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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.

More about Blaenafon Ironworks


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

Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online).


Facilities

Access guide icon Car park icon Dogs welcome icon Exhibition icon Gift shop icon Guidebook icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Portable hearing icon Refreshments icon Toilets icon School visits icon Venue hire icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Blaenafon Ironworks — Access Guide

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.

View Blaenafon Ironworks Ground Plan


Directions

Road
Via A4043, follow signs to Big Pit Mining Museum and Blaenafon Ironworks.

The visitor entrance to Blaenafon Ironworks is located on Estate Road.
The footpath to the entrance is located opposite the Blaenafon Ironworks car park.
Rail
12km/8mls, Pontypool and New Inn, on the Manchester/Liverpool-Pontypool/Cardiff route.
Bus
3km/2mls, route X24 from Newport via Cwmbran, Pontypool and Varteg.
Bike
NCN Route No.46 (600m/656yrds).

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

Address
Blaenafon Ironworks
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.