Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is a testament to the miners and ironworkers of the past.  Set in 33 square kilometres, you can see indications of the Welsh iron and coal industry across the site. As such, the attractions, events, activities and landscape make for a perfect day out. Main attractions include Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon Ironworks, the World Heritage Centre and Blaenavon Heritage Railway. This Discovery Gateway is a real indication of the history of the South Wales Valleys, all set in a landscape enjoyed today by walkers, cyclists and families.

Cwmcarn Forest is a close retreat but feels like a million miles away! Renowned for being a mountain biking paradise with oodles of trails, ample parking and a bike repair shop, Cwmcarn Forest really is somewhere to explore if you are a bike enthusiast! If you’d prefer a walk, there are plenty of trails for longer walks and for leisurely strolls. For fun seekers there’s water activities available to take part in as well as an adventure playground for younger explorers. Breakfast, snacks and meals are all available at Cwmcarn’s Raven’s Café and there’s even overnight stay options at one of the glamping pods or scenic lodges.

There are plenty of hidden gems to discover at Parc Penallta. Walk through the willow tunnel, watch a drangonfly’s aerial acrobatics over a pond or find the Sleeping Giant. Don’t forget to visit Sultan the Pit Pony, an iconic feature of the park and one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the country. With miles and miles of paths to follow, there are plenty of walking trails of different lengths to explore. Start from the main car park and enjoy your adventure!

Caerphilly Castle is renowned for being Wales’ largest castle. Offering the perfect day out for budding historians, Caerphilly Castle is steeped in history with towers to explore, a maze to negotiate, a dragon’s den and The Great Hall. Built in 1271, Caerphilly Castle has survived many Welsh attacks, though one in particular left a rather remarkable scar; the famous leaning tower, caused by Oliver Cromwell’s roundheads in 1648. Leaning 3m out of the perpendicular, you are sure not to miss it!

Dare Valley Country Park is a perfect spot for families. Set in over 500 acres, there are walking trails for all set in woodlands, pasture and moorland; home to an abundance of wildlife and nature. Activities include stream dipping, guided walks and events throughout the year for all to enjoy. For adventure seekers, there’s laser tag, canoeing, kayaking and various mountain bike trails for all abilities. Grab a snack in The Black Rock Café and don’t forget to check out the camping and caravan site for longer stays.

Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is made up of 180 acres of enchanting scenery and its Welsh history dates all the way back to the late 1300s. This Discovery Gateway is particularly special to visitors because of its lake. A historic serviceman, Owain Lawgoch, once looked after Mynydd Mawr (Big Mountain), a well located on the mountain. Everyday Owain would collect water from the well for himself and his horse and then carefully replace the stone slab which held back the water once finished. Though on one occasion he forgot to do so and the water poured. As a result, the lake was created. Llyn Llech Owain Country Park was subsequently titled from Owain’s actions, meaning ‘the lake of Owain’s slab’. As well as the renowned lake, this Discovery Gateway has a network of footpaths, cycle trails and a bridleway to enjoy, as well as the lakeside visitor centre and an abundance of wildlife habitats.