Things to see and do United Kingdom

It is an amazing landscape that forms the national nature reserve of Oxwich Burrows, a large expanse of salt marshes near Penrice Castle, a th century castle where you can stroll through the gardens and around the lake.

The center is home to a mill dating back to the ^12th century and a weaving loom still in operation! There's also a store selling handcrafted woodwork and pottery, a puppet theater, a wildlife park, Wales' smallest cinema and a tearoom. The Gower Heritage Centre organizes numerous events for the whole family throughout the year, so take a look at the calendar of events on their website. Futé: you can try your hand at pottery, bake your own bread, try your hand at blacksmithing...

Walking leads to bois and leads to an exceptional point of view on Three Cliffs Bay, Bristol Channel and the north coast of Devon, the English district.

This museum provides information on the activities of a former coal mine that closed in 1970. It is plunged into near darkness that we discover photographs and documents of the period, tools and objects related to the daily life of the mine staged in an original way. A tunnel has been built, in which one gets an idea of the working environment of the miners. From the visitor centre, circular walks through the forest start.

Celtic and old stone lovers cannot miss this museum, which is exclusively dedicated to them. It is located in a wing of the Cistercian abbey of Margam, built in 1147. There are engraved stones from the 6th century, pre-Christian sculptures and ornate crosses from the 10th and 11th centuries. There are also pieces from the medieval period, including the carved effigy of a knight. Attention, for visits from October to March, it is only on reservation on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A first breathtaking hike to Mumbles, for a glimpse of the beauty of the Gower cliffs. The circuit takes us on a coastal path, whose climbs are in some places a little steep. The gradual ascent, above the sea, causes an intoxicating sensation. We climb up the hillside, with the sea as far as the eye can see and the quiet spectacle of white sailboats splitting the waters. It is then possible to reach Swansea by bus (^nos. 2A and 2B). The stop is at the corner of Plunch Lane and Mumbles Road.

Lovers of green spaces won't want to miss the National Botanic Garden of Wales, opened in 2000, which tops the list of Britain's most beautiful gardens and is one of Welsh tourism's most popular destinations.

Its themed orchards and 8,000 plants, including rare and even endangered species, as well as those resurrected from gardens of the past, will delight even those without a green thumb!

For more than 800 years, the market has been a friendly and essential part of Carmarthen's local life. There are local products, crafts, second-hand books, spices, antiques, a little of everything... As well as the traditional stalls of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meat and fish... Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays (also outside). The Farmer's Market is held every first Friday of the month. Stands for eating on site and a coffee: Beth's Cafe, open every day from 8am to 4pm.

This charming little Victorian gallery is only related to Turner by name! The exhibition focuses exclusively on photography by contemporary Welsh and international artists. Founded in 1978, Ffotogallery is the national development agency for photography in Wales. If you are in the area, it is a very nice visit to make and an opportunity to discover new Welsh or other talents. The list of planned exhibitions is available on their website.

A medieval village has been reconstituted on an ancient site. Houses and gardens have been built entirely in the spirit of the period. Craftsmen, gardeners and farmers in period costume go about their work as if nothing had happened... Here we are, telescoped back into the Middle Ages, in a village built within a sumptuous park. What's more, it's punctuated by large lakes and woods, making it an ideal place for walks and picnics.

The coastal path is reached by going to Lifeboat Station at the end of the esplanade. Then we go up Cliff Hill to the Cliff Walk Play Area parking lot. On site, there is a snack bar, a children's playground and a miniature golf course.The long strip of grass over the sea is much appreciated by families who organize picnics there. Then continue on Whitcliffe Drive to the gate that marks the entrance to a narrow path winding over the sea. In summer, you can count on the wild blackberries to enhance the walk, enjoy it! The trail then descends to a white pebble beach, from where you can see Flat Holm Island, with its lighthouse, and its neighbour Steep Holm Island. Named by the Vikings because of their form, the first belongs to South Wales County and the second to the English Somerset County.

Going towards Lavernock Point, you reach a large sandy beach with interesting geological formations. Erosion has created natural steps and paving stones in some areas. Views of the Bristol Channel and the English Somerset coast led Sisley to paint paintings at this particular location, which can be seen at the National Museum in Cardiff. (Alfred Silsey is a French painter born in 1839 and died in 1899.) It was also from Lavernock Point that Marconi sent a radio signal over the sea in 1897 to Flat Holm. A world first! In short, a beautiful walk awaits you there!

