here

A collection of ideas for superb visits
Places2visit
South Wales Attractions
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
►
Go Ape
in Margam Park
▲
Greenmeadow
Community Farm
◄
Llancaiach Fawr
Manor
▲
Blaenavon World
Heritage Site
▲
Wales Millennium
Centre
Big Pit National
Coal Museum
Big Pit is a former working coal
mine in the heart of the UNESCO
World Heritage Landscape of
Blaenavon. You can go 300 feet
underground on a guided tour at
this award-winning Museum.
• Open: 9.30am - 5.00pm daily
• Admission: Free entry
+44 (0)300 111 2333
[email protected]
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9XP
(Sat Nav Blaenafon (Blaenavon) town)
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Cantref Brecon's
Biggest
Adventure
Play, Ride, Sleep @ Cantref. Family adventure farm,
riding centre and 4 Star camping in the Brecon Beacons
National Park. A great day out for all the family.
• Open: 9.00am - 5.00pm 7 days a week
(seasonal changes - please check website)
+44 (0)18746 65223
[email protected]
www.cantref.com
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Explore the World Heritage Site, packed full of attractions, activities, history, heritage, arts and a spectacular
landscape. Located at the gateway to the South Wales Valleys and only 50 minutes drive from Cardiff, the attractions
in the World Heritage Site tell the story of the town which was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Start your
journey at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre to find out why the area was the perfect location for the Iron industry
to thrive.
Venture 300 feet below ground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum; see the remains of the blast furnaces at
Blaenavon Ironworks, where BBC Coalhouse was filmed; view the Industrial Landscape from a carriage of a train on
the Blaenavon Heritage Railway; or sample some of the local beer at Rhymney Brewery.
Attractions are located within 5 minutes drive of each other. Enjoy FREE entry to most attractions, discover more on
our website www.visitblaenavon.co.uk, or contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01495 742333.
+44 (0)1495 742333
[email protected]
www.visitblaenavon.co.uk
Blaenavon, Torfaen NP4 9AE
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Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre
The scenic harbour boasts a variety of bars and
restaurants perfect to unwind, alongside venues and
attractions that are great for all the family. Take a stroll
around the waterfront to the Barrage and learn more
about this feat of engineering. Fancy getting out on the
water? Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre offers fun
activities for all ages.
Upper Cantref Farm, Brecon, Powys LD3 8LR
Cosmeston
Lakes and
Medieval
Village
An authentic reconstructed 14th century medieval village,
set within a 110 hectare country park. Costumed guided
tours are available for a fee at 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm
(subject to availability). Or alternatively you can take a
self-guided tour using one of our portable wands.
• Open: 7 days a week
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+44 (0)29 2070 1678
[email protected]
www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/enjoying/parks_and_
gardens/cosmeston/cosmeston.aspx
Lavernock Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF64 5UY
If adrenaline fuelled adventure is for you then visit
Cardiff International White Water and try Rafting,
Indoor Surfing, Air Trail and more! Or get away from it
all and take a boat trip to Flat Holm. Just 5 miles from
the Bay, discover the Island’s history and wildlife.
Photo: Kiran Ridley
+44 (0)29 2087 7927
[email protected]
www.visitcardiffbay.info
Wales Millennium Centre, Unit 1, Bute Place
Cardiff CF10 5AL
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www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
Cardiff Castle
The Castle you see today, in the heart of the city, is
at once a Roman fort, an impressive Norman castle
and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy
palace, created for one of the world’s richest men.
The lavish decoration in the Castle Apartments is
simply breath-taking.
The view from the top of the medieval Keep is
spectacular and you can explore the atmospheric
Wartime Shelters and grounds with a free audio
guide. Don’t miss Firing Line: Cardiff Castle
Museum of the Welsh Soldier and leave time to
relax on the café terrace to soak up the atmosphere
of this amazing site.
• Open: Daily except 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan
Mar - Oct: 9am - 6pm (last entry at 5pm);
Nov - Feb: 9am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
• Admission: Please visit our website for full details
+44 (0)29 2087 8100
www.cardiffcastle.com
[email protected]
Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 3RB
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Cwmcarn Forest
Cwmcarn Forest offers something for all the family.
4* Campsite (with Glamping pods), varied walking
trails, children’s explorer trail, busy events
programme, cycling, fishing, Ravens Café & Gift
shop with quirky and contemporary home
accessories and gifts… All at one stunning location
and always a warm welcome.
