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11 Great Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

11 Great Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

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Journey, industrial heritage, and epic landscapes… uncover the Dramatic Coronary heart of Wales with these prime issues to do in Neath Port Talbot!

The sensible nickname, the “Dramatic Coronary heart of Wales”, tells you precisely what you possibly can count on from this fabulous hidden gem in South Wales.

Combining miles of shoreline with a lush inside laced with speeding rivers and plunging valleys… this really is a land of journey. Crashing waterfalls, dense forests, fairytale castles, and sweeping sandy seashores present an ideal backdrop for every kind of outside pursuits.

Underrated, and all too usually skipped by guests flocking to greater cities like Cardiff and Swansea, Neath Port Talbot nonetheless feels very a lot a hidden gem. Which implies you’ll usually have these superb trails and sweeping landscapes all to your self.

And when you’ve worn your self out with all of the mountaineering, biking, browsing, horse using, and journey you possibly can handle, there are cosy nation pubs to unwind in, cute villages to discover, native historical past to take in, and tranquil glamping websites for nights of stargazing.

Uncover South Wales’ coal mining historical past on the oldest mining museum within the nation, wander by ruined abbeys, and absorb the valley views from a historic aqueduct.

On this put up, I’ve shared my decide of the prime issues to do in Neath Port Talbot that will help you profit from the Dramatic Coronary heart of Wales. No matter you rise up to, you’re certain to get pleasure from exploring this unimaginable hidden gem.

This put up was created as a part of a sponsored journey supported by Dramatic Coronary heart of Wales. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are my very own.

The place is Neath Port Talbot?

Neath Port Talbot is a borough within the county of Glamorgan in South Wales. The area sits on Swansea Bay, simply east of Swansea and about 35 miles west of Cardiff, and is bordered to the north by the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park.

The principle cities are Port Talbot and Neath. Coastal Port Talbot feels slightly industrial, dominated by the Port Talbot Steelworks, however the space round Aberavon (particularly the lengthy, sandy Aberavon Seaside) is beautiful. A bit of methods north, Neath is a bustling market city clustered across the River Neath.

Past these two hubs, the remainder of the area is basically rural – with a scattering of smaller cities and villages, and LOTS of countryside for having fun with the nice outdoor!

Prime Issues to Do in Neath Port Talbot

11 Great Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

No matter time of yr you go to, there are many outside adventures to get your adrenaline pumping in Neath Port Talbot!

Absorb the superb views on countryside hikes (with routes to swimsuit all ranges) or strive the thrills of mountain bike trails and coastal surf. There’s loads of native historical past and tradition to find at varied museums and historic buildings, too.

1. Glamping in Neath Port Talbot

wooden shepherds hut glamping accommodation on a patch of grass with a picnic bench with green hills and forest behind

There’s no higher approach to take in the abundance of pure magnificence in Neath Port Talbot than by staying proper within the midst of it at one of many many glamping websites within the space.

I headed to Willow Springs Campsite for an in a single day keep in the beginning of Autumn – and was completely spellbound! This family-run, eco-friendly campsite is perched on a hillside inside Afan Forest Park, with sensational views throughout the valley. Simply getting there felt like a little bit of an journey: winding up the hillside by the forest actually gave the sense of leaving the world behind!

There are a handful of rustic shepherd’s huts on the campsite. They’re small and pretty easy, however very cosy, with electrical heaters and a comfortable double mattress. Excellent for a back-to-basics keep utterly immersed in nature.

interior of a wooden shepherds hut with wood panneled walls, a double bed with blue devet, a small tartan armchair and a black leather sofa
wooden outdoor sauna hut with a metal chimney next to a wooded hillside with a small waterfall. Things to do in Neath Port Talbot
The log-fired sauna is an extra-special deal with!

However one of the best half? Renting the campsite’s personal, wood-fired sauna, which is tucked into an remoted spot beside a waterfall and a spring-fed plunge pool. These had been fairly icy in late October – although I’m unsure they’re ever very warm! The concept is to heat up within the sauna, then courageous the chilly waters of the waterfall or plunge pool, then again to the sauna, and repeat.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a well-priced, quiet, cosy place to spend a couple of days utterly getting away from all of it – Willow Springs Campsite is JUST the place!