The history of the inhabitants of the Torfaen Valley, in rural life completely around by the opening of mines, is told through an audiovisual device. Objects are exhibited: pieces produced by local industries and artisans, th and th-century ceramics, furniture. There are also a variety of rooms related to domestic life, education, recreation and transportation in the Victorian era. It is a real, friendly and very diverse people's museum.

This museum is dedicated to the history of the town. A series of watercolors depicts Chepstow's major architectural and technical developments. It also tells the story of transport, the construction of the bridge and the railroad. The history of the house, which was used as a hospital during the war, is also told, followed by that of the inhabitants, through an exhibition of everyday objects and accessories relating to work, leisure and fashion. Upstairs, paintings, engravings and drawings of the town from the ^18th and ^19th centuries.

This volunteer-managed museum is located next to the ruins of the castle built in the 11th century. It tells the story of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, from the first militia established in 1539 to the creation of the regiment within the British regular army (of which it is now the main reserve regiment). This regiment acquired its first Royal and 1804 title and the second in 1877. Photos, illustrations, medals, weapons and military uniforms relating to various historical battles form the main part of the exhibition. Archaeological finds illustrate the early defences of Monmouth and a small section deals with Henry V, the winner of Azincourt (Agincourt in English), born in Monmouth Castle in 1387.

Monmouth's Tourist Information Centre, located in the Shire Hall, is a point of reference for visitors to this charming Welsh town. Whether you're looking for information on local attractions, upcoming events, accommodation or restaurants, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the tourist office are on hand to answer all your questions.

The name comes from a legend that the devil tried to seduce monks from the top of this promontory inviting them to join him! It is a limestone pillar at the top of which we have a magnificent view of the abbey of Tintern, delimited by the hills and the river. We stand above the vacuum as on a base: impressive!

Distance: 5 km.

Average duration: 1 hour 30.

A friendly gallery that sells local crafts, jewellery, ashtrays and other pottery, watercolours of Chepstow views by artist David Jones and other local painters, miniatures and natural soaps reproducing the Welsh flag in relief, with its dragon ! The opportunity to find some original souvenirs to bring back and to discover and/or support both the local economy and local crafts and artists.

This small tourist information point, which also doubles as a museum store, provides tourist information on the region. If you have any questions or are looking for specific information, you'll find a warm and friendly welcome. The site also provides a wealth of comprehensive, practical information on places to visit, restaurants, hotels and activities (golf, children's activities, walking and cycling routes, etc.).

The foundation of this site as a holy place dates back to the 5th century. A stone church, built as early as the 9th century on this hill overlooking the town, bears witness to the important cult of St. Gwynllyw, the site's founder. "Woolos" is the Anglicism of the name of a Welsh nobleman who converted to Christianity after a divine vision. Remains of these earliest stones can be seen in the chapel at the west end of the cathedral. But most of the building was destroyed in the 15th century by the Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr, leader of his people's revolt for independence... The decapitated statue of Jasper Tudor, who helped rebuild the building after Owain's death, can be seen on the west facade and bears witness to the turbulent civil war.

Miraculously, some fine Romanesque arches remain in the cathedral's nave from these repeated assaults. A plaque commemorating the Chartists was also installed here. (Chartism was a British workers' emancipation movement of the mid-19th century. For more info, see the Pontypool page) The cathedral's website is also very instructive, since as well as providing information on the cathedral itself, it gives a chronology of the evolution of religion in the country. We learn, for example, that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the cathedral in 1962, and that restoration of the medieval roof was completed in 2017.

It's a handsome ^17th-century red-brick manor house, once home to the wealthy Morgan family. Move from room to room to discover, through reconstructions of interiors and genre scenes, what life might have been like for a bourgeois family of the time and its servants. Don't miss the gilded salon and the cedar cabinet with its fragrant panelling. You can visit the vast 36-hectare gardens, some of whose original features are still visible, such as geometric flowerbeds and a superb wrought-iron gate.

This cultural centre has a gallery that exhibits current artists, a cinema and a theatre. There are outdoor sculptures. The most famous is Peter Fink's, entitled Steel Wave: an imposing wave of steel breaking on the dock... which is not unanimously accepted! It evokes the industrial past of the port and the importance of metallurgy in the development of the city. On the way out, don't miss the discreet Deux Ex Machina, a human profile directed by Sebastien Boyeson that invites the viewer to live an amazing optical experience....

The museum houses an important collection of antiquities. One section is devoted to archaeology, tracing the passage of various peoples through these parts over the past 2,500 years. Artefacts from the Romans, Vikings and Normans can be found here.