Dan-yr-Ogof, The National
Showcaves Centre for Wales
Treat the family to a unique, fun day out at Cwmcarn
Forest, come and explore the delights of this hidden
wooded valley.
Voted ‘Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder’, the beautiful
underground passageways will enthral all who enter!
The 3 different caves – Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave,
and Bone Cave – each offer a unique underground
experience. See beautifully decorated cave
passageways, walk through enormous caverns carved
out millions of years ago, walk between two 40-foot
high waterfalls, and finally learn why 42 human
skeletons were buried inside one of the caves!
• Open: Visitor centre open daily
Peak 9:00am - 5:00pm (6:00pm Fri-Sun)
Off peak 9:00am - 5:00pm (4:30pm Fri)
• Admission: Free entry to the site
• Parking: £1 for 2 hrs, £3 all day
• Open: 10.00am - 3.00pm (last admission),
7 days a week from April 1st - November 2nd 2014
• Admission: Please contact for up-to-date information
• Parking: Free
For the adrenaline junkie, mountain biking at
Cwmcarn Forest is the perfect playground, with four
trails to choose from. The trails are free to ride and
changing facilities are on site.
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+44 (0)1495 272001/279300
[email protected]
www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk
Visitor Centre, Nantcarn Road, Crosskeys, Newport
NP11 7FA (Follow brown tourism signs – not Sat Nav
when approaching site)
Dan-yr-Ogof also has one of the world’s largest
collections of life-sized dinosaur models, ranging from
the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and
Brachiosaurus, to the lesser-known Tsintaosaurus.
With over 250 models here, will you find your favourite
dinosaur? And don’t forget the Shire horses, farm,
interactive museum and playgrounds!
+44 (0)1639 730284 (24-hour information line)
[email protected]
www.showcaves.co.uk
Abercrave, Upper Swansea Valley SA9 1GJ
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Festival Park, Outlet Shopping
& Leisure
Festival Park has over 40 stores offering up to 75% off
high street prices all year round. A great place to shop
with a range of stores including M&S, Nike, Gap,
Sports Direct, Bench, Beauty Outlet and Jacques Vert.
Set in 75 acres of parkland, Festival Park is home to
the largest supertubing run the in the UK, Red Dragons
Adventure Play Castle, an owl sanctuary, coffee
shops, restaurants and a range of woodland walks.
The centre is the perfect place for those visiting the
region to take time out, visitors can enjoy refreshments
on the stunning hillside terrace overlooking some of
the most breath-taking views in Wales. Facilities also
include toilets, a cash machine and wheelchair hire.
• Open: Mon - Sat: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Sun: 11am to 5pm
Late night shopping till 7pm Thursdays
• Admission: Free Entry
• Parking: Free Parking
+44 (0)1495 350010
[email protected]
www.festivalshopping.co.uk
Victoria, Ebbw Vale NP23 8FP
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www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
Fonmon Castle
Greenmeadow
Community Farm
When visitors first arrive, they
realise just how special Fonmon
Castle is. Situated in a private
estate, the timeless beauty of the
gardens and dramatic castle with its family histories
enchant each generation that visits.
A working farm for over 250 years,
we have a wide range of animals
which you can come and meet up
close. Cosy Café Cwtch offers
homemade specials. Please bring this brochure with
you to claim one free admission.
• Open: Apr - Sept, on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
The gardens open at 12pm and the castle tours start at
2pm (last tour at 4pm)
• Admission: No charge to gardens. Guided tours of the
castle adults £6, children under 14 free • Parking: Free
• Open: Daily, 1 Feb - 23 Dec 2015, 10am-5pm
• Admission: Family (2 adults, 3 children) £20 Adult £5.75,
Concession/Child age 2+ £4.65 • Parking: Free
+44 (0)1446 710206
[email protected]
www.fonmoncastle.com
+44 (0)1633 647662
[email protected]
www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk
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Greenforge Way, Cwmbran NP44 5AJ
Fonmon, Barry CF62 3ZN
Gower Heritage
Centre
Llancaiach
Fawr Manor
• Open: Daily, all year, 10.00am – 5.00pm.
