009) VisitWales and the Valleys Consortium members; CADW; Photolibrary Wales.
Copywriter: Roger Thomas. Design: Morf Designs Ltd www.morfdesigns.com
Important notice: Every effort has been made by the Valleys Consortium to ensure accuracy in this publication, but they cannot accept
any liability whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or of any matter arising from the publication of this material.
Quirky facts
The Neath Port Talbot Valleys are the birthplace of many
famous talents including Richard Burton, Sir Anthony
Hopkins, Michael Sheen and Katherine Jenkins.
On Pontypridd Common there are two large boulders
deposited on top of each other. They are know locally
as the Rocking Stones.
Tommy Cooper was born in Caerphilly and a life size
bronzed statue of him stands proudly in the town.
Tourist Information Centres
Aberdulais Falls
Aberdulais Falls National Trust Property,
Aberdulais, Neath SA10 8EU
T: +44 (0)1639 636 674 www.visitnpt.co.uk
E: aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and TIC
Church Road, Blaenavon NP4 9AS
T: +44(0) 1495 742333 visitblaenavon.co.uk
E: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk
(closed Mondays except Bank Holidays)
Bridgend
Tourist Information Centre at Bridgend Designer
Outlet, The Derwen, Bridgend CF32 9SU
T: +44(0) 1656 654906
E: tourism@bridgend.gov.uk
Visit Caerphilly
Twyn Square, Caerphilly CF83 1JL
T: +44(0) 29 2088 0011
E: visitcaerphilly@caerphilly.gov.uk
The National Showcave Centre at Dan-yr-Ogof in the
upper Tawe Valley is western Europe’s largest showcaves
complex
Merthyr Tydfil, the former ‘iron and steel capital of the
world’, was once far bigger than Cardiff
You can hop on a boat at Pontypool and get off 35
miles later in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National
Park when you cruise the beautiful Monmouthshire and
Brecon Canal
The rare native beechwoods in the Clydach Gorge, a
National Nature Reserve, are some of the finest in the
west of Britain
The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway is the 'highest
standard gauge railway in Wales' and runs through
Blaenavon’s World Heritage site landscape.
West Monmouthshire Golf Club at Nantyglo is the highest
golf course in the UK, according to the Guinness Book
of Records (so it must be true)
Carmarthen
113 Lammas St, Carmarthen SA31 3AQ
T: +44 (0) 1267 231 557 visit.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
E:carmarthenTIC@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Llanelli, Millennium Coastal Park
Discovery Centre, Millennium Coastal Park, North
Dock, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 2LF
T: +44 (0) 1554 777 744
E: discoverycentre@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Merthyr Tydfil
14a Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AU
T: +44(0) 1685 727474
E: tic@merthyr.gov.uk
Pontypridd
Museum & Tourist Information Centre, Bridge
Street, Pontypridd CF37 4PE
T: +44(0) 1443 490748
E: enquiries@pontypriddmuseum.org.uk
Visit Swansea Bay
Tourist Information Centre, Plymouth St,
Swansea SA1 3QG
T: +44 (0)1792 468 321
E: tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com
Tredegar
Parc Bryn Bach Countryside Centre,
T: +44(0) 1495 711816
E: parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
thevalleys.co.uk

The Valleys - Southern Wales

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