Blaenau Gwent Group Travel Guide

Blaenau GwentGroup Travel Guide

Blaenau Gwent

Bridgend

Caerphilly

Monmouthshire

Newport

www.visitsouthernwales.org Rhondda Cynon Taf

Blaenau Gwent 3

Contents

Attractions

06

Accommodation

10

Activities

08 12

Refreshment Stops

Tour Guides

16

Explore Blaenau Gwent

13

Regional Overview

04

Event Highlights

15

Coach Parking

17

Maps & Travel Information

18

Tredegar Town Clock

4 www.visitsouthernwales.org Blaenau Gwent 5

Welcome (or Croeso as we prefer to say) to Southern Wales

You may already have an idea what to expect from a trip to Southern Wales.

We are split into six distinctive areas, each with their own character and charm. The areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf are well known for their history and heritage, whilst nearby Monmouthshire is more rural and famed for its fabulous food and drink. Newport is a thriving city with some world class attractions whilst Bridgend is a mix of coastal resorts, market towns and fabulous countryside.

We also have plenty of castles and museums but we also have a National Park, the start of the Wales Coast Path and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We also have some things you may not associate with us. There are the remains of a Roman amphitheatre and barracks, vineyards producing award winning wine and a great big sculpture, soaring 20 metres into the sky and standing guard over the Valleys below.

Each of our areas has its own guide. So have a flick through this one and then take a look at the companion brochures and before long you’ll be planning your trip to Southern Wales.

Hello… Shwd Mae…. Bonjour…..

Guten Tag…. Hallo… Dia duit

For more information visit our website www.visitsouthernwales.org

or contact the tourism team:tel - +44 (0)1495 355937 email - [email protected]

To order group travel brochures for other areas of Southern Wales please contact +44 (0)1656 815336 or e-mail [email protected]

5Blaenau Gwent

Discover Blaenau GwentAt the heart of the Valleys lies Blaenau Gwent, one of Wales’ best kept secrets. The area was shaped by the industry that once dominated the region and the landscape is dotted with reminders of this time.

Not least, the towering figure of ‘The Guardian’. At 20 metres high, the giant sculpture stands guard over the village of Six Bells on the site that was once occupied by the local colliery. Now restored to beautiful parkland, the site and its imposing memorial are fitting and striking tributes to the 45 men and boys who lost their lives in the 1960 pit explosion.

Tredegar’s Bedwellty House and its surrounding parkland was once the 19th Century home of local iron master Samuel Homfray. The house is also notable as the place where Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS cut his political teeth. The chamber of the local council and his seat are still intact today.

It not all about the past however. Festival Park shopping outlet is located just minutes from Ebbw Vale and comprises dozens of shops selling the latest fashions. If shopping isn’t your thing, then you can wander around the lakes and parkland, take a fun thrilled ride on a super-tubing run or even visit an owl sanctuary.

6 www.visitsouthernwales.org

AttractionsThere’s plenty to do in Blaenau Gwent, whether learning about the area’s history, enjoying the countryside or visiting a giant memorial.

Discover the history Abertillery. Bronze Age artefacts and an authentic miner’s kitchen are just some of the exhibits on display. Ideal for understanding the rich cultural and industrial heritage of the area.

Abertillery and District Museum

tel: +44 (0)1495 211140email: [email protected]: www.abertilleryanddistrictmuseum.org.uk

19th century Grade II listed house, surrounded by 26 acres of beautiful parkland. Once the home of the local iron barons, it now houses exhibitions and films on the area’s history.

Bedwellty House & Park

tel: +44 (0)1495 353370email: [email protected]: www.bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk

This fascinating museum displays the history of Blaina. Browse brand-new displays including sections on the local coal and iron industries, chapels, schools, local celebrities, and a fully furnished reconstruction of a Victorian Welsh Kitchen.

Blaina Museum

tel: +44 (0)1495 292025email: [email protected]: www.blaina.moonfruit.com

View the story of the Chartist Movement and find out about the characters involved, what motivated them and their legacy. This fascinating story is told through film, pictures, artefacts and historical documents.

