Places of Interest
Blaenavon Industrial Landscapes was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in November 2000 based on the numerous monuments and buildings of significance in and around the town and on its industrial landscape.
In the immediate area of Blaenavon town, the places to visit are Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, Blaenavon Community Heritage & Cordell Museum, Workmen’s Hall, St Peters Church and of course the town itself. In March 2008, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre was officially opened by Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales. The centre is home to Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre and features an imaginative interactive exhibition, bright new welcoming cafe, contemporary art and photographic exhibitions and gift shop.
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Big Pit  The National Museum of Wales.
Enjoy underground tours with real miners. An exciting new museum in the Pithead Baths tells the tempestuous story of the world's greatest coal industry.
Tel: 01495 790311
www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit
email: bigpit@nmgw.ac.uk
Opening times: Mid February to 30th November, seven days a week, 9.30-5pm
Underground tours 10am-3.30pm
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Blaenavon Ironworks  In 1787, the most advanced ironworks in the world. Now the best preserved early Ironworks in the world. Learn about ironmaking and the hardship of family life.
Tel: 01495 792615
Opening times: Easter - October.
Monday - Friday 9.30am-4.30pm
Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4.30pm
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Blaenavon World Heritage Centre  Blaenavon World Heritage Centre (Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre) features an imaginative interactive exhibition, bright new welcoming cafe, contemporary art and photographic exhibitions and gift shop.
Email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk
Opening times:
Monday - Friday
Saturday
Tel: 01495 742333
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Cordell Museum  Run by enthusiastic volunteers, the museum is a treasure-trove of local life and history. Also includes personal information and effects of the late Alexander Cordell.
Tel: 01495 790991
Opening times: Easter - October.
Monday - Friday 10.00am-4.00pm (closed 1pm-2pm)
Saturday 10am-1pm
October - Easter, as above except closed Weds, Fri and sun. Other times by appointment
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Workmen's Hall  This magnificent building (1895) was built by contributions from the iron and coal workers. It represents the high point and social aspirations of industrial society in South Wales.
Tel: 01495 742333
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Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway Maintained by a group of dedicated railway buffs. Train rides can be enjoyed on the remaining track of Wales' highest standard gauge railway
Tel: 01495 792263 or 0773 087 8063
www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk
email: railwayoffice@aol.com
Opening times: Easter - end of September.
Sundays, Bank Holiday Mondays and some Saturdays, phone for details |
Blaenavon Town  For further informationplease visit Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre or Tel: 10495 742333
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St Peter's Church  Built by the local ironmasters Samuel Hopkins and Thomas Hill in 1804, the church is one of the earliest buildings in the town. The adjacent school is soon to open as the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape Heritage Centre.
Tel: 01495 792615
email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk
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