Ffos Las Racecourse in Carmarthenshire has brought back top class racing back to West Wales for the first time since 1937. You can find Ffos Las Racecourse in the heart of Carmarthenshire between the towns Llanelli and Carmarthen, only 15 minutes from junction 48 of the M4, and only an hours drive from the Irish Ferry terminals of Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.
The setting is magnificent. It is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside and has a view down the Gwendraeth Valley to Carmarthen Bay. It is almost impossible to believe that it is the former site of the largest open cast coalmine in Europe. This ambitious project was created by South Wales civil engineering company The Walters Group, and the driving force behind it was the company chairman and racehorse owner Mr David Walters. The track provides a racing surface to rival any course in the world. It is 60m wide, has the benefit of miles of drainage and has been created level to provide a superb track to race on and a great viewing track for the racegoer. Since the opening meeting on Thursday June 18th 2009 Ffos Las Racecourse has staged both National Hunt and Flat fixtures. It has excellent facilities and infrastructure for the racegoer, including ample free parking, a large stand housing plenty of bars and betting outlets. Above all it offers a great view of high quality racing in picturesque surroundings. The racing programme is of a very high quality, and with Wales’ Horse Trainers currently flying high, and Irish Trainers keen to visit the track those who attend are guaranteed a feast of good racing.
Penllergare Valley Woods lie on the northern fringe of the city of Swansea, South Wales and within sight of the M4 motorway. Although the names are similar, the village of Penllergaer grew up as a separate entity from the Dillwyn Llewellyn Penllergare estate.
Here, deep in the valley, away from the noise and fumes of the passing traffic and encroaching development, you’ll find the overgrown but still visable remnants of an important historic landscape. Penllergare Valley Woods is a secret and magical place. A place where you can enjoy the sound of birds, delight in the profusion of wild flowers, discover evidence of exotic plantings and uncover for yourself the hidden features of a grand design. The romantic and picturesque Penllergare was once created for the enjoyment of its creator John Dillwyn Llewelyn – a pioneering mover in science, nature, photography and astronomy in the 19th century. After over half a century of neglect, today, it is a place that can be enjoyed and explored by everyone. It is a landscape that is gradually being revived, restored and regenerated by us all.
At the height of its prosperity in the 19th century, the Penllergare estate was an outstanding example of a picturesque, romantic landscape, created for the enjoyment of its owners. Its creator was John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810-82), a man distinguished not only for his contribution to landscape design and horticulture, but also for his scientific experiments and pioneering photography. He exploited the majestic natural beauty of the site to create an idyllic landscape. With its lakes and waterfalls, panoramic vistas, secret places and horticultural and botanical riches, Penllergare provided an infinite variety of subjects for his camera. The Dillwyn Llewelyn family and their Penllergare estate influenced the growth of the local community by providing employment, housing and education.
Plas Teg is a Grade l listed home in North Wales and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in Wales. Plas Teg is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the country and has appeared on many Television programmes. The house was restored in 1986 by Cornelia Bayley as her home and opened to the public for tours and events.
Plas Teg is one of the most important Jacobean houses in Wales. Her majestic walls have stood proud against years of neglect, and the most recent restoration enabled us a fascinating chance to truly step back in time. Plas Teg epitomises the ideal of an early-Stuart Country House, set high above the landscape dominating the surrounding valley and people. The intricate scrollwork of the pediment, complemented by high reaching finials and cupolas on top of the four towers are glimpsed through the foliage as one approaches along the drive. Sir John Trevor built Plas Teg in about 1610 in the Jacobean style, utilising the Renaissance concept of symmetry, of proportion and elegance. The house is built upon a cross-hall plan, with the great chamber above and a cross axial gallery to the second floor, which was inspired by Serlio. Due to this, the house was divided into “public” and “service” halves on either side of the main hall. The “public” section included the principal staircase, withdrawing room, parlour, great chamber and study. While the “service” section included the servant quarters, kitchens, offices, a secondary staircase and a buttery in the north tower. The original design was altered during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries by Lady Dacre and the Trevor-Ropers. The house remained in the family’s hands until the end of the eighteenth century when it was bequeathed to a cousin by marriage. They assumed the surname Trevor-Roper and resided at Plas Teg spasmodically until it was sold just after the end of the Second World War. Cornelia Bayley purchased Plas Teg in 1986 and has lovingly restored the house back to its former glory.