2. Afan Forest Park: Woodland Trails and Valley Views

hillside covered with pine forest on a sunny day with blue sky

Afan Forest Park is the jewel in Neath Port Talbot’s crown. This 48-square-mile forest park within the superb Afan Valley is the area’s premier outside exercise vacation spot.

With lush forest crowding the valley slopes on both facet of the winding Afan River, this stunning Forest Park is the right place to flee into nature. The best setting for adventures reminiscent of mountaineering, biking, fishing, path operating, tenting and glamping.

The park is finest identified for its mountain biking trails (see the following part), nevertheless it’s not all about adventures on two wheels. There are quite a few way-marked strolling trails, starting from a delicate one-mile stroll by the woods to longer and extra strenuous hikes. Many of those begin from Afan Forest Park Customer Centre, so head there first for more information.

By evening, you possibly can search one other journey in Afan Forest Park: stargazing. The agricultural location and restricted gentle air pollution make this an ideal place to marvel on the evening skies. E-book a keep at one of many campsites across the park, like Willow Springs (above), for an evening of stargazing.

3. Mountain Biking: Get the Adrenaline Pumping

man on a mountain bike wearing a black jacket and helmet cycling downhill on a gravel path beside a green forest filled valley
Picture Credit score: Martin Ellard Images

As talked about above, Afan Forest Park is the principle vacation spot for mountain biking in Neath Port Talbot. With 130km of biking trails and extra all-weather single tracks than some other mountain biking centre in Wales, this actually is an journey playground for bikers.

In addition to the six trails ranging in size from 7km to over 40km, there’s additionally an extreme-graded bike park, the place superior riders can check their expertise on a number of shorter, extremely technical runs.

I’m extra of a flat, paved-trail biker myself, so I didn’t give mountain biking a go! However I did have enjoyable watching others hitting the paths, which appeared in nice situation and had been nicely signposted. And I can completely attest to the great thing about the Afan Valley, particularly on sunny autumn days when the sunshine catches the mushy golden colors of the forest.

The place to Lease Bikes in Afan Forest Park

Afan Valley Bike Shed – on the Afan Forest Park Customer Centre.
Afan A Blast – at Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre close to the highest of the valley.
Campbell Teaching provides classes and coached rides for novices (or skilled riders trying to hone their expertise).

4. Go Chasing Waterfalls in Neath Port Talbot (Melincwrt Waterfall & Extra)

emily wearing an orange raincoat standing in front of a large waterfall with blurred water due to a long exposure. Melincourt Waterfall - Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

With all its mountains, rivers, and rolling hills (to not point out all that Nice British rainfall) Wales is just riddled with waterfalls! And Neath Port Talbot is not any exception.

Melincwrt (or Melincourt) Waterfall is without doubt one of the finest within the space. Like lots of the points of interest in Neath Port Talbot, it’s a little bit of a hidden gem – which is stunning because it’s simply downriver from the favored Waterfall Nation space within the south of the Brecon Beacons.

This can be a spectacular, 80ft waterfall sweeping down a sheer rock face in a steep-sided wooded valley. From the carpark, it’s a nice, 15-minute stroll alongside a river to succeed in the falls, and it’s a reasonably simple stroll. Simply keep in mind that the path will be slippery in moist climate!

The encompassing valley types the Melincourt Nature Reserve, dwelling to an abundance of wildlife. The humidity created across the falls permits for a various array of uncommon ferns, whereas the tranquil woodland is a good place to identify birds and butterflies.

Extra Waterfalls in Neath Port Talbot

Aberdulais Waterfall within the Dulais Valley (northeast of Neath)
Rhyd y Fro Waterfall in Cwm du Glen gorge, Pontardawe

5. Go to the Citadel and Abbey at Margam Nation Park

view of a large stone castle glimpsed between the trees lining the long pathway leading up to the castle. Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

In addition to waterfalls, the opposite factor Wales is known for is castles! With greater than 600 of them, the nation apparently has extra castles per sq. mile than anyplace else.

Margam Citadel is the one to see in Neath Port Talbot. It’s really a Nineteenth-century Tudor-style Gothic mansion; a dramatic, fairytale-esque affair constructed from native sandstone in 1830.

