Blaenavon Ironworks (Cadw)Industrial HeritageBlaenavon changed the world. These hills on the edge of the Brecon Beacons were rich with coal, limestone and iron ore – the fuel of the Industrial Revolution.
From here Wales heaved and belched and blasted itself onto the global stage. Welsh iron fashioned trailblazing engines, tools and machines. It built bridges, ships and railway lines. In short it made the modern world.
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.
Blaenavon was run by great, and often ruthless, industrialists. But it would have been nothing without its workers. Explore their authentically furnished cottages and the recreated ‘truck shop’ where they spent their meagre wages.
Their story, told through cutting-edge interpretation, lies at the heart of an industrial landscape so unique it’s been made a World Heritage Site.BlaenavonTorfaenUnited Kingdomhttp://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&venue=1251380
Blaenavon Ironworks (Cadw)
Industrial Heritage, £3.70-£6.10
Blaenavon Iron Works
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Details
Blaenavon changed the world. These hills on the edge of the Brecon Beacons were rich with coal, limestone and iron ore – the fuel of the Industrial Revolution. From here Wales heaved and belched and blasted itself onto the global stage.
Opening details
1 April 2020 - 3 November Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm 4 November - 31 March 2021 Thursday to Saturday - 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday to Wednesday - Closed. Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Prices
Prices April 2020 - March 2021: Adults £6.10 Seniors (65+) £4.80 Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans £3.70 Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £17.10
A4043 north from Pontypool; at Blaenavon take the B4246 and follow the brown signs. Bus 3km/2 miles, route X24 from Newport via Cwmbran, Pontypool and Varteg. Bike NCN Route No.46 (600m/650 yards).
Accessible by Public Transport: 8 miles from Pontypool & New Inn station
Blaenavon Ironworks (Cadw)
Blaenavon Ironworks (Cadw)
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Local Accommodation
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
