Blaenavon

Castell Coch

Tongwynlais · 18 miles

Perched above Tongwynlais in the Taff Gorge, Castell Coch presents a 19th-century Gothic Revival structure that rests on the foundations of earlier medieval fortifications. The first stronghold on the site dates from shortly after 1081, when the Normans erected an earth-work motte to defend the newly taken town of Cardiff and to oversee the river route. A stone castle was later added by Gilbert de Clare between 1267 and 1277, incorporating a shell wall, towers and a gatehouse, before being probably destroyed during the Welsh uprising of 1314. The ruins passed into the possession of the Bute family in 1760; in 1875 the 3rd Marquess of Bute commissioned architect William Burges to rebuild the exterior as a summer country residence, with interior decoration completed by Burges’s team in 1891. The property entered state care in 1950 and is now administered by Cadw. Visitors can explore the dramatic silhouette of the three stone towers and the richly ornamented Victorian interiors, which feature bespoke furniture and symbolic motifs drawn from classical and legendary sources. The surrounding beech woods, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, contain rare plants and notable geological formations. Access is provided by footpaths from the nearby car park, although the site is not wheelchair accessible. Opening times are published on the Cadw listing, and admission is managed by the heritage agency. No on-site facilities such as cafés or shops are recorded, so visitors may wish to bring refreshments.

Blaenafon War Memorial

Blaenavon · 0.1 miles

Locked for access

Brynmawr Civic War Memorial

Winchestown · 4.3 miles

A memorial commemorating the residents of Brynmawr who were killed or missing in World War I (92 men) and World War II (36 men).

Periwig Makers

Abergavenny · 4.3 miles

In the 18th century most wealthy and professional men wore wigs. For a time, Abergavenny was known for its fashionable white periwigs made of goat hair, sometimes sold at 40 guineas each.

King Henry VIII Grammar School 1542-1898

Abergavenny · 4.3 miles

Henry VIII founded the grammar school here. He gave the old parish church, St John's, to house the school and granted some of the taxes (the tithes) of the closed down priory to pay for it.

Tirpentwys Nature Reserve

Hafodyrynys · 5.6 miles

Former site of opencast mine and tip.