• Admission: Adults £6.75, Children/Concessions £5.75,
Under 2 years free
• Parking: Free if visiting Centre
• Open: Tue - Sun, 10.00am - 5.00pm
• Admission: From 1 April: Family ticket £22 (up to 2 adults,
3 children), Adults £7.95, Concession / child £6.50, under 5s
free. May 25 - 30 Entry to the Manor and visitor centre
only for ticket holders of the Urdd festival
+44 (0)1792 371206
[email protected]
www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
+44 (0)1443 412248
[email protected]
www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
Step back in time to 1645 the
middle of the Civil War, meet the
servants of Colonel Pritchard and
become immersed in the cares
and concerns of ordinary people living in extraordinary times.
Based around an 800 year old
corn and saw mill, powered by
a working waterwheel.
Tearooms, craft workshops, children's play areas,
animal park, woollen mill & La Charrette cinema.
Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2EH
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Gelligaer Road, Nelson, Treharris CF46 6ER
VISIT
our new website
for events, news
and offers
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
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Go Ape in Margam Park
Go Ape is the UK's No.1 Forest Adventure.
Award-winning outdoor adventure activities. Set within
the beautiful Margam Park near Swansea, families and
friends of all ages can enjoy a day out like no other. We
brief you for safety before you fly down zip-wires, leap
off Tarzan Swings and tackle obstacles whilst enjoying
some of Wales' most breathtaking scenery.
Go Ape offers two to three hours of tree top fun. It’s a
great way to get outdoors and have some fun.
Can I Go Ape?
Minimum Age - 10yrs,
Minimum Height - 1.4m (4ft7"),
Maximum weight - 20.5 stones (130kg)
• Open: Feb to Nov, check our website for details
• Admission: Gorillas over 16 years £31, Baboons 10 -15
years £25
+44 (0)845 643 9259
[email protected]
www.goape.co.uk/margam
Margam Country Park SA13 2TJ
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McArthur Glen Designer
Outlet Bridgend
For the style hunters. Love fashion? Head to
McArthurGlen Bridgend in the gorgeous Welsh
countryside, where you’ll find designer brands
including Osprey London, Ted Baker and Tommy
Hilfiger for up to 60% less. With over 90 sought-after
brands as well as cafés, restaurants and tax-free
shopping available, it’s no surprise we’re the region’s
must-visit destination for style hunters and label lovers.
Located just 30 minutes from Cardiff and Swansea
getting there is easy. By car take junction 36 M4 and
follow signs for the outlet or hop on the Greyhound
Bus from Cardiff and Swansea bus station. The
Greyhound stops at the centre.
• Open: Mon - Fri: 10.00am - 8.00pm
Sat: 10.00am - 7.00pm
Sun: 10.00am - 5.00pm*
*Larger stores open at 11am. Cinema and
restaurants open until late daily
• Admission: No Admission Charge
• Parking: Free Parking
+44 (0)1656 665700
[email protected]
www.mcarthurglenbridgend.com
The Derwen, Bridgend CF32 9SU
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www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
National
Waterfront
Museum
Millennium
Stadium
Explore the magnificent
Millennium Stadium. Visit
highlights such as Wales’ rugby
team dressing room. Hear the roar
of 74,500 fans as you walk down
the players' tunnel, and lift the
trophy to the skies like a sports
star in the President’s Box.
+44 (0)29 2082 2228
[email protected]
www.millenniumstadium.com/tours
Take in the sights and
sounds of more than 300
years of Welsh industry and innovation. Using a mix of
cutting-edge interactive technology and large objects,
the Museum offers a gateway to a new experience of
history that stretches right across Wales.
• Open: Daily, 10.00am - 5.00pm • Admission: Free entry
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+44 (0)29 2057 3600
[email protected]
www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea
Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Monmouthshire
Welcome to Monmouthshire, the Food Capital of
Wales. Great food & drink aren’t the only reasons to
come here though. Our characterful market towns are
packed with history & culture. Discover the history of
Chepstow & the Wye Valley at Chepstow Museum;
learn about the infamous Christmas Day massacre at
Abergavenny Museum & Castle, or find out about the
close links between Monmouth and Admiral Nelson at
Monmouth Museum.
Experience the Georgian splendour of Monmouth
Shire Hall followed by award-winning cake at The Old
Station in the beautiful village of Tintern. Top your day
off with a walk around the Norman stronghold of
Caldicot Castle & its extensive country park.