The 850-acre nation property on which it stands was initially dwelling to a hanging Norman Abbey till the dissolution, when the abbey was destroyed and the land handed to totally different house owners. Many ruins of the previous abbey nonetheless stand on the grounds, together with the twelve-sided chapter home and a part of the undercroft. Discover contained in the evocative ruins for a glimpse of a long-lost previous.

interior of a ruined abbey with arched stone cloisters overhead and an open doorway looking outside at a large old tree

In the present day, the fortress and surrounding parkland kind Margam Nation Park – a beautiful space for walks, bike rides, and different outside adventures. There’s additionally a Go Ape treetop path, and in summer time you possibly can kayak and paddleboard on the lake with Margam Park Journey.

The property can also be dwelling to a big herd of deer, which roam freely throughout the parkland. To see them, I extremely suggest taking one of many signposted walks into the broader property. I cherished the two.25-mile Pulpit Path, which climbs the hill alongside Margam Citadel for distinctive views of the Neath Port Talbot shoreline.

6. Go Horse Using in Cimla

emily wearing a black helmet and purple raincoat riding a white and brown horse on a country lane

Fancy making an attempt one thing slightly totally different in your journey to Neath Port Talbot? Horse using provides a little bit of mild journey and a brand new approach of seeing the area’s attractive landscapes.

I can HIGHLY suggest Cimla Equestrian Centre. Primarily based simply outdoors of Neath, they provide horse using classes for all ages and skills.

If you happen to’ve by no means ridden earlier than, Neath Port Talbot may very well be the right place to provide it a go. There’s actually nothing higher to do in your travels than strive one thing new and get out of your consolation zone slightly. And who is aware of, it may very well be the beginning of a brand new lifelong ardour!

Taken whilst riding a horse of the back of a white and brown horse's head on a woodland track with another horse in front with a rider in a red jacket and black helmet with a long ponytail

Extra skilled riders can contact the Centre to rearrange guided horse trekking or hacking across the farm and surrounds – for some unimaginable views of the rolling hills and wooded valleys. My information, Megan, was superior (and really forgiving of my extremely rusty approach). Our hack by the woods was simply one of many highlights of my journey to Neath Port Talbot.

7. Absorb the Views from Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct

stone arches of an aqueduct above a tarmac road with autumnal trees on either side

Nestled close to the doorway to the Afan Forest Park, the tiny village of Pontrhydyfen is clustered throughout the steep sides of a valley, with the River Afan operating by its centre.

And connecting the higher “cabinets” of the village, the historic, Grade-II-listed Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct affords incredible views of the Afan Valley.

view of a river from a bridge above with dense forest on either side in autumn with golden leaves. Things to do in Neath Port Talbot.

Actor Richard Burton CBE was born in Pontrhydyfen – his start dwelling lies only a stone’s throw from the aqueduct – and a photograph of him crossing the bridge within the Fifties gave the village a blast of fame.

The aqueduct was in-built 1827 to hold water to a close-by ironworks. It was later transformed right into a viaduct, and at present it types a much-used foot and cycle path which is a part of the Sustrans Nationwide Cycle Community.

Prime Tip: Observe the Richard Burton Path to discover the aqueduct, village, and surrounding valley. Info panels alongside the stroll spotlight factors of curiosity linked with the actor and his childhood within the space.

8. Swimming, Browsing, and Seaside Walks at Aberavon Seaside

Aberavon Beach just before sunset in autumn with a grey cloudy sky and a long stretch of empty sandy beach

It’s not all in regards to the countryside in Neath Port Talbot – there’s additionally a incredible shoreline! Head to Aberavnon Seaside to profit from it: this 3-mile-long stretch of golden sand is good for seaside days!

Sitting on Swansea Bay, it’s a hub for browsing and different watersports reminiscent of windsurfing, kite browsing and kayaking. The seaside is a browsing hotspot all yr spherical. Take a category, or on blustery days merely stroll alongside the seaside and watch the surfers using the waves.

As you might have seen from my pictures, I used to be visiting Neath Port Talbot in autumn, so it wasn’t precisely seaside climate! However Aberavon seafront is a good place for a stroll regardless of the time of yr, particularly due to the fab eateries alongside the promenade. Absorb the ocean views from in style indie bar-restaurant The Entrance while having fun with some native food and drinks.

