Things to do in

Merthyr Tydfil County

Discover the highlights of South East Wales on this full-day trip from Cardiff. See sights such as the ancient Roman remains of Caerleon, the ruins of the Abbey of Tintern, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Meet your guide in Central Cardiff and set out to your first stop, Caerleon Roman town. See the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the legionary barracks. Follow the Wye Gorge towards Tintern and stop briefly to visit Tintern Abbey, a sight made famous by painter JWM Turner. Continue up through the gorge and the spectacular Forest of Dean to Monmouth and Rockfield. Next, enter the Brecon Beacons National Park in the beautiful Black Mountains, visiting the hidden church of St.Issu. Stopping in the little market town of Crickhowell for lunch (not included). Brecon Town, home of the Army in Wales, with its canal and Cathedral. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the fast running waters of a beautiful mountain stream. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Pen y Fan and Corn Ddu, South Wales' highest peaks, check your reflection in the reservoirs of Talybont and Pontsticill. In Merthyr Tydfil, cradle of the Welsh industrial revolution, discover the beginnings of train travel, following the river Taff for our return to Cardiff in the late afternoon. Example Itinerary, weather and other conditions can dictate route taken.

Settle into a comfortable van and escape Cardiff city to explore the medieval history of Wales. Discover the best attractions of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), one of the three national parks in Wales. Begin your adventure from an easily accessible location in Cardiff, just a short walk from Cardiff Castle. Stop in Caerphilly to marvel at Caerphilly Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest castle in Wales, second only in size to Windsor Castle in all of Great Britain. Entrance is optional; you can also spend your free time exploring the charming town, which is filled with cafes, quaint shops, and souvenir spots. Continue to the town of Merthyr Tydfil to tour Cyfarthfa Castle, located in a picturesque park. During the journey, learn about the Industrial Revolution period in Wales. Next, enter the National Park to visit Henrhyd Falls, the tallest and most spectacular waterfall in South Wales, known for its role as a filming location for the final scene of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises as the entrance to the Batcave. Proceed to the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog and enjoy a short stop at the second oldest tree in Wales, a stunning yew tree that is 3018 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in Britain. End your day in Brecon, where you can admire the canals—voted the prettiest in Britain—or simply enjoy a stroll through the town's quaint streets, filled with independent shops, bakeries, coffee spots, and souvenir shops. Relax in the vehicle as you journey back to Cardiff, where you'll be dropped off at the designated location. Participants engage at their own risk, with adults or parents determining if the event is appropriate for them. Participation levels in any event are solely personal decisions. We suggest securing a personal activity insurance plan to guard against potential income loss in the unlikely event of an accident during a walk. Please note that this itinerary is an example, and the route taken may vary due to weather or other conditions.

This is a fully inclusive tour with ALL admissions to the various attractions paid for in advance by us. Our Valleys tour is a guided tour from central Cardiff taking in the industrial heritage of the valleys and the wonderful natural environment that is the Brecon Beacons. We get to visit a gorgeous castle, built from the wealth accumulated from the industrial past of South Wales, too. You will travel in a modern and luxurious fully electric vehicle, limited to a maximum of seven passengers, in the company of your driver guide, Andy, who is a Mountain Leader and a Green Badged Tourist Guide, an ambassador for many areas of Wales and a Visit Wales Pro. Oh, and amongst other things tourism and adventure, he’s also been chair of Brecon Beacons Tourism and a Brecon Beacons National Park Warden. South Wales is geologically 'lucky', having all of the elements required to fuel the industrial revolution, iron, coal, limestone and silica rock. From the 1750's iron boom through the 1850's to the 1980's when coal was king, South Wales was a hive of activity, smelting, mining and developing technologies to improve production. This tour has been designed to look at this history, its effects upon the landscape and people who laboured so hard and also at those who profited from that labour. We'll also have a look at the scenic beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park which lies to the north, on the fringes of the coalfields, and how the mining communities are recovering, post the closure of the mines in the 1990's. Please see the itinerary for all of the stops and visits. This tour includes two or three (depending on the time of the year) guided tours at the following visitor attractions Penderyn Whisky Rhondda Heritage Park Castell Coch We will visit spots with the most astounding views and many interesting features on our journey. You will be able to spend time with the guide at each location, as they walk and talk about Wales, its history and culture or you are free to self-explore. We will return to Cardiff around 6 pm and likely a little earlier. Know Before You Go This tour will take place rain or shine There is a small amount of outdoor walking Please note At peak times it may not be possible to book some of the attractions, especially with last-minute bookings. We will discuss this with you when you book if this is the case and offer alternatives.

This self-drive route explores beautiful Mid-Wales along the mountainous “spine” of Wales, partially skirting along the England / Wales border covering a 225-mile (362 km) route, with a guide for 25 destinations. The route is split into four: Cardiff & the Valleys, Brecon Beacons, Cambrians and Snowdonia. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ....................................................................................................................................................... WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip through stunning Mid Wales, around valleys and mountains. This flexible itinerary covers up to 225 miles (362 km) covering 25 destinations. Choose your own itinerary and time frame. Use the guidebook to choose how to spend your time, example: • Cardiff: Vibrant capital with rich history, museums, Cardiff Bay, and diverse dining options. • Welsh Valleys: Picturesque landscapes, mining heritage, rolling hills, and mining museums. • Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, mountain trails, water sports, and guided activities in scenic Wales. • Brecon Beacons Park: Water sports, horse riding, walks, rock climbing, stargazing in diverse terrains. • Cambrian Mountains: Explore lakes, rivers, and reservoirs amidst stunning natural beauty. • Mid Wales Towns: Historical charm in well-preserved medieval and market towns. • Eryri National Park: Scenic drive, Mount Snowdon exploration, historic steam engine rides. • Betws-y-Coed: Charming village in Snowdonia, waterfalls, stone bridges, tea rooms, and crafts. • Conwy & Conwy Castle: Medieval town, UNESCO site, castle exploration, panoramic views. • Stargazing: Discover Dark Sky Reserves, and witness mesmerizing starry nights on the Cambrian Way. • Plus so much more to discover! • Includes an overnight stays map for locating accommodation or campsites on the route. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go