National Showcaves Centre for Wales

National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ, United Kingdom
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

At the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, your entry ticket includes access to ten exciting attractions, offering something for everyone, no matter your age. Explore the underground world with three unique caves: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave, and Bone Cave. Each cave offers a fascinating experience, with stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and prehistoric history to discover. The park is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models, with over 200 models ranging from the iconic. At the Shire Horse Centre, meet the gentle giants – the majestic Shire horses.

There are also two covered children’s play areas and a farmyard where kids can interact with animals and learn about farm life. In addition, you’ll find an Iron Age village, a museum with interactive exhibits, and stone circles that transport you back to ancient times. For a break, enjoy a visit to the Coffee Shop or explore the Rock and Dinosaur Shop for souvenirs. Adults can enter for £21.95, while children aged 3-16 can enjoy all the attractions for £16.95. Children aged 2 and under can visit for free.

If you are looking for Best Caves and Mines in Swansea , Glamorgan and Cardiff then you can visit National Showcaves Centre for Wales. National Showcaves Centre for Wales is one of the places in Swansea Glamorgan and Cardiff for day out with kids and families. If you are searching for Best Landmarks and Attractions, then you can get all the information here.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Facilities

  • Parking onsite.
  • Toilets, Accessible toilets and Baby changing facilities.
  • You can bring a picnic.
  • Onsite restaurant and snacks are available.
  • Dogs are welcome.

What to see

  • Caves & Cave Systems
    • Dan-yr-Ogof Cave: The Dan-yr-Ogof Cave is one of the most famous caves in Wales. The river Llynfell emerges after a 6km underground journey, and explorers have uncovered over 16km of passageways in this incredible system.
    • Cathedral Cave: Renowned for its massive passageway, decorated with delicate ‘straw’ stalactites and stunning waterfalls. It is also a popular venue for weddings due to its awe-inspiring beauty.
    • Bone Cave (Ogof-yr-Esgyrn): Historically significant, as it is home to over 42 human skeletons dating back to the Bronze Age. Roman artefacts have also been discovered here, along with evidence of prehistoric animals like hyenas, wolves, and cave bears. The cave exhibits illustrate how early humans survived in the caves alongside these dangerous animals.
  • Dinosaur Park: Life-sized Dinosaur Models, Explore over 220 life-sized models of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Park, including the enormous Brachiosaurus (weighing more than 15 elephants) and the strange Tsintaosaurus, known for its unique head crest.
  • Shire Horse Centre: At the Shire Horse Centre, discover the fascinating evolution of horses, from the small, terrier-sized ancestors to the large, powerful war and workhorses that shaped history.
  • Mr. Morgan’s Victorian Farm: Visitors can meet farm animals like goats, Shetland ponies, alpacas, and llamas, and experience life on a Victorian farm. The farm shows how families lived and worked during the Victorian era, complete with blacksmiths and farmhands.
  • Playgrounds: The Playgrounds are a great spot for kids to burn off energy. The Jurassic Karting track (ages 3-6) lets little ones race around, while Barney Owl’s Adventure Playground offers slides, rope climbs, tunnels, and more for kids aged 6-10.
  • Other Attractions
    • Stone Circles: Explore ancient stone circles, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. These ceremonial structures, often associated with burial sites, hold mysteries about early human rituals.
    • Iron Age Farm:The Iron Age Farm is a reconstruction of an ancient village. See how villagers lived around 700BC, with animals, tools, and grain storage techniques preserved from that era.
    • Fossil House: The Fossil House displays fossils that are millions of years old, providing a glimpse into prehistoric life. It’s a fascinating place to ponder what future archaeologists might discover about our present world.
    • Panning for Gold: Wales has a rich history of gold mining, with the Romans particularly active in seeking Welsh gold. At Dan-yr-Ogof, visitors can try their hand at panning for gold and perhaps find a nugget or two.
    • Preview Theatre: The Preview Theatre offers a 16-minute film that introduces visitors to the geological history of the area, as well as the caves, dinosaur park, and farm attractions.
    • Educational Experiences: Provide hands-on learning opportunities. Students can explore caves, discover dinosaur models, and learn about farm life. Interactive activities like the Paint-Your-Own Dinosaur technology and playgrounds offer engaging ways to learn about the past.
  • Accommodation
    • Campsite: The Campsite is an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, it offers opportunities for hiking, waterfall walking, and pony trekking. There are also nearby restaurants for evening meals.
    • Caravan Park: The Caravan Park is perfect for caravans, motorhomes, or tents. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions like dry ski slopes and explore historic castles in the area, making it an excellent spot for those seeking outdoor adventure.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • General Admission
    • Adults: £21.95
    • Children (aged 3-16): £16.95
    • Children aged 2 and under: Free of charge
  • Group Rates: Discounted rates are available for groups of 20+ people. For more information and to check availability, contact during office hours.
  • Important Reminder:Tickets must be booked online in advance.

 

Pricing URL: https://www.showcavesbookings.co.uk/?

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Find information on when it open click here.

Address: National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ, United Kingdom

Post Code: SA9 1GJ

Council: Powys

County: Powys

  • Parking onsite.
  • Travelling from the South (M4):
    • Exit at Junction 45, follow signs for A4067 North (Pontardawe).
    • Look for brown tourist signs for Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves, which will guide you up the valley (approx. 25 minutes from motorway).
  • Travelling from the North:
    • Head to Brecon, then continue on A40 towards Llandovery.
    • Just before Sennybridge, turn left at the brown tourist sign for Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves onto A4067 (approx. 15 minutes from Sennybridge).
  • Travelling from the East:
    • Head to Hirwaun, take A465 towards Glynneath.
    • At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto A4109, following the brown tourist signs.
    • At the traffic lights, go straight, stay on the road for 10 minutes, then turn right at the ‘T’ junction onto A4067 (approx. 5 minutes).
  • Travelling from the West:
    • Either use the M4 (South directions) or head to Brecon/Sennybridge (North directions), depending on your starting point.
    • Hope that helps! If you need any more details or further clarification, just let me know.

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