Blaenafon Ironworks
Visitor Notice
Please note:
The visitor entrance to Blaenafon Ironworks is located on Estate Road.
Overview
Giant of the industrial age still stands tall on the shoulders of its workers
Blaenafon changed the world. These hills on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (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 Blaenafon 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.
Blaenafon 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.
How to visit
- purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.
Blaenafon Ironworks Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
Daily 10am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£7.30
|
| Family* |
£23.40
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Student** |
£5.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£7.00
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Car park (200 metres) with approx. 40 spaces is across a busy main road.
The footpath to the entrance is located opposite the Blaenafon Ironworks car park.
Dogs on leads are welcome but are not permitted into the cottages. Thank you.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
Light refreshments are available.
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Directions
The visitor entrance to Blaenafon Ironworks is located on Estate Road.
The footpath to the entrance is located opposite the Blaenafon Ironworks car park.
Postcode NP4 9RQ
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
BlaenavonIronworks@gov.wales
North St, Blaenavon NP4 9RN
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01495 792615
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