The National Library of Wales is situated in Aberystwyth, on the Ceredigion coast, and must have one of the best views of any Library in the world, looking out over Cardigan Bay. The National Library of Wales’ purpose is to make our culture and heritage accessible to all to learn, research and enjoy.
We are a legal deposit library, which means we have the right to a copy of every publication printed in Britain and Ireland. But did you also know that our collections include the following?
- 7,000,000 feet of film
- 250,000 hours of video
- 6,000,000 books and newspapers
- 40,000 manuscripts
- 1,500,000 maps
- 150,000 hours of sound
- 950,000 photographs
- 60,000 works of art
- 1,900 cubic meters of archives
You can search these collections online. Some collections have been digitised and can be viewed online. You’ll find further information along with a list of resources on our National Library of Wales Resources page. The Library has two Reading Rooms which our users can use to view our collections. To do this you must hold a valid Reader’s Ticket (free). The Library’s opening hours are Monday – Friday between 9:30 – 18:00, and Saturdays between 9:30 – 17:00. Please check our opening hours page before visiting for the latest information. Entry to the Library is free as is access to the Reading Rooms (you must have a Reader’s Ticket to access the Reading Rooms). The National Library of Wales has a large car park on site and a small fee is payable for this Privilege.
The Silver Mountain Experience where history, myth and legend collide in a fantastic day out for the whole family! Set against the dramatic Cambrian Mountains, Aberystwyth The Silver Mountain Experience is not your usual day out.
Experience guided tour A Miner’s Life, which immerses you in the original and rare setting of our 250+ year old Silver-Lead Mine, both above and below ground with exclusive access to the Ore Crusher. Discover the fascinating facts of mining life in by-gone times as it would have been seen through the eyes of a miner.
Explore Welsh myth and legend in our theatrical experiences:
A Dragon’s Tale, ‘The Knight’s Quest’: An exciting adventure searching for Grotty, Silver Mountain’s mystical, secretive and shy dragon. Follow the clues, crack the codes, and see if you can find this friendly creature! This actor-led experience is perfect for younger explorers up to the age of 8, and a hilarious adventure for all the family! The Black Chasm: Ancient myths, local legends and gruesome history are brought to life in this thrilling and fun actor-led adventure! Descend into the darkness of The Black Chasm and discover the dark and murky history of Mid Wales, from the awful mining conditions to the grotesque and downright terrifying creatures that occupied this ancient land. As well as our fantastic theatrics, you won’t want to miss what else we have on offer. Discover our Mining Museum, follow the fascinating Miner’s Trail, enjoy our adventure play area, let your imagination run wild in Woo Hoo Woods, go gem panning, den building, dig for fossils and much more. So what are you waiting for? Come and explore!
Note: Sturdy footwear advised. Dogs on leads welcome at surface attractions.
With a Gift shop, Cafe and beautiful hillside views, Silver Mountain is well worth the visit.
Open throughout the year, The Silver Mountain Experience also has a wide range of special events including Terror Mountain, Paranormal Investigations & Christmas.
The Talyllyn Railway in Gwynedd, North Wales is the first preserved railway in the World, known affectionately as ‘The Railway with a Heart of Gold’. It was over 150 years ago, in 1865, that the line opened and in 1951 the Preservation Society was born to take over the Talyllyn Railway after the death of the owner Sir Haydn Jones.
The heritage steam engines transport passengers from Tywyn, the coastal town on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, to Nant Gwernol buried deep in the mountains above Abergynolwyn. The journey itself crosses more than seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of one of Britain’s highest mountains, Cadair Idris. The journey takes 55 minutes up the line from Tywyn through the ancient woodlands and meadows of the Fathew Valley. En route keep your eyes peeled for Red Kites, Cormorants, Barn Owl, Redstart, Peregrine Falcons, Wheatear, Linnet and Little Owl. The cosy covered and open carriages provide the best of comfort and views as you travel up the line. On arrival at Abergynolwyn, Quarryman’s Caban serves lovely homemade treats, drinks and snacks and there are plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Snowdonia National Park. The Talyllyn Railway is also one of The Great Little Trains of Wales.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a narrow gauge rack and pinion mountain railway in Gwynedd, North-West Wales. It is a tourist railway that travels for 4.7 miles (7.6 km) from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.