The Natural History Museum has a highly developed geological section and a section devoted to zoology, with a fine taxonomic selection of seabirds.

Another gallery is devoted to the history of the town and its inhabitants during the industrial period. On display are domestic accessories from 200 years ago and documentation on the town's economic and social life. Of particular interest is the section devoted to the construction of the Transporter Bridge, with the engineer's original plans and impressive photographs of the building site, tracing the stages of its construction. The Transporter Bridge is a 197-meter-long, 74-meter-high metal bridge for pedestrians and vehicles. Opened on September 12, 1906, it was designed by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin. It has been closed several times over long periods for renovation.

The museum takes great care to be as didactic as possible. A must-see if you're in Newport.

And don't forget to visit the Art Gallery, devoted to the visual arts: it boasts a fine collection of decorative ceramics, with some very colorful works!

A visit to the mosaics is a fun way to discover the city's history.

Starting from the docks on Bristol Packet Wharf, you can discover a circular mosaic on the ground symbolizing the trading connections between Newport and Blaenavon, the main coal-mining center in the south of the country.

Then stroll down Commercial Street towards High Street, where you'll pass the covered market hall. On the traffic circle behind it, you'll discover a colorful mosaic of a flower market. Its naïve character, proliferation of flowers and vivid colors are reminiscent of the frescoes by Mexican artist Diego Rivera. Opposite, the Old Green Mural depicts the transportation routes (canals, railroads, etc.) without which the city's commercial development would have been impossible.

A little further out, in the Civic Centre on Fields Road, you'll also find a fresco, this time painted. It illustrates the history of Newport, from its foundations to 1964. Created by Hans Feibusch in the 1960s, its triptych structure and the high quality of its composition and colors make it one of his most accomplished works.

New mosaics have recently been added to St Paul's Walk, paying tribute to women, particularly during the First World War. These include 8 women who left their mark on the history of the region during the war and who recently passed away.

In 1799, fourteen locks were built on the banks of the Brecon Canal to link Newport to the vast mineral transport network. Today, this work of hydraulic engineering is the subject of a rehabilitation plan. The reservoirs and former locks, now overgrown with vegetation, are lined with trees and green spaces. People come here for picnics and walks. A visitor center tells us more about the history of this transportation route.

The Kymin is a 4-hour wooded park estate located on the hill of the same name, about 1 mile east of Monmouth, overlooking the Wye River. It includes a neo-classical round house and a naval temple, both built in the late 18th century by the Monmouth Picnic Club (or Kymin Club). The site was used to organize social events and banquets. The positioning of the Round House meets the criteria of the Summer Houses, very popular at the time, which were built on a site intended to offer guests a sublime view of nature.

Many extraction quarries were dug here, following the opening of the Brecon Canal, which allowed limestone to be transported to neighbouring towns. It was widely used for the construction of ovens as well as for bleaching house facades. The limestone also provides a very rich soil, a wide variety of plants flourish on this cliff, now considered of scientific interest and integrated into a nature reserve.

Also known as Alisby Castle - probably the former governor of the castle - there is not much left of Crickhowell Castle, built in the 13th century to guard the Usk Valley. On a small hill overlooking the village, the ruins are nevertheless charming to see. The chance of conservation has made it the very aesthetic equivalent of outdoor sculptures, which the assault of wild vegetation has finished beautifying. However, if you are in the area, don't forget to take a look around, we will quickly take a look around.

On the walking side, the most popular climbs of the Brecon Beacons are those of the highest point Pen-y-Fan (886 metres) and its neighbour Corn Du. A two to three kilometre trail links the two peaks from Pont-ar-Daf, less than a kilometre from the pub Storey Arms on the A470, between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil. If needed, you can find a map with the detailed itinerary and much more information (such as alternative routes...) at the tourist office in Brecon. From the summit, very accessible, you have a very nice view!

A tapestry was created in 2007 to celebrate the city's millennium. The six-meter-long work, which required the combined talents of forty people and 20,000 hours of labor, is impressive for its attention to detail. The central figure represents the sleeping Jesse. He is recognizable by the tree trunk protruding from his body. According to the Bible, he is the father of King David and one of Christ's ancestors. The figure is a reproduction of the wooden sculpture on display in the church.

This Norman fortress overlooking the city was one of the most important of the Abergavenny seigneury and was also used as a residence by the passing kings. In the 12th century, the castle had terrible stories of murder and treason. The castle, as we see it today, was essentially built between the 13th and 14th centuries, when it became the property of the Hastings. A museum is located inside the castle, where you can see a beautiful collection of objects.

It is the museum of the city's inhabitants, the one that pays tribute to them. Various objects related to life in the industrial site are displayed in display cases and photographs. The museum is named after the writer Alexander Cordell, whose book Le Viol de la Belle Contrée describes the troubled history of the village in the early days of the industrial revolution. He recounts the life of a family of miners fighting against poverty and social injustice

We cannot ignore Big Pit if we want to understand the country's past, the solidarity that came out of the mines and Britain's place in the industrial revolution. We start by going down into the mine itself where we stay for almost an hour. It's better not to be too claustrophobic to walk through these long tunnels! Then, to finish, we visit the huge block of collective showers and a permanent exhibition on the history of mines.

This centre, run by forest rangers, distributes information about hiking and the surrounding nature. There is a corner reserved for reading brochures and books made available free of charge. If you do not find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask for advice. The cafeteria - run by a chef who worked at the Eiffel Tower restaurant in Paris - offers local dishes such as "Pen-Y-Fan Pasty" or "Beacon Bake".

Like many tourist offices, it is a real mine of information, both on the city and on the natural park. You can book your accommodation, find hiking trails, contact details of farms that rent horses, local bus schedules... Also ideal for finding a lot of information on activities to do in case of rain, alone, with friends or family. If we are looking to get away from the beaten track, the team is there to inform us, with a professional and warm welcome as a bonus!

This is perhaps the best place to see how the establishment of the mines completely changed the organization of rural life. Rhondda Heritage Park is a must-see for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the country's past. In the center of the hills, the mine, then all around rows of workers' houses huddled together. 160,000 workers once settled in the Rhondda valley to run its 40 coal mines!

A street from the 1950s has been reconstructed in the visitor center building, recreating the everyday atmosphere in which the valley's workers lived. On the second floor is an art gallery (free admission) with a temporary program, independent of the site's theme, and a restaurant.

The Black Gold Tour immediately transports us into the dark world of the mine. The tour's main attraction is its focus on the social impact of the new "black cities". Part of the tour, for example, focuses on the place of women in this changed social organization. The experience is also very physical: you descend into the belly of the mine, wearing a safety helmet and armed with a lamp, to discover the machines and their noise, their impressive volume, the dark and damp environment, the darkness... Excellent staging and multimedia documentation give this tour a particularly lively and didactic tone. It's impossible to leave indifferent..

A bridge leads to the imposing fortress surrounded by water. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it impresses by its volume, its thick walls, its massive towers. This masterpiece of masonry has all the characteristics that can be expected of a medieval fortress. Built on a superb natural site, from the heights of the castle you can contemplate the surrounding landscape. It is probably the most spectacular and best preserved of the "Three Castles" (White, Skenfrith and Grosmont), whose threatening profile can be seen from the outset on the horizon.

Despite the assaults of the civil war against which the castle had to resist, its ruins remain impressive. And yet, he had to manage to endure a ten-week siege! The main entrance is imposing, with its semi-hexagonal towers with projecting edges, set like crowns of stones at their top.

To the left of the entrance, the Great Tower, a building by William ap Thomas, is considered a masterpiece of defensive innovation. It was Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, who began to give the castle its palace character.

Within walking distance of the village, the vast Iron Age archaeological site of Pen-y-Crug occupies the top of a hill (at an altitude of 331 metres). There are five rows of ramparts that form a large circular enclosure. The Celts protected themselves by throwing stones at their attackers from this promontory.

After the ascent, which is accessible to all, it is a pleasure to sit on the old stones of this spectacular site to contemplate the superb view of the Usk Valley or to settle for a good picnic.

Strolling along the banks of the canal (nicknamed "Mon & Brec Canal" for those in the know) to the south of the town is a delightful experience. Lined with flower-filled cottages, its tranquil waters are alive with colonies of colorful ducks. Popular with cyclists and hikers alike, the 56 km-long canal runs south to Cwmbrân. Also navigable, the canal attracts a large number of barges every year: an original outing that's sure to please the kids!

The Royal Welsh Regiment Museum explains the military life of the Brecon region, which still has an important garrison. Battle reconstructions and a film are dedicated to the Zulu War: a Welsh achievement as the 140 Welsh soldiers managed to defend themselves against 4,000 Zulu warriors! There is a vast collection of medals and firearms. Interesting enough to learn more about the history of the region.

Founded in 1928, the museum has recently been refurbished to become a vibrant cultural center in the heart of Brecknockshire. It houses