For most people, Torfaen is probably best-known as the location of Blaenavon's UNESCO World Heritage Site industrial landscape. But there's much more to discover in the area. As a resident of neighbouring Monmouthshire, here are a few of my recommendations.

 

Torfaen Museum

An excellent place to start your exploration is Torfaen Museum in Pontypool. Found in a Georgian stable block with an attractive central courtyard, it's a fascinating repository of county history. You can see a range of artefacts that shed light on Torfaen's industrial and social heritage, including an impressive collection of Japanware (intricately-designed items made in Pontypool in the middle of the 18th century). There's also gallery spaces showing a shifting programme of art and historic exhibitions).

Shell Grotto

This piece of unconventional architecture was commissioned by John Hanbury, the rich and powerful local ironmaster, in the second half of the 18th century. Standing in Pontypool Park (once owned by the Hanbury family) Shell Grotto is the finest surviving example of this singular type of building to be found in Wales. Built from local sandstone, the conical-roofed structure doesn't look like much from the outside. The interior, decorated in striking patterns made from colourful shells and animal bones, is another story.

Rhymney Brewery

Enjoy some proper Welsh flavour with a tour of Rhymney Brewery. Originally founded in 1839 to provide refreshment for the thirsty miners and steelworkers of the South Wales valleys, Rhymney became one of the country's biggest names in beer. The modern-day brewery has revived traditional brewing methods (as well as relocating to premises just over the road from Big Pit National Coal Museum), to create a range of ales that both taste great and reflect the area's rich history. You can go behind the scenes to see how the beer is made (and enjoy a few samples) at the brewery's newly refurbished visitor centre.

Greenmeadow Community Farm

Spread over 150 acres near Cwmbran, Greenmeadow Community Farm is a delightful day out for young agriculture enthusiasts. With a large collection of animals to see, bouncy tractor rides to enjoy and a Stickman trail (based on the popular Julia Donaldson book) to explore, there's plenty to keep everyone busy. And if you need a break from the action, you can also relax in the friendly Cafe Cwtch, with snacks and treats made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Llandegfedd Lake

Enjoy the great outdoors at Llandegfedd Lake on Torfaen's eastern border with Monmouthshire. It's a hotspot for activities in, on and near the water. Intrepid adventurers can try their hand at a selection of watersports, including sailing, swimming, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating, with equipment hire available from the dedicated Watersports Centre (the new stand-up pedalboards, which let you literally walk on water, are particularly good fun). If you'd prefer to keep your feet dry, the lake is a great for a spot of fishing, with rainbow and brown trout – plus coarse species like bream, roach and pike – living in its depths. There's also a selection of walking trails, most of which start from Llandegfedd's Visitor Centre on the lake's south-eastern shore.

Two boys paddle boarding on the lake.
A building next to a lake with boats on the water.

Paddle boarding on Llandegfedd Lake and a view of the visitor centre.

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

See stunning contemporary art from Wales and beyond at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran. A permanent collection of works from artists like Arlie Panting, Jessie Bayes and Michael Crowther sits alongside a changing selection of exhibitions showcasing painting, ceramic, sculpture and textiles. If you're inspired by what you see, you can pick up one of a kind items from local and national makers in the craft shop or even take part in one of the centre's workshops to develop your own artistic skills.

The outside of a stone building next to a green lawn.
Interior of the art gallery.

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran

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