Bryn-Y-Ddafad : Places to Visit : The Valleys
Castel Coch
On the outskirts of Cardiff is the ultimate fairytale castle. It's conical towers and needle-sharp turrets peek out from a wooded slope, presenting a vision more in tune with the Bavarian countryside or the pages of Sleeping Beauty .
The castle was designed by William Burgess for the Marquis of Bute, who also restored Cardiff Castle as his main home. The exterior complete with working portcullis and drawbridge echo the look of a medieval castle whilst the interior is a feast of decoration, detail and allusion
Caerphilly Castle
The Anglo-Norman lord, Gilbert de Clare, built Caerphilly Castle, this massive 'sleeping giant' in the late 13th C. The fortress is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence together with outstanding water defences extending way beyond those of a mere moat. Often threatened but unsurprisingly never taken, the castle still intimidates the onlooker and sprawls over 30 acres making it the largest castle in Wales.
Cyfartha Castle
The Ironmaster William Crawshay commissioned Cyfartha Castle in 1824. This grand castellated mansion with spectacular views of the Brecon Beacons overlooked his immensely successful ironworks and has been called 'the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales'
Llancaiach Fawr
Visitors to the manor house step back in time to the year 1645. The "servants" of the owner, Colonel Pritchard, will greet you. Listen to the gossip of the day, and hear about the traditional customs and the everyday life of ordinary people over 350 years ago.
The Big Pit
Blaenafon The real underground experience! A real colliery and opportunity to take an authentic underground tour.