Blaenavon

Settlement in Monmouthshire

Wales

Blaenavon

Blaenavon is a small town located in Monmouthshire, Wales. Situated within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is nestled in the scenic landscape of the South Wales Valleys. With a population of around 6,000 people, the town has a rich industrial history dating back to the 18th century.

Blaenavon was once a thriving iron and coal mining community, playing a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. The town's most iconic landmark is the Big Pit National Coal Museum, which offers visitors an immersive experience into the life of a coal miner. The museum provides underground tours, allowing visitors to explore the depths of a real coal mine.

Apart from its industrial heritage, Blaenavon is also known for its natural beauty. The surrounding landscape offers picturesque views, with rolling hills and green valleys providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature walks. The area is home to numerous nature reserves, including the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, which boasts diverse flora and fauna.

In recent years, the town has undergone regeneration efforts to preserve its historical significance and boost tourism. The town center features charming Victorian buildings, hosting a variety of independent shops, cafes, and traditional pubs. Additionally, Blaenavon hosts cultural events throughout the year, including the Blaenavon World Heritage Day and the Blaenavon Festival of Transport, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Overall, Blaenavon offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Blaenavon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.775723/-3.083807 or Grid Reference SO2509. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Blaenavon Ironwork

The Foundry and Cast House in the Blaenavon Ironworks Museum.

Philip Halling

Iron furnace

Iron furnace simulation in the Blaenavon Ironworks museum. This represents the burning coke which turned the iron ore molten in the furnace above. In this simulation there is a line in the floor which lights up representing the flowing molten iron.

Philip Halling

Ironworks simulation

The illuminated lines in the floor of the Cast House at Blaenavon Ironworks. This simulation represents molten iron flowing from the furnace in the background and forming pig iron.

Philip Halling

Truck Shop, Blaenavon Ironworks

The Truck Shop, the company shop for workers at the Blaenavon Ironworks. The portrait on the wall is of William Hill I, one of the leading partners of the ironworks.

Philip Halling

Minor road approaching Blaenavon

Minor upload road crossing open access land near Blaenavon.

Philip Halling

Minor road above Cwm Afon

Minor road above Cwm Afon just outside Blaenavon.

Philip Halling

Big Pit Mining Museum

The Big Pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

Big Pit Mining Museum

The Big Pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

The Pit Head, Big Pit

The pit head at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. The pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

Pit Head Baths, Big Pit

Philip Halling

St Peter's Church

Philip Halling

Rhymney Beers

Rhymney Beers, on a bridge carrying the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway over a road to the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

A Post Office no more

As seems to be happening across the country these larger traditional Post offices are closing and being replaced by a smaller post office within another shop or business. This former PO is in Blaenavon. Here is a picture of the PO when it was open SO2508 : Blaenavon Post Office.

Philip Halling

Statue of Ken Jones

Sculpture of Ken Jones who was born in Blaenavon on 30 December in 1921. He won a Silver Medal at London Olympics in 1948 in the 4x100m and as a Rugby player won the Grand Slam in the Five Nations for Wales in the 1950s. The sculpture is by sculptor, Laury Dizengremel.

Philip Halling