Attractions in Neath, Port Talbot & Swansea Valleys easily reached by Bus or Train

Swansea is an ideal centre in which to base your visit as there is a good network of buses linking with the four main valleys and their many attractions. There is an excellent train service to get you to Neath and Port Talbot (with bargain day return fares!) and if you wish to start your journey on the train, you can continue it on the bus with a Plus Bus add-on (£2.50) at both places.

Bus times: Neath Port Talbot

Aberdulais Falls National Trust:  this is more than just a spectacular waterfall immortalised by the artist Turner; it is an industrial heritage site of some significance; Buses 158 & X63 from Swansea Kingsway, alighting at Aberdulais Falls.

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre:  learn all about the flora and fauna of Afan Forest Park in this interesting centre, café with hot meals available on site. The South Wales Miners Museum is adjacent. Weekdays Bus X3  from Swansea Bus Station, changing to Bus 23 at Port Talbot direct to Forest Park Centre. Sundays Bus 158   changing to Bus 159 at Neath direct to Forest Park Centre.

Cefn Coed Colliery Museum:  this was Wales’ deepest coal mine, now restored with a magnificent steam winding engine, a simulated gallery and display of mining tools and equipment housed in the original buildings of the former colliery. Bus X63 from Swansea Kingsway, alighting at Cefn Coed (adjacent).

Dynamic Rock Indoor Climbing Centre:  learn all you need to know about rock climbing, from ‘taster’ sessions through to indoor climbing tuition, outdoor rock climbing and other activities. Buses 120, 121 or 125 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Clydach Square (adjacent).

Glyncorrwg Ponds Visitor Centre:  this centre is situated ¼ mile from the village and is a centre for mountain biking, trout and coarse fishing, and canoeing. A number of walking trails start from here; there is a café with hot meals available on site. Weekdays Bus X3 from Swansea Bus Station, changing to Bus 23 to Glyncorrwg at Port Talbot; Sundays Bus 158 changing to Bus 159 at Neath direct to Glyncorrwg.

Gnoll Estate Country Park: an extensive park created from a 18th century local industrialists’ private estate has a range of footpaths of varying length, mostly easy or moderate grade. On these paths, you will be able to witness the incredible extent of water features formed from the one-time network of water supplies to local industry. Bus X5 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Neath Bus Station (¼mi/0.4km) or train from Swansea Train Station to Neath Train Station (½mi/0.8km)

Margam Country Park: this is a place of splendid landscapes, architecture, rich heritage and cultural past and a full programme of entertainment for the whole family throughout the year. A day at Margam Country Park has much to offer. Amongst its attractions are a magnificent 18th Century Orangery, an impressive Tudor-Gothic style Victorian Mansion House, a 12th Century Chapter House, ornamental gardens and the best deer herd in Wales. For kids there is a narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land; and for older kids and active adults, Go Ape  is here. It has a Visitor Centre, café and gift shop. Bus X1 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Margam Park Main Gates; no service Sundays & BHM.

National Showcaves Centre for Wales: is the most breathtaking Showcaves complex in Northern Europe. Step back in time as you walk within the limestone rocks and deep into the subterranean world. Bus X63 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Dan-yr-Ogof (adjacent); no service Sundays & BHM.

Neath Abbey:  founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, today’s extensive remains is a fine testament to what was described by 16th century poet John Leland as ‘the fairest abbey in all Wales’. It is open all year between 1000 and 1600 and there is no admission charge. Bus 158 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Neath Abbey.

Neath Town Centre:  has a number of interesting features and attractions, from a Norman 12th century castle; an extensive covered market; the old parish church of St. Thomas dating from the 14th century; and a 19th century Doric town hall. Bus X5 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Neath Bus Station (¼mi/0.4km) or train from Swansea Train Station to Neath Train Station (½mi/0.8km).

Teamforce:  top quality Paintball fun, set in 15 acres of lush woodland near Llangyfelach, Teamforce promises a memorable experience for both young and old alike. Bus 141 from Swansea Bus Station, alighting at Llangyfelach Plough & Harrow (1mi/1.6km walk); no service Sundays & BHM.