Or visit one of our leisure centres at Abergavenny,
Caldicot, Chepstow & Monmouth each with its own
swimming pool, sporting facilities, cafes & more.
www.visitmonmouthshire.com/swap
+44 (0)1291 623772
[email protected]
www.visitmonmouthshire.com/swap
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Newport
Transporter Bridge
National Museum Cardiif
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+44 (0)7850 047721
[email protected]
www.nashpoint.co.uk
Nash Point Lighthouse, Marcross, Nr. Llantwit Major,
Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1ZH
National Roman
Legion Museum
• Open: 10.00am - 5.00pm Mon - Sat, 2.00pm - 5.00pm Sun
High Street, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1AE
Located in the heart of the capital city, the museum has
an outstanding collection of art and natural history
displays. The art collections include the world-renowned
Impressionist collection of works by Monet, Cézanne,
Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Rodin, as well as the
largest space in Wales for the display of modern and
contemporary art.
The Evolution of Wales gallery is a multimedia
experience which tells the story of the formation of the
earth and the evolution of Wales from the Big Bang up
to the Ice Age.
You can see real meterorites, a piece of moon rock,
spectacular fossils, and impressive dinosaur skeletons
and footprints.
See hundreds of Roman objects
at the museum including the
oldest recorded piece of writing in
Wales and the dazzling gemstone
collection. Visitors can also enjoy
the unique Roman garden, and
an active events programme.
+44 (0)300 111 2333
www.museumwales.ac.uk
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Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3RD (Sat Nav SA1 3ST)
Nash Point
Lighthouse
Visit a working lighthouse and climb
to the top for spectacular views.
Open weekends & Bank Holidays
12.30 - 5.30pm until November 1st.
The Lighthouse is also available,
year round, as a unique Wedding
Venue and for school or group
visits. Please call before making a
special visit to confirm availability.
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• Open: Tuesday - Sunday and most Bank Holiday
Mondays 10.00am - 5.00pm
• Admission: Free entry
+44 (0)300 111 2333
[email protected]
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
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This Grade 1 listed Edwardian
aerial ferry is one of just six
remaining working Transporter
Bridges in the world. Ride on the
gondola and climb up to the top
walkway. Bridge open Easter to
September, Visitor Centre most
days all year round, Groups
welcome all year.
+44 (0)1633 250322 (Visitor Centre)
+44 (0)1633 233663 (Pre-booking & Groups)
[email protected]
www.newport.gov.uk/visiting
Usk Way, Newport NP20 2JG
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Penderyn
Distillery
Newly-extended for 2015,
Penderyn Distillery is the
home of Welsh Single
Malt. Take a tour of the production floor, then
experience our tasting area. Pre-booking required.
Inaccessible to wheelchairs and under-16s self-guided tour available.
• Open: 9:30am - 5:00pm Open most bank holidays
+44 (0)1685 810650
[email protected]
www.penderyn-distillery.co.uk
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The Welsh Whisky Company, Penderyn CF44 0SX
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
Winding
House
Taff Valley Quad
Bike & Activity
Centre
Quad Biking (7yo+), Archery, Clay
Pigeon Shooting, Laser Shooting
and Gorge Walking activities near
Cardiff. Other activities nearby that
can be arranged include Paintball,
Go-Karting, Horse Riding, Speedboats etc. Activity
Days and Activity Breaks arranged. Small groups
welcome
+44 (0)29 2083 1658
[email protected]
www.adventurewales.co.uk
Visit the Winding House,
the museum for Caerphilly
County Borough for
fascinating exhibitions,
the remarkable Victorian winding engine, an exciting
events programme and stylish Coffee Shop and Gift
Shop.
• Open: See website for details
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+44 (0)1443 822666
[email protected]
www.windinghouse.co.uk
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Cross Street, New Tredegar NP24 6EG
Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat, Pontypridd CF37 5BJ
Taskforce Paintball
30 acre woodland Paintball and Laser
Tag site. Games for Adults and Juniors
(8 to 16 years old.) Adrnalin-filled day
for individuals or groups. All games
supervised by fully qualified marshals.
St Fagans National History
Museum
One of the world’s best open-air museums St Fagans
stands in the grounds of a magnificent 16th Century
manor house on the outskirts of Cardiff. Well loved by
the people of Wales and tourists from all over the
world, visitors can enjoy 500 years of Welsh history by
exploring over forty original historic buildings that have
been rescued and rebuilt at the museum.