9. Take a Tour on the South Wales Miner’s Museum

historic mining equipment, a large black metal wheel on a green frame in a forest next to a small stone building
glass display with shelves full of old minin lamps and other equipment at the south wales mining museum

South Wales was formed by the mining business – each actually and metaphorically – significantly the thriving coal mining business of the Nineteenth and early twentieth century. The handfuls of mines left a mark not solely on the panorama, but in addition on the folks, cities, and on the nation as a complete.

In truth, a Medical Support Society arrange by the South Wales Miners even impressed the creation of the NHS!

Tucked throughout the gorgeous Afan Forest Park, the South Wales Miner’s Museum is the primary mining museum in Wales. This small, volunteer-led museum provides a wonderful perception into the coal mining business with some sensible displays – together with an immersive “underground tour” designed to provide the feeling of strolling by a mine.

If you happen to’re provided a guided tour, take it! Most of the guides are former miners, to allow them to give a first-hand account of what working life as a miner was like.

Data: Tickets price £3 (£2 youngsters and seniors, below 5’s free). The museum opens Tuesday to Saturday and opening hours fluctuate, so examine their web site earlier than visiting.

10. Neath Abbey & Ironworks: Uncover Native Historical past

ruined stone wall of an old ironworks building in Neath with many empty windows looking out at trees behind
small waterfall above a river with blurred white water motion in a small woodland. Neath Abbey Waterfall.

Neath’s energetic city centre hides a couple of stunning secrets and techniques. First, the ruins of the Twelfth-century Neath Abbey, which lend their title to a neighbourhood of the city.

The abbey ruins are hid on the sting of that neighbourhood, surrounded by business buildings. It feels very a lot a hidden gem, tucked away behind some industrial estates alongside the Tennant Canal.

However what appears like much more of a hidden gem is the stroll alongside the River Clydach, on the foot of a small, tree-lined gorge operating straight by the city between two housing estates.

This river is dotted with traces of the previous Neath Abbey Ironworks. First established in 1792, these ironworks had been one of many nation’s largest and most vital iron-making websites in the course of the Industrial Revolution.

In the present day, the ghostly ruins of those industrial buildings, with their eerie empty home windows and overgrown crimson brick partitions, are a scheduled monument. Strolling upriver from the Ironworks leads by a tranquil pocket of woodland to a small, fairly waterfall, the place it’s simple to overlook that you simply’re in a city centre!

Data: Trying to find Neath Abbey on Google Maps usually brings up the neighbourhood as a substitute, so click on right here for the precise location. For Neath Abbey Ironworks, there’s a small quantity of free parking within the lane close by (click on right here for the Google Maps location) – or park on Penyard Street which is reverse the footpath all the way down to the river.

11. Stroll by Cwm Du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation

looking up along a wide river in a wooded valley. Things to do in Neath Port Talbot

Nature lovers received’t need to miss the gorgeous stroll by Cwm du Glen gorge to the Glanrhyd Plantation. This can be a comparatively simple stroll that may be accomplished in round an hour – taking in some attractive sights alongside the way in which.

First, you’ll observe the picturesque Higher Clydach River by a slim gorge carved by Ice Age glaciers. It’s price extending the stroll to cease off at Rhyd y Fro waterfall on the finish of the gorge, earlier than climbing as much as the Glanrhyd Plantation.

Perched above the gorge, the plantation lies on the grounds of the now-demolished Nineteenth-century Glanrhyd Home.

In the present day, it’s a neighborhood nature reserve the place the tranquil woods are dotted with unique bushes planted on the previous property. There’s even a Big Coastal Redwood and a towering Monkey Puzzle tree. Observe the round path by the woods and look out for the indicators which establish these historic specimens.

very tall monkey puzzle tree against a blue sky at Glanrhyd Plantation

Data: Click on right here for stroll directions. The path begins at Herbert Sq. in Pontardawe (reverse the Dillwyn Arms). The closest carpark and public bathrooms are at Herbert Road Higher Automotive Park (SA8 4EB). Entry to the character reserve is free.

When to Go to Neath Port Talbot?

close up of red autumn maple leaves

There’s actually no unsuitable time of yr to go to Neath Port Talbot!

