World Heritage Site

Blaenavon World Heritage Site was awarded this prestigious designation in 2000 for the part the area played as the world’s major producer of iron and coal in the 19th Century. Today you can see remains of all of the necessary elements needed for the iron and coal industry, including a coal mine, furnaces, quarries, railway systems, the Mon & Brec canal, ironworkers’ cottages, churches, chapels, a school and a workmen’s hall. All set in a landscape that is favoured by walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers.

It covers over 20 square miles (33 kms) and overlaps with the Brecon Beacons National Park. The main attractions are just a few minutes drive or walk from each other: Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. Take a look at this video for a flavour of what you'll find there.