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South Wales Valleys

With big green spaces that are perfect for walking and mountain biking, the South Wales Valleys are packed with things to see and do and we do events particularly well. We are proud of our heritage, and love to receive visitors who come for history, adventures and a warm Welsh welcome. 

A map highlighting the south east Wales region in black
Caerphilly Castle
Wagons and the pit head tower at Big Pit.

Explore the South Wales Valleys

Discover top attractions to visit around Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Blaenavon.

Topics:

  • Trains and railways
  • Historic buildings
  • Family
  • List
  • Outdoor
South Wales
View of Aberdare Library Square towards Cannon Street

Explore the royal bounty of the 'Queen of the Hills'

Come bask in the presence of royalty as you enjoy the hidden beauty of Aberdare, the 'Queen of the Hills.'

Topics:

  • Mountains
  • Countryside
  • City / Town
South Wales Valleys
A view of a resevoir surrounded by mountains

An insider's guide to Merthyr Tydfil

Discover Merthyr Tydfil with the well-known musician, Eädyth Crawford.

Topics:

  • Tours
  • Historic buildings
  • City / Town
  • Shopping
  • Arts
South Wales Valleys
A woman in a purple walking top looking down onto a green valley.

Out and about in the bountiful valleys of Blaenau Gwent

Our guide to exploring Blaenau Gwent’s verdant valleys and delving into its industrial past.

Topics:

  • Historic buildings
  • Family
  • Countryside
  • Outdoor
South Wales
Family walking through Abergavenny town centre with hills in the distance.

An insider guide to Abergavenny

Broadsheet journalist Jude Rogers on what to see, eat, drink and do in the market town Abergavenny.

Topics:

  • Historic buildings
  • Mountains
  • My place
  • Outdoor
Wye Valley and Vale of Usk

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Four people travelling down a zip line above a lake.

Go on a zip line adventure in South Wales

Take to the air at the Zip World Tower attraction in a former coal mine in the South Wales Valleys.

Topics:

  • Groups
  • Family
  • Countryside
  • Outdoor
South Wales
Brand new sparkling one pound coins in a wooden chest.

A Royal Mint experience

Discover the history of coins and how they are made at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant.

Topics:

  • Historic buildings
  • Couples
  • Groups
  • Family
South Wales
Woman looking out at the view from a mountain.

From couch to Blaenau Gwent

Interested in getting fitter while enjoying beauty spots? Take inspiration from Janine Price…

Topics:

  • Wellness activities
  • Mountains
  • My place
  • Camping / Campsite
South Wales
Male rider on a mountain bike, airborne jumping from on a gravel trail, with a forest of trees.

Mountain biking at BikePark Wales

BikePark Wales in South Wales has a trail to thrill, whether you're a first timer or a seasoned fan.

Topics:

  • Groups
  • Outdoor
South Wales
Iron sculpture of the site at Blaenavon Ironworks.

World Heritage Blaenavon: A local's guide

Read our local's guide to discovering the fascinating industrial history of Blaenavon.

Topics:

  • Cadw
  • Historic buildings
  • UNESCO Heritage
  • List
South Wales
Distillery manager Laura Davies inside the Penderyn distillery.

The Welsh whisky revival

Discover the history of the Penderyn distillery in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Topics:

  • Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
  • Food
  • Drink
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Tree arching over in the foreground with view across the green parkland of Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil.

An outdoor playground packed with nature

Get out and explore the outdoor playground of the Valleys Regional Park.

Topics:

  • Family
  • AONB
  • Countryside
  • Outdoor
South Wales Valleys
A man in a yellow coat (Gareth Potter_ standing on a train platform. The red brick wall in the background has two white windows with Pontypridd written on them.

Pontypridd: home of bards, singers, industry, and icons

Discover Pontypridd - the gateway to South Wales’ iconic Rhondda Valleys.

Topics:

  • Historic buildings
  • City / Town
  • My place
  • Food
South Wales Valleys
A large grassy horse sculpture in the earth surrounded by trees.

Heritage in the heart of the Welsh Valleys

Caerphilly is full of green space and grand views, with its mining heritage close beneath the surface.

Topics:

  • Cadw
  • Wellness activities
  • Historic buildings
  • Countryside
  • City / Town
South Wales
A couple stood in visitor centre looking out over a lake.

Tour of Torfaen: a local's guide

A local's guide on things to do in Torfaen,

Topics:

  • Family
  • Arts
  • Outdoor
  • Indoor
South Wales

© Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

A castle-style building with towers and many windows.

Out and about in Merthyr Tydfil town and county

Merthyr is the perfect place for a short break with plenty of fresh air and action.

Topics:

  • Trains and railways
  • Historic buildings
  • City / Town
  • Food
  • Accommodation
South Wales Valleys
two people white water rafting at Cardiff International White Water.

Find your epic in South Wales

South Wales is one big adventure playground. Here's where you can have a great day out.

Topics:

  • Family
  • Countryside
  • List
  • Outdoor
South Wales

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