Blaina Chartist Visitor Centre

tel: +44 (0)1495 292817 email: [email protected]: www.chartistvisitorcentre.org.uk

Brynmawr Museum is home to a varied collection of everyday artefacts including a collection of locally made Brynmawr furniture. The town has some amazing stories to tell, including pioneering the Brynmawr Experiment of the 1920s.

Brynmawr Museum

tel: +44 (0)1495 313900email: [email protected] web: www.brynmawrmuseum.co.uk

Ebbw Vale Works Archive is a collection documenting the diverse and important history of Ebbw Vale’s coal, iron and steel community, from its industrial origins in 1790 to the steel works site closure in 2002.

Ebbw Vale Works Museum

tel: +44 (0)1495 350941email: [email protected] web: www.evwat.co.uk

Set in 340 acres of countryside with a 36-acre lake at its centre. Ideal for strolling, cycling or one of the many activities available. Visitor centre provides local information and refreshments.

Parc Bryn Bach

tel: +44 (0)1495 355920web: www.parcbrynbach.co.uk

A small but important collection detailing the town’s heritage, including its importance in the iron, steel and coal industry and as the birthplace of the founder of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan.

Tredegar Museum

tel: +44 (0)1495 355972email: [email protected]: www.access2heritagebg.co.uk

Brynmawr’s Market Hall Cinema is the oldest in Wales. Showing modern films as well as some classics at its special themed events. 2014 Screen Awards Cinema of the Year winner.

Market Hall Cinema

tel: +44 (0)1495 310576web: www.markethallcinema.co.uk

The sanctuary is home to almost 60 different birds of prey, although this fluctuates as new birds arrive and wild birds are released. Birds include Falcons and Hawks as well as Owls.

Owl Sanctuary

tel: +44 (0)7805 677473email: [email protected] web: www.theowlsanctuary.co.uk

With over 40 leading stores to choose from, there are masses of bargains for everyone, whatever your tastes. Situated amongst 70 acres of parkland it is a shopper’s paradise.

Festival Park Outlet Shopping and Leisure

tel: +44 (0)1495 350010email: [email protected]: www.festivalshopping.co.uk

Guardian towers 20 meters above the former Six Bells colliery site; scene of the 1960 Six Bells mining disaster. The memorial is constructed from over 20,000 slices of steel and is dedicated to all mining communities.

Guardian

tel: +44 (0)1495 211732email: [email protected]: www.guardianwales.info

Blaenau Gwent 7

Blaenau Gwent Sports Centres

Enjoy the thrill of hurtling down a 120 metre slope on the longest supertubing run in the country. Challenge friends and colleagues and see who can reach the bottom first.

Supertubing

tel: +44 (0)1495 304035email: [email protected] web: www.supertubing.co.uk

Activities


Get fit, slide down a mountain side or score a hole in one at some of the country’s most picturesque golf courses.

Set in 340 acres of beautiful countryside, Parc Bryn Bach is the perfect setting for a range of activities that provide adventure, recreation and relaxation for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Parc Bryn Bach

tel: +44 (0)1495 355920web: www.parcbrynbach.co.uk

Officially the highest golf club in Great Britain with the 14th standing at over 1500ft above sea level. The rural setting offers spectacular views over the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire countryside.

West Mon Golf Club

tel: +44 (0)1495 310233email: [email protected]: www.westmongolfclub.co.uk

The course sits on the mountain between the industrial towns of Tredegar and Rhymney with the Brecon Beacons in the distance. 18 holes of challenging golf await.

Tredegar & Rhymney Golf Club

tel: +44 (0)1685 840743email: [email protected]: www.tredegarandrhymneygolfclub.co.uk

Abertillery

There is always something you can do to at Abertillery Sports Centre, whether that’s swimming, a visit to the gym, squash courts or a fitness class.

Ebbw Vale

New, state of the art centre offers many opportunities to participate in sport, whether a fitness classes or a relaxing hour in our sauna or jacuzzi.

Tredegar

Tredegar Sports Centre is a modern, disabled friendly centre with many sports activities and classes run by qualified instructors.

tel: +44 (0)1495 212206email: [email protected]: www.bglife.co.uk

tel: +44 (0)1495 357777email: [email protected]: www.bglife.co.uk

tel: +44 (0)1495 353395email: [email protected] web: www.bglife.co.uk

Accommodation


Independent hotels, cosy guest houses and renowned brands mean that there is plenty of choice when planning your visit.

