Blaenavon Ironworks - Castles of Wales

Visit Blaenavon Ironworks and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales.

Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
Visit as many castle as you want
Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

Hidden away in the Welsh hills

Leaving the Brecon Beacons in your rear-view mirror, the Welsh hills continue to stretch away towards the horizon, reaching for the clouds.

Drive further away from the enchanting grip of the mountains and into the heart of South Wales.

Soon, you’ll come across a town that goes by the name of Blaenavon.

A beautiful Welsh town.

But Blaenavon is no ordinary town, as you’re about to discover.

Turn off the main road and winding your way up the gravel, you’ll soon spot buildings of old stone, tucked away under the Welsh hills.

You’ve arrived at Blaenavon Ironworks - once the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution in Wales.

You’re bound to spot the water balance tower first. Reaching high up into the sky, the tower was originally used to lift wagons filled with iron 80 feet up to be transported away.

Now, etched in moss and worn slightly by weather and time, the tower still stands impressively above the ironworks like a royal guard.

Views worth the wobbly knees

Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded by truly wonderful views of the South Wales countryside.

For you daredevils out there, standing on the grate covering the tower and looking down into the 80 feet void below might just bring about some wobbly knees.

See if you can spot the Big Pit National Coal Museum only a mile away which is also part of the Blaenavon world heritage site.

The place is completely unique. You’ll be certain at times that the ironworks weren’t built but carved out of the very hillside itself.

Follow the remains of the railway coming out of the furnace and make your way to its opening.

Stare under the hillside and take a moment to imagine the hustling and bustling environment when the ironworks would’ve been in full swing.

Explore cottages depicting the family life and living conditions of workers when the site was operational.

Take a moment to imagine the hard lives the workers led to earn a living.

The weatherworn stone and impressive architecture are truly spectacular and intriguing, but the ironworks are truly a testament to the lives of the workers that helped Blaenavon become the fueling power behind the industrial revolution.

Christmas at Blaenavon Ironworks

Be sure to check opening times before you start your adventure to Blaenavon as they vary depending on the time of year.

And keep an eye out when Christmas time rolls around, there may be a well-known jolly old fellow who has made his way down from the North Pole.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass?

Torfaen NP4 9RN

Free parking
Toilets
Café

Blaenavon Ironworks - Castles of Wales