Blaenafon Ironworks
Visitor Notice
Please note:
The visitor entrance to Blaenafon Ironworks is located on Estate Road.
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 to save 5%*
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*Booking online guarantees the best price for your visit.
You can book tickets up to 24 hours in advance.
Online ticket prices include a 5% discount and are non-refundable.
Gallery
Expand image
Expand image
Expand image
Expand image
Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 3rd April - 2nd November | 10am–5pm |
|---|---|
| 3rd November - 2nd April | 10am–4pm (Closed Mon-Thur) |
|
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 | X (Twitter) @cadwwales |
|
Prices
| Category | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Members - Join now |
Free
|
|
| Adult |
£7.70
|
|
| Family* |
£24.60
|
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Student** |
£5.30
|
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£6.90
|
|
|
Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *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 individual admission (not available online). |
||
Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Car park
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 welcome
Dogs on leads are welcome but are not permitted into the cottages. Thank you.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 3 — Moderate
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Refreshments
Light refreshments are available.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Wi-Fi
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
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!
Health & Safety
Parking is situated opposite the site, please use the one-way system that is in operation and take care when crossing the road (head towards the small gate).
Blaenafon’s industrial past is mapped across the landscape of this site with remains of cart tracks and groundwork commonly found within this type of environment. Please take care when exploring the area paying attention to changing ground levels.
The site includes a steep climb up to the top of the balance tower; the ground surface has been improved to support access to this area of the ironworks.
There are plenty of opportunities to stop on the way, including visiting the ironworkers’ cottages and the Truck Shop at the end of engine row.
Please ensure that you remain on the designated path, handrails have been provided for you. The site is popular with bird life including crows and pigeons, there may be large flocks of birds in and around the balance tower during your visit.
There are limited steps throughout the site and the majority of these are located within the workers’ cottages.
They are quite narrow and steep, as you would expect in a small cottage. Please take your time, use the handrails provided and kindly be respectful to others who may already be using the stairs.
The lighting may be dimmer here than outside, please allow time for your eyes to adjust.
The balance tower offers the best view at the very top of the site. Although very safe, please take caution when using with others, and do not climb over any of the protective edges, these are here for your safety.
Please do not feed the horses!
As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.
Climbing may result in serious injury.
There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.
Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.
Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety
Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Falls from height
Nesting birds
Falling masonry
Directions
Address
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.
Telephone 03000 252239
Postcode NP4 9RQ
what3words: ///restores.scoots.composer
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50.
