What to do and see in South Wales, Wales: The Best Specialty Museums

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.

The house in which the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was born and lived with his family for the first 23 years of his life. Enter Dylan Thomas Birthplace and you go back in time to when the Thomas family bought No 5 as a new house in 1914 just a few months before Dylan was born in the front bedroom. Soak up the atmosphere of the house in which he lived for 23 years and wrote two thirds of his published work The Dylan Thomas Birthplace is unique in that it allows you to stay in the house as a visitor. When you book the house you have exclusive use during your stay. The house has a growing reputation for introducing new literary and musical talent from both Wales and the rest of the world. The house is open for visiting every day from 10:30am to 4:30pm and the relaxed journey takes you through the beautifully restored rooms to give you an insight into life in the Edwardian era and a perfect starting point to discover just how Dylan was inspired by "...this sea-town..." Phoning or emailing ahead is advisable, as on occasion the house is utilised for overnight stays, dining experiences and other events which will mean the inability to carry out house visits at times where advertised. We do of course, apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused in these instances.

The Winding House is the museum for Caerphilly County Borough with engaging exhibitions on local history and heritage, hands-on activities and an exciting events programme. Explore local history and culture in our fascinating exhibitions and discover the original Victorian winding engine which runs on the last Saturday of every month (except for December) at 12pm. Our Coffee Shop offers delicious, traditional cakes, teas and coffees, while high quality souvenirs and crafts are available in our Gift Shop.

PRIVATE MUSEUM & IMPERATIVE TO CONTACT PRIOR TO VISIT - As viewed on the Channel 4 recent heart warming and real life documentary entitled - 'BRITAIN'S WEIRDEST COUNCIL HOUSES', also featured on Vice & Ladbible websites, newspaper, travel magazines, newspapers & social media outlets. The 'Baked Bean Museum Of Excellence' based in Port Talbot, south Wales, is the only world's haricot museum displaying those heavenly delights dedicated to all baked bean devotees on the planet! The museum was opened in January 2009 by television, radio presenter and writer, Danny Wallace who is also Patron of the BBEofE! You shall be enthralled to view the various baked bean memorabilia containing a collection of global baked bean brands and adorned by orange inflatable seating arrangements! Not forgetting his unique Heinz kitchen and Branston Bean toilet facility. Many half-baked visitors from around the world duly testify that this is indeed ranked as number one tourist star attraction on Tripadvisor!

SWAM is a new unique Aviation museum based in South Wales near the former RAF St Athan. We allow visitors to get up and personal with our aircraft and displays, with different aircraft being open. We are only currently open at weekends and bank holidays, and while we have free parking, there is a suggested donation for adults of £5. We have a cafe and a shop with there is limited disabled access.

A walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day. St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction.

Free, family friendly Exhibition that chronicles the life, work and cultural context of Dylan Thomas, one of the most notable Welsh poets. Through an interactive timeline, audiovisual material and original worksheets, books and recordings, the 'Love the Words' exhibition celebrates Dylan's poetry, prose, radio broadcasts and film scripts. The Centre also runs a programme of activities throughout the year supporting the Exhibition, including creative writing workshops and free family events.