Summer time is your finest likelihood of fine climate (although within the UK there are not any ensures). That is additionally the busy season, particularly in the course of the faculty holidays (July and August) and any financial institution vacation weekends. You would possibly discover lodging extra booked up and costs slightly increased throughout this time.

Autumn is a good time of yr for mountaineering, biking, and journey sports activities – with cooler climate and swathes of golden colors throughout the countryside. That is after I took my glamping journey to Neath Port Talbot and I can affirm it’s a shocking time of yr.

Spring can imply gentle climate (once more nice for mountaineering and biking), in addition to vibrant wildflowers within the forests and valleys. Winter climate will be moist, windy, and chilly, and lots of points of interest shut from October – Easter, however you’ll profit from fewer crowds and decrease costs. Plus, there are many cosy, conventional pubs the place you possibly can gap up by the fireplace with a glass of wine to heat up!

Simply bear in mind, moist climate (particularly in Autumn and Winter) could make trails slippery and trigger rivers to swell. Take care while exploring – and keep away from swimming in rivers & waterfalls because the water ranges and currents will be unpredictable.

Greatest time of 12 months to Surf in Neath Port Talbot

For surfers, there are waves year-round, although spring and autumn are maybe finest (in keeping with Surf Atlas). Summer time’s heat temperatures and tame waves are nice for novices, whereas the massive swells of the tough winters are just for skilled surfers (with superb keep-warm gear!).

Locations to Eat in Neath (and Close by)

white china bowl with mashed potatoes and a circle of roast pork belly on a table next to a glass of pink lemonade with a dark restaurant interior beyond
Don’t miss the Welsh Home in Neath!

Brew & Co – nice little artisan espresso store in Neath with pleasant service and actually good truffles. Good for fast lunches and light-weight bites. I LOVED their brownies!

Dyffryn Arms – cosy nation pub on the street between Neath and Pontardawe, with a heat and welcoming ambiance. The various menu mixes international flavours with elevated pub classics.

The Welsh Home – unbiased regional chain of restaurant-bars based mostly in Neath, Swansea and Cardiff with a deal with supporting Welsh suppliers. The Neath department is a stunning house with basic wooden panelling and deep blue partitions. Anticipate a healthful, seasonal menu filled with conventional Welsh dishes made utilizing top-notch native components. 

Are there any extra nice locations to eat in Neath (and past)? Tell us within the feedback beneath!

How Many Days in Neath Port Talbot?

I spent two days exploring Neath Port Talbot, which was sufficient time to pack in rather a lot. It’s fairly a small space, so that you don’t must drive too far between the totally different sights and actions.

Nonetheless, I’d say at the very least two nights could be the best size for a go to. Particularly if you would like the journey to have a extra relaxed tempo. I’ve shared an instance itinerary beneath to point out how a lot you possibly can match into two days:

Neath Port Talbot 2 Day Itinerary Suggestion

Day 1

Margam Nation Park. Go to the abbey and chateau, take a stroll on the grounds, then cease for lunch on the cafe. Time wanted: 2-3 hours (minimal).
Swing by Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct on the way in which to Melincwrt Waterfall. You’ll want round 15-20 minutes for the aqueduct (until you do the Richard Burton Path) and about an hour for the waterfall.
Go to Neath Abbey and Ironwalks, or take a stroll alongside the seafront at Aberavon. Both choice will take about an hour.
Dinner at Dyffryn Arms

Day 2

Mountain climbing or biking in Afan Forest Park (permit 2-3 hours). Alternatively, strive horse using at Cimla Equestrian Centre (1-2 hours).
Don’t miss the South Wales Miner’s Museum should you’re visiting Afan Forest Park – you’ll need at the very least half-hour for this (longer when you have extra time).
Lunch at The Welsh Home in Neath
Cwm Du Glen & Glanrhyd Plantation Stroll (about an hour).

So, that’s my information to the finest issues to see and do in Neath Port Talbot.

Discover the picturesque countryside, wealthy mining historical past, and outside adventures of this gorgeous nook of South Wales. This really is one in every of Wales’ prime hidden gems!

If you happen to’ve bought a query – or a suggestion of your individual – please depart a remark on the finish of this put up.