St Fagans is very much a living museum with
traditional craftsmen demonstrating in our workshops
and mills, and a packed programme of events.
Voted the ‘UK’s Most-loved Museum’ in 2012 by
readers of Which? consumer magazine and a Tripadvisor
Certificate of Excellence 2014 Winner’.
• Opening: Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm
• Admission: Free entry
• Parking: £4
Free Disabled Parking, Free Coach Parking
+44 (0)300 111 2333
[email protected]
www.museumwales.ac.uk
St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6XB
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Open all year, Paintball games are held full or half day and
evening games by arrangement during lighter summer
months. Laser Tag 2 hour slots.
Please call for a free email information pack and full price
list or to discuss further.
+44 (0)29 2059 3900
[email protected]
www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk
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Off A48, Penllyn, Cowbridge CF71 7RQ
+44 (0)29 2047 5475
[email protected]
www.techniquest.org
Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW
Wales Millennium Centre is Wales’ national home for
the performing arts in Cardiff Bay. One of the UK’s top
cultural attractions and home to eight resident
partners, this Welsh landmark stages musicals, opera,
ballet, circus and contemporary dance alongside the
UK’s largest programme of free performances.
Our visitors can also enjoy art exhibitions, workshops,
training days, free daily foyer performances, guided
tours, conference and events facilities and bars and
restaurants.
Techniquest
Science Discovery
Centre
Sensational Science in Cardiff
Bay. 120 hands-on exhibits.
Exciting Science Theatre shows
for the family at weekends and
school holidays. Fascinating tours
of the night sky in the amazing
digital Planetarium.
Wales Millennium Centre
The Centre is the recipient of UK’s Most Welcoming
Theatre Award Winner in 2014 and was also
recognised as Wales’ National Treasure by the
National Lottery in 2015 – both based on nationwide
public votes.
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• Open: All year round
• Admission: Free entry
+44 (0)29 2063 6464
[email protected]
wmc.org.uk
Bute Place, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL
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VISIT
our new website
for events, news
and offers
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
LLANELLI
11
AMMANFORD
PONTARDAWE
CLYDACH
LLANDEILO
PONTARDDULAIS
GORSEINON
14
8
TREORCHY
23
HIRWAUN
ABERDARE
MOUNTAIN ASH
RHONDDA
TONYPANDY
BRECON
3
20
2
ABERTILLERY
NEWBRIDGE
7
1
CLEVEDON NEWPORT
CAERLEON
19
USK
ABERGAVENNY
BLAENAVON
22
PONTYPOOL
ABERSYCHAN
RISCA
Millennium Stadium
Nash Point Lighthouse
National Roman Legion Museum
National Museum Cardiff
National Waterfront Museum
Newport Transporter Bridge
Penderyn Distillery
St Fagans National History Museum
PORTISHEAD
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26.
27.
28.
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MONMOUTH
CHEPSTOW
AVONMOUTH
BRISTOL
BRISTOL
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre
Taskforce Paintball
Techniquest
Wales Millennium Centre
The Winding House
www.southwalesattractions.co.uk
CWMBRAN
12
ABERCARN
MACHEN
BLACKWOOD
9
EBBW
VALE
BRYNMAWR
TREDEGAR
13
20
6
CARDIFF
17 28
27 5
PENARTH
4
CAERPHILLY
RHYMNEY
29
BARGOED
25
YSTRAD
MYNACH
NELSON
MERTHYR
TYDFIL
ABERFAN
ABERCYNON
PONTYPRIDD
LLANTRISANT
15
BRIDGEND
24
26 COWBRIDGE
10
ST ATHAN
BARRY
18 CARDIFF AIRPORT
RHOOSE
PONTYCYMER
GLYNNEATH
MAESTEG
RESOLVEN
YSTRADGYNLAIS
NEATH
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South Wales Attractions
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Festival Park, Outlet Shopping & Leisure
Fonmon Castle
Gower Heritage Centre
Greenmeadow Community Farm
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Go Ape in Margam Park
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Bridgend
Monmouthshire
PORTHCAWL
BRITON FERRY
YSTALYFERA
PORT TALBOT
1
SWANSEA
21
MUMBLES
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Cantref Adventure Farm & Riding
Cosmeston Lakes and Medieval Village
Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre
Cardiff Castle
Cwmcarn Forest
Dan-yr-Ogof, The National Showcaves
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