Blaenavon Ironworks
Overview
Giant of the industrial age still stands tall on the shoulders of its workers
Blaenavon changed the world. These hills on the edge of the 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 Blaenavon 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.
Blaenavon 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.
Blaenavon 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 Monday–Thursday
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 |
£6.60
|
| Family* |
£21.80
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£4.60
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£6.00
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry |
|
Facilities
Accessible Toilets via ramp
Car park (200 metres) with approx. 40 spaces is across a busy main road.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
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.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
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
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.
