Top Things to do in Torfaen
Top 10 Things to do in Torfaen, Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Torfaen, United Kingdom including Big Pit National Coal Museum, Greenmeadow Community Farm, Blaenavon Ironworks, Cwmbran Centre, Pontypool Park, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Folly Tower, Cwmbran Boating Lake, Pontymoile Basin.
Restaurants in Torfaen
1. Big Pit National Coal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,618 reviews
Take a unique underground tour of a real coalmine, where hundreds of men, women and children once worked to extract the precious mineral that stoked furnaces and lit the household fires of the world.
Reviewed By CJonsey83
This would be my third visit to Big Pit and I loved as much this time as the first. The underground tour really gives you a sense of how hard it was and the tour guides are always great. (dress warmly for going underground) There is also an above ground video / Live tour that showcases some of the machines used underground, again brilliant. Plenty of parking very near the main entrance. Single tariff of £3.00 all day. I'd recommend this to anyone whose in the area. You will not be disappointed at what you find. Note: be sure to check the website / call if the weather is poor/has been poor for a few days as it may effect the tour availability.
2. Greenmeadow Community Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Greenmeadow Community Farm has been a working farm for over 250 years. Set in over 120 acres, we have a wide range of pedigree and rare animals which you can come and meet up close. Nestled in the heart of Cwmbran, this is truly a Community Farm in every sense of the word, working closely with and serving the local community and welcoming visitors from far and wide. Our cosy farmhouse cafe, Cafe Cwtch, offers kids favourites and a selection of homemade specials. We aim to use as much local produce as we can, supporting local farmers, growers and suppliers. The farm shop is full of tractors and animals to take home after your visit. There really is something for everyone. We would love to see you soon! Please note we are open 10am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm) seven days a week, whatever the weather! The farm is closed for deep cleaning and maintenance from 24th December - 31st January each year.
Reviewed By D6151RUlisad - Newport, United Kingdom
We came here with our granddaughter wed. It brought back wonderful memories for us as we used to bring our children when they were young. We had a lovely few hours and we were lucky as the sun was shining (granddaughters fave was the chickens so we had to get her one from the gift shop). Sadly we were more tired than our GD ???? but she had a ball. We will come with a picnic next time ????
3. Blaenavon Ironworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 397 reviews
Advance booking required. In 1789 Blaenavon Ironworks first harnessed the power of steam to blow air into its huge blast furnaces. A century later it was here that Sidney Gilchrist Thomas transformed the world’s steel industry by inventing a method to remove phosphorus from iron ore. The ruined furnaces are still visible today alongside the impressive remains of the foundry, cast house and water balance tower that raised wagons 80 feet into the air.
Reviewed By 661timu
very interesting historical site - spent 2 hours here learning of the iron making process that helped fuel the industrial revolution . Loved the period cottages depicting several eras of family life and a big mention to the 3 wonderful members of staff who were only to happy to provide extra information with enthusiasm and warmth. Definitely worth 5 stars - Tim , Mary and Corey
4. Cwmbran Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By lorna1471622 - Cwmbran, United Kingdom
A great place to shop, best rail and bus links also FREE Parking. Nice places to eat and drink and even the beach during summer school holidays besides this many attractions and displays are put on through the year. Marks and Spencer, most of the best super markets and some independent shops. Almost all undercover therefore can take a pavement coffee even in the rain. At the moment a mini train is circling the town. Also disability shop to hire wheelchairs to assist les able visitors. if you've never been give it a try, I don't think it will disappoint.
5. Pontypool Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By bearrobertconnorbear - Cwmbran, United Kingdom
I have visited this Park Many times. Its really big and got lots of facilities ranging from tennis courts, outdoor bowling Green, Skate board park for all the keen skate boarders and trick cyclists. Childrens play area, Home to the famous Pontypool rfc. There is also the run in the park every sunday for all you fitness people. Lovely Place. Pontypool Council need to wake up and utilise this fantastic park with more event. Steam and classic car shows would work as well as more music. Make car parks in Pontypool Free like cwmbran and see the difference. Support your Local traders and bring the future in to Pontypool. Sorry for going on but this is a fantastic Park. People naturally wander into Pontypool Centre to check the shops out.there is a leisure Centre at the park with Cafe and Sports utilities. Also Parking there.
6. Blaenavon World Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
The World Heritage Centre is situated in Blaenavon itself, within the historic former St. Peter’s Church School, founded in 1816, and is the starting point for your visit to the whole Blaenavon World Heritage Site. The former heavy industries left their mark on the environment, which is full of hidden treasures to be discovered after learning what this incredible valley has to offer. St Peter's School, founded by Sarah Hopkins for the education of iron workers' children was the first school of its type in Wales. The visitor (whether tourist or group organiser) will find information on the World Heritage Site, its history and how it can be viewed today as well as a Tourist Information Centre. The main exhibition follows the words of historical characters so that visitors can gain an insight into the daily lives of ordinary people and understand the changes that they experienced during the 19th century. Self-led visits to explore the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre are free of charge.
Reviewed By cgaw14 - Horley, United Kingdom
We returned to Blaenavon again to visit with our ever expanding family and we again chose the heritage centre as the focal point of the weekend. Locals also eat there so you know what that says about the place. Jackie and the café staff were all great as usual, food was delicious and prices were really good. The welcome all over the town and especially here was heartwarming. So please always pop in for a smile and dish of crumble and custard. We did !! We return in April and November next year..
7. Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The regional centre for the applied arts featuring regular changing applied arts exhibitions, educational workshops, craftshop and cafe. Open six days a week.
8. Folly Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By johncZ4852NW - Kingsteignton, United Kingdom
This is a great walk around the outer boundary of the park taking in the Shell Grotto, Folly Tower and gardens. The views from the top of the hill near the Folly are spectacular covering many counties and 360 degree landscape.Highly Recommended first class.
9. Cwmbran Boating Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By Sjabena - Newport, United Kingdom
Had a lovely walk here yesterday. We parked at the road resource centre which is further away so we could enjoy a longer walk. We walked through a woodland area and then over the road to the lake. It’s a lovely stroll around the lake and there were plenty of people also enjoying the dry weather. Plenty of swans, ducks and geese around and on the lake. unfortunately the shop was shut before we finished walking around to it but I’m sure during the warmer months it is jam packed. The walk to our car park and back totalled 3 miles so a longer route if that’s what you’re after.
10. Pontymoile Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By kaiaetc - Pontypool, United Kingdom
Finally stopped here for breakfast on the way back from our frequent canal walks. We both had bacon, sausage and black pudding rolls from the barge café. So cheap and the bacon was actually cooked properly, which is normally rare. Not too chewy, not fatty, just about right, and so soft. There's clean public toilets and free parking too, and such lovely long, picturesque walks with good wheelchair access although the bridge could be a problem for some wheelchair users as could the path that isn't tarmacked. A local haunt that is used by locals, tradesmen, walkers, cyclers, boaters and travellers alike.