Traditional Inn with a great welcome. Recently refurbished rooms for visitors. Located near the centre of Ebbw Vale with views over the rugby ground and across the valley.

Kings Arms

tel: +44 (0)1495 352822email: [email protected]

A sympathetically restored historic inn in the centre of Tredegar. It continues to be at the heart of the community, serving beer and good cheer as it has done for almost 300 years.

The Cambrian Inn

tel: +44 (0)1495 723319email: [email protected]: www.cambriantredegar.co.uk

A former Baptist Chapel in the heart of the South Wales Valleys. Now open as a Guest House and extending hospitality to visitors from all corners of the globe.

Soar Chapel Guest House

tel: +44 (0)1495 305154email: [email protected]: www.soarchapel.co.uk

Nestled in striking scenery at the heart of the area’s attractions. Take a well-earned rest in our spacious rooms and extra-comfy beds.

Premier Inn Ebbw Vale

tel: +44 (0)8715 278356web: www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/EBBVIC

Calon y Ffwrnais Heart of the Furnace, Bank Square, Ebbw Vale

Blaenau Gwent5 Star Towns

SHOPPING & EATING • EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS • PLACES TO STAY • TRANSPORT

AbertilleryAbertillery is nestled in the beautiful Ebbw Fach valley, offering dramatic views towards the hills and beyond. Narrow streets offer a museum, theatre, variety of shops and great coffee stops. Market day on Thursday.

BlainaThe town of Blaina is one of the smaller town centres in Blaenau Gwent in the heart of Ebbw Fach valley, offering no less than 2 museums.

BrynmawrThe market town of Brynmawr hosts a variety of shops and colourful murals along it’s main street. Activities focus in the Market Square that hosts the Saturday market, museum and the oldest cinema in Wales.

Ebbw ValeEbbw Vale is the largest of Blaenau Gwent’s five town centres with a great shopping offer and spectacular artworks. The town is always busy on Fridays when it hosts a large market.

TredegarTredegar is a great little browsing town complemented by its rich heritage. Dominated by the famous Town clock and Bedwellty House and Park, there are many specialist shops, tea rooms and walking trails that celebrate local history and its famous son, Aneurin Bevan.

Blaenau Gwent is full of friendly town centres, accessible and distinctive with welcoming people who have a strong sense of pride. This passion provides a quality offer to short and

long stay visitors. Our five town centres of Abertillery, Blaina, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar have a lot to offer from larger high street brands to the more specialist

independent retailers and also offer a variety of refreshment stops.

Where little thingsmake a BG difference


Refreshment stops Explore Blaenau Gwent1 day Itinerary

Take a tour around Blaenau Gwent, an area proud of its heritage. See the giant Guardian statue, visit beautiful parkland and historic buildings before hitting the shops.

Stop 1 – Guardian

Towering above the village of Six Bells is the Guardian Mining Memorial. Commemorating the 1960 Six Bells mining disaster, the monument was unveiled in 2010. www.guardianwales.info

Stop 2 – General Offices & Museum

Former steelworks offices with spectacular architecture housing Gwent Archives and Ebbw Vale Works Museum. www.evwat.co.uk

Stop 3 – Bedwellty House and Park

Bedwellty House is a listed Regency villa in Tredegar. It is surrounded by a historic garden that was established in the early 19th century for the Master of Tredegar Iron Works. www.bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk

Stop 4 – Fesitval Park Outlet Shopping

Festival Park Outlet Shopping has masses of bargains for everyone, whatever your tastes. Situated at the head of the Ebbw valley, amongst 70 acres of what was the Garden Festival of Wales site in 1992, it is a shopper’s paradise. www.festivalshopping.co.uk

Stop 5 – Parc Bryn Bach

Parc Bryn Bach is conveniently situated just off the A465 in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, set in 340 acres of mixed grass and woodland and has a 36-acre lake as its focal point. www.parcbrynbach.co.uk

Blaenau Gwent 13

Take time out from your tour to enjoy a spot of lunch or a refreshing tea or coffee at one of the many cafés, pubs or restaurants throughout the region.

Orchid House Tea Room is set in the beautiful surroundings of Bedwellty Park. Ideal for teas, coffees, light lunches or afternoon tea.


+44 (0)1495 353370 Tredegar, NP22 3XNwww.bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk

With stunning views over the Brecon Beacons, the restaurant offers delicious food. A daily carvery, main menu and delicious cake cabinet ensures there’s a dish to suit everybody.

The Mountain Air

+44 (0)1495 723116 Tredegar, NP22 3SDwww.themountainair.co.uk

Serving a selection of quality home cooked meals, cold snacks, delicious desserts and freshly ground coffee, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the lakeside scenery.

Parc Bryn Bach

+44 (0)1495 355920 Tredegar, NP22 3AYwww.parcbrynbach.co.uk

Born out of a desire to create the ultimate in quick, counter service cafes. Offers cooked meals and tasty snacks with scenic panoramic views.

Massarella’s Restaurant, Festival Park

+44 (0)1495 306239 Ebbw Vale, NP23 8FPwww.festivalshopping.co.uk

A fantastic place to have a coffee or lunchtime meal. The large coffee shop seats up to 42 people and caters for all tastes and budgets.

Ty Ebbw Fach

+44 (0)1495 321077 Six Bells, NP13 2NDwww.tyebbwfach.co.uk


Explore the Region - 2 Day Itinerary

What’s on in Southern Wales

Time your visit right and not only will you stay in some great accommodation, get to sample some great food and visit some top attractions, you’ll also get to enjoy some fabulous events.

We’ve highlighted some of the most popular ones here, but there are hundreds more going on throughout the year.

For a full list of events in the region, please visit www.visitsouthernwales.org

With so much to do it can be challenging to know where to start. We’ve put together a sample two day itinerary for you, giving you the opportunity to visit some of the very best attractions in the region.

Stop 1 – Tredegar House, NewportSet in 90 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Newport is this 17th century house. Now in the care of the National Trust, visitors can hear about the house’s history, eccentric former owners and view the art collection. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house

Stop 2 – National Roman Legion Museum, CaerleonThe National Roman Legion Museum tells the town’s story, whilst nearby lies the remains of the most complete amphitheatre in Britain, the fortress baths and the only Roman Legionary barracks still on view anywhere in Europe. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Day 2

Stop 3 – Shire Hall, Monmouthshire Built in 1724, the elegant building has a remarkable past. Once a centre of commerce and governance for the town, it also served as a courthouse. www.shirehallmonmouth.org.uk

Stop 4 – White Castle Vineyard, Abergavenny Visitors are warmly invited to visit White Castle Vineyard to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this rural setting. www.whitecastlevineyard.com

Stop 5 - Guardian, Six Bells Towering above the village of Six Bells is the Guardian Mining Memorial. Commemorating the 1960 Six Bells mining disaster, the monument was unveiled in 2010. www.guardianwales.info

Stop 6 - Bedwellty House, Tredegar Bedwellty House is a listed Regency villa in the town of Tredegar in South Wales. It is surrounded by a historic garden that was established in the early 19th century for the Master of Tredegar Iron Works,Mr Samuel Homfray of the famous Homfray Ironmaster Dynasty. www.bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk

Day 2 (Continued)

The Big Cheese, Caerphilly

Abergavenny Food FestivalNôs Galan Road Races, Mountain Ash

Wales Valleys Walking Festival, Valleys

Porthcawl Elvis Festival

The Big Splash, Newport

Stop 1 – Caerphilly Castle, CaerphillyDominating the town of Caerphilly is one of the UK’s largest castles. The south-east tower, damaged during a 17th century siege, leans at a greater angle than its more famous counterpart in Pisa. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Stop 2 – Llancaiach Fawr Manor, CaerphillyLlancaiach Fawr Manor near Caerphilly is a 17th century manor house. Take a tour of the house and meet the servants who will tell you tales of what life was like for them back in 1645. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk

Stop 3 – Rhondda Heritage Park, Rhondda Cynon Taf An ex-miner will be your guide as you embark on an underground experience tour that will give you a taste of what life was like for the men and boys who worked down the mines. www.tourism.rctcbc.gov.uk