A railway to the top of Snowdon was first proposed in 1869 by Sir Richard Moon, Chairman of the London & North Western Railway, after a branch line from Bangor to Llanberis had been completed. Initial Parliamentary Bills were met with stiff opposition from the landowner Mr George William Duff Assheton-Smith of the Vaynol Estate, who thought that a railway would spoil the scenery. The Snowdon Mountain Railway was constructed between December 1894, when the first sod was cut by Enid Assheton-Smith (after whom locomotive No 2 was named), and February 1896. The Mountain Railway trains depart from Llanberis station and begin their climb 1085m to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travellers. These ancient Snowdonian mountains, thrust upwards by volcanic forces 450 million years ago, once grew to heights of 10,000 metres. Over eons the wind and rain and successive ice ages have sculpted them to their current form; with Snowdon being the highest summit in England and Wales. One of the world’s greatest panoramas is revealed on arrival at the summit. Hafod Eryri, the UK’s highest visitor centre, has spectacular panoramic views to the valleys below. From here you can venture to the cairn, where on a clear day the views stretch out as far as Ireland. Standing on the summit of the highest Mountain in Wales and England, young and old can embrace the invigorating atmosphere of Eryri – Land of the Eagles.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is also known as the National Zoo of Wales, the oldest and most established Zoo in Wales having been born as a small family run business by the Jackson family in 1963.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is set on one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes for any UK Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo occupies some 37 acres of lush green landscape overlooking Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains in North Wales. With over 140 species housed in our wonderful collection, to date we have welcomed over eight million visitors through our gates. We are passionate about our Zoo and the animals that live here with us. Conservation remains at the heart of our ethos, and the future survival of animals and their habitats continues to drive us ever forward. Whilst we want all our visitors to experience and enjoy everything the Zoo has to offer, we also want to share and raise awareness of some critical messages surrounding wildlife, the environment and the impact our actions have on the wider world. Many animal species are endangered, often as a direct result of human interference. We pride ourselves on our captive breeding programmes, and contribution towards in situ conservation projects, which work to create insurance populations and conserve natural habitats. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is part of the National Zoological Society of Wales, a non-profit making organisation. Its aim is to inform and educate people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds about wildlife and conservation.
Llandegfedd Reservoir is set in the rolling landscape of Monmouthshire, South East Wales, between Usk and Pontypool and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
It’s an attraction a world away from the relentless pace of modern life, and with 434 acres of water and acres of woodland and grasslands, the reservoir has plenty of things to offer. With over four miles of footpaths and the Reservoir Trail for walking, three miles of banks for angling and a large sailing area, there’s something for all to enjoy. The Llandegfedd Reservoir Visitor centre, designed by award winning architects, contains a stylish cafe and display area with panoramic views of the reservoir and water based activities. It definitely has one of the best views in Wales to enjoy with your cuppa! Opens 9am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, school and bank holidays.
Bryngarw Country Park is set in over 100 acres of parkland in Bridgend, South Wales and is a glorious sanctuary for both people and wildlife alike. From woodlands to wetlands, meadows to formal gardens, and a wide range of fun activities and facilities for the whole family to enjoy, there is always something worthwhile to do at Bryngarw, whatever the season.
Since opening as a country park in 1986, Bryngarw has continued to strive for excellence. Achieving Green Flag Award status, as well as Green Heritage Accreditation, the park has been recognised as being among one of the best green spaces in the UK. Demonstrating the very best standards in both environmental and cultural heritage conservation, Bryngarw is a haven for all. So, whether you’re looking to join the cycle track for a ride alongside the River Garw; take part in a pond dipping session with our Rangers; shoot down one of our slides in the children’s play area or simply take a stroll through the wildflower meadow – Bryngarw Country Park truly does have something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you soon!