Things to do in Blackwood

Activities, attractions and tours

A railway platform with a pedestrian bridge and a fence.
Photo by Jaggery (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A church with a tower and a graveyard.
Photo by Robin Drayton (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A highway with a roundabout, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a hilly landscape with buildings in the background.
Photo by Robin Drayton (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A cemetery with numerous headstones in a grassy field, surrounded by rolling hills and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Robin Drayton (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A gravel path leading to a stone gate with a stone wall on one side and a grassy field with large rocks on the other.
Photo by Sally Lloyd (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Things to do

From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour

From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour

RM246
per adult
From Barry Island: Gavin and Stacey Tour
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs Scenic Day Tour

Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Scenic Day Tour

RM489
per adult
Cardiff: Gower Peninsula's Cliffs & Mumbles Scenic Day Tour
The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.

The Valleys tour or Swansea Bay tour. Please choose correctly.

RM489
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Valleys tour or Swansea Bay tour. Please choose correctly.
Cardiff: Waterfalls, Mountains & Cathedrals Full Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Mountains, Waterfalls & More Day Tour

RM491
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cardiff: South Wales Mountains, Waterfalls & More Day Tour
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Bays & Castles Day Tour

Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour

RM491
per adult
Cardiff: South Wales Cliffs, Beaches & Castles Day Tour
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

RM87
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
From Cardiff: The Gower - Mumbles, Three Cliffs And Worms Head

From Cardiff: The Gower - Mumbles, Three Cliffs And Worms Head

RM761
per adult
From Cardiff: The Gower - Mumbles, Three Cliffs And Worms Head
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Top places to visit

1. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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A coastal town with a sandy beach, a rocky peninsula, and a large body of water.

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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A waterfall cascading into a calm pool surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.

3. Principality Stadium

Opened in June 1999 complete with the first fully retractable roof in the UK, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous sporting events as well as concerts featuring the biggest entertainers in show business, from Take That, One Direction and Oasis to Madonna, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Learn more
A modern stadium with a unique architectural design, a river in the foreground, and a bridge connecting to another area.

4. Cardiff Castle

A 12-sided medieval keep offering panoramic views across the city from a platform at its top is at the castle’s heart, but the site is also full of later additions that capture the imagination. Fabulous mock-Gothic features, including an extravagant banqueting hall and clock tower, were added during the Victorian era.
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A historic stone castle with a flag, surrounded by grassy hills and trees.

5. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
Learn more
A historic building with classical architecture, including a prominent dome and detailed facade.

What to do in Blackwood

Stay near popular Blackwood attractions

Markham Community House and Leisure Centre

Enjoy an outing to Markham Community House and Leisure Centre during your stay in Blackwood.
See properties

Where to stay in Blackwood

Find the best Blackwood areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A rural landscape with a village, green fields, and a cemetery.
Photo by Robin Drayton
Open Photo by Robin Drayton

Pontllanfraith

Though Pontllanfraith may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bargoed Woodland Park and Sirhowy Valley Country Park.

High Street Area

When in High Street Area, you can plan a visit to Bargoed Woodland Park and Sirhowy Valley Country Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A suspension bridge, a statue of a person with a tool, and a field with red flowers.
Photo by Jonathan Billinger
Open Photo by Jonathan Billinger

Penmaen

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Penmaen and surrounding area, you can visit Bargoed Woodland Park and Cwmcarn Forest Drive Lake.

A Victorian-style house with green trim and a brick facade.
Photo by Robin Drayton
Open Photo by Robin Drayton

Oakdale

While there might not be top attractions in Oakdale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bargoed Woodland Park and Cwmcarn Forest Drive Lake.

Cefn Fforest

While Cefn Fforest may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bargoed Woodland Park and Newbridge Leisure Centre.

A street lined with historic buildings, flags, and street lamps.

Cardiff

A metal sculpture with arches and a central tower against a night sky.

Hengoed

Frequently asked questions

Is Blackwood worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to enjoy the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Blackwood.
How do I spend a day in Blackwood?
Start your adventures with a visit to Parc Bryn Bach and Blaenavon Ironworks. Then, explore other areas of Blackwood for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Blackwood?
The top tourist attraction in Blackwood is Blaenavon Ironworks, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Blackwood?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Super Tubing, Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Guardian - Six Bells Mining Memorial with a three-day break in Blackwood. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Cardiff.
Is Blackwood a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Blackwood. Several top attractions, like Bargoed Woodland Park and Twmbarlwm Mountain, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Blackwood's best neighbourhoods, Maesycwmmer is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Penmaen is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Blackwood with kids?
Deciding what to do in Blackwood with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Blackwood for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Blackwood for adults including Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.
Are there free things to do in Blackwood?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Blackwood is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Sirhowy Valley Country Park is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.