Stop 4 – Penderyn Whisky Distillery, Rhondda Cynon Taf Take a journey through the history of Penderyn and a tour of the distillery, appreciating how it differs from any other in the world. www.welsh-whisky.co.uk

Stop 5 - McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Bridgend Situated right on junction 36 of the M4 Motorway, the undercover mall has over 90 shops selling high street and designer brand names at discounted prices. www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/bridgend-designer-outlet

Stop 6 - Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl Built in 1932, the Grand Pavilion is an Art-Deco multipurpose venue offering live shows, conference and wedding facilities and private parties. The Theatre is situated on the seafront with panoramic views of the Heritage Coast. www.grandpavilion.co.uk

Day 1


Coach Parking

TredegarHistoric town at the heart of the South Wales Valleys. Must visit attractions include Bedwellty House and Park and the Tredegar Town Clock.

Coach Drop Off and Parking Stable Lane, NP22 4BU

Festival Park Outlet ShoppingFestival Park Outlet Shopping on the outskirts of Ebbw Vale has ample free coach parking, ideal when visiting the centre. Coach Driver incentives also available when pre-booked.

Coach Drop Off and Parking Festival Park, Ebbw Vale, NP23 8FP

Find out where to drop off your passengers, park your coach or get further information about our main towns.

Tour GuidesMake sure you get the most out of your visit to the region by hiring the services of a tour guide. Members of The Wales Official Tour Guide Association are the only guides officially recognised to be able to guide in Wales. They can provide highly trained, professional and experienced Blue Badge Guides, who will help bring your journey to life.

There are dozens of guides, each with their own specialisms, interests and language skills. Blue Badge Guides can take you all over the region, whilst Green Badge Guides offer a more specialist and localised expertise.

To find a guide to suit your needs please visit www.walesbestguides.com

Valleys Ambassadors

To further promote this area of Wales, hundreds of local people have been trained to become Valleys Ambassadors. They provide a knowledgeable point of welcome for visitors, by highlighting the local heritage sharing their stories and just making sure they have a memorable visit to Wales.

Find out more at [email protected]

Homfray Trail, Tredegar


Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Southern Wales Tourism cannot accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with or arising out of the publication of the information contained within this brochure. The brochure may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the prior consent of the publisher.

Published by: Southern Wales Tourism

Photographs: Southern Wales Tourism would like to thank Mike Chapman, Paul Clements, Bridgend Bites, Visit Britain and © Crown Copyright Visit Wales for the use of their images in the publication. Map © Collins Bartholomew Ltd

Design: Mediadesign

www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/leisure

Maps and Travel InformationEasy to get toWe’re a different country with our own language and culture, yet we’re surprisingly easy to get to. We’re only around two hours down the M4 from London whilst Birmingham and the West Midlands are only an hour or so from our borders.

So in next to no time you could be here, immersing yourself in our culture and traditions and who knows maybe even trying to get your tongue around our language. Croeso - or welcome in English.

We’re not very big, but we certainly fit a lot in – and getting around the region couldn’t be easier. A comprehensive road system links all the major towns, while many towns and villages are well served by the local train network which connects with the mainline stations.

WalesEngland

Scotland

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Appendix 6

Food

Activities

Attraction

Accomodation

TREDEGAR

BRYNMAWR

EBBW VALE

BLAINA

ABERTILLERY

LLANHILLETH

SOFRYDD

To Merthyr Tydfiland Swansea

To AbergavennyM50 and Midlands

To Blaenavon

To Cardiff, Newportand M4

To Pontypool, Newport and M4

BRECON BEACONSNATIONAL PARK

Parc Bryn Bach

Mountain Air

Cambrian Inn

Tredegar &Rhymney Golf Club


West Mon. Golf Club

Brynmawr Museum

Brynmawr Cinema

Soar Guest House

King’s Arms Hotel

Ebbw Vale Works Museum & General Offices

Premier Inn

Festival Park ShoppingVillage, Supertubing &Owl Sanctury

Ebbw Vale Sports Centre

GuardianTy Ebbw Fach

Abertillery Museum

Abertillery Sports Centre

Blaina Chartists Centre

Blaina Museum

Tredegar SportsCentre

Tredegar Museum

KEY

Bedwellty Pitts Incline Engine

Documents

Blaenau Gwent Group Travel Guide