Things to do in West Wales
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary, this mighty fortress is largely intact, and its endless passages, tunnels and stairways are great fun to explore. Pembroke Castle has a long and fascinating history, dating from 1093, and is the birthplace of Henry Tudor...
West Wales Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood has several exhibitions of toys including displays of costume and Welsh traditions and an old-fashioned toyshop. The 'Oriel Amser' (Gallery of Time) features a 100-year timeline from 1900 to the present day as well as themed displays of dolls, soft toys and many others. An...
Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine
Llywernog Silver Lead Mine is an authentic 18th century silver mine which is now a fascinating and educational family adventure and a Prince of Wales award-winning museum. You can explore the Miners Trail, self-guide footpath around the old workings of the 7 acre mine site, or go deep underground...
National Wool Museum
The National Wool Museum is housed in the former Cambrian Mills in the village of Dre-fach Felindre which used to be the centre of a thriving woollen industry. Visit the restored listed mill buildings and see the historic machinery. Families can have fun following the specially designed trail, 'A...
Dolaucothi Gold Mines
These gold mines were worked 2000 years ago by the Romans and mining resumed there in the 19th century and carried on through the 20th century. Their underground workings are now open to visitors to this National Trust property. There are guided tours, an exhibition about the history of gold mining...
Corris Mine Explorers
Hidden in the hills above Corris are miles of tunnels and vast caverns, the surviving workings of a, once thriving, Welsh Slate Mine. Discover things abandoned by the miners when they left, from winching machines, candles and cigarette packets and feel the mine come alive as stories of life in the...
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
Tenby Museum is the oldest independent museum in Wales, serving the community since 1878, when the National School (built in the 1830s) became vacant, allowing the museum trustees to acquire the building for the collections. The former school building was adapted as a museum by Lewis John, a local...
1940s Swansea Bay
Visit the 1940s Swansea Bay museum to discover for yourself what life was like for civilians on the ‘Home Front’ during World War II. 1940s Swansea Bay tells the story of the impact of the German Luftwaffe bombing raids on the area, and how the local people managed to cope with the...
Museum of Internal Fire
The museum, dedicated to the internal combustion engine, includes many examples of early British oil engines, gas turbines, petrol and diesel. Many of these preserved engines are working, thus allowing visitors the opportunity to appreciate the sound and feel of the engines at work, evoking a...
Pemberton's Chocolates
Enjoy a truly mouth-watering day out at Pemberton’s Welsh Chocolate Farm. From the Chocolate Tour you can learn not only about the ingredients used to make chocolate, but get a hands-on experience of touching, smelling and tasting too! You will be shown how the chocolates are moulded, decorated,...
Centre for Alternative Technology
Welcome to Europe’s leading Eco Centre The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a nationally and internationally renowned visitor centre. With over 7 acres of hands-on displays and beautiful organic gardens, CAT inspires thousands of visitors every year. Based in beautiful mid-Wales, the...
The National Cycle Collection
Journey through the lanes of cycle history and see bicycles from 1819, such as the Hobby Horse, Boneshakers and Penny Farthings, up to the most modern Carbon Fibre machines of today. Walk along our historic street complete with country garage including a 1928 Austin 7, early radio and bicycle...
New Quay Honey Farm
New Quay Honey Farm has an indoor live bee exhibition, the largest of its kind in Wales. Bees can be seen working in a variety of natural habitats and also in man-made hives which open to show the mysteries of the bees' nest. All these displays can be viewed behind glass in complete safety. There...
Felinwynt Rain Forest Centre
Experience a mini-rainforest with exotic plants and free flying tropical butterflies, accompanied by the actual sounds of the Peruvian rainforest. Waterfalls, streams and ponds add to the humidity and the owner John Devereux is your personal guide. Watch butterflies at close quarters and see how...
Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron is an 18th-century Welsh gentry estate built by John Nash which is now in the care of the National Trust. It is set in the beautiful Aeron valley with extensive estate and parkland walks. It has many unaltered features including the dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house and a...
Stackpole Estate
The Stackpole Estate, in the care of the National Trust, occupies a beautiful and varied stretch of coastline, famous for its wonderful sandy beaches and wooded valleys. It includes the freshwater lily ponds at Bosherston with their glorious displays of lilies in summer and their abundance of...
Colby Woodland Garden
Colby Woodland Garden is home to one of the best collections of rhododendrons and azaleas in Wales. It is an 8 acre garden set in a tranquil and secluded valley which offers a variety of walks along open and wooded pathways and down to a sandy beach. In addition to the beautiful woodland garden...
Aberglasney House and Gardens
Aberglasney Gardens have been an inspiration to poets since 1477. The house and 10 acres of gardens set in the beautiful Tywi valley are being restored and offer the visitor a chance to see an extensive range of rare and unusual plants set in a world-renowned garden. There are three walled...
Penrallt Garden Centre and Nursery
“Probably the largest, most comprehensive collection of plants in West Wales!” Penrallt Garden Centre grows and sells a vast range of plants and also stock an extensive range of items to suit most gardening and landscaping needs. Set in 70 acres of farmland, woodland and coastal walks, the...
Upton Castle Gardens and Medieval Chapel
The 35 acres of gardens surround the ancient Upton Castle and include a magnificent display of Rhododendrons, Camellias, Magnolias and many other rare trees and shrubs in the Arboretum. There are also a formal rose garden, herbaceous borders a Victorian walled garden (at present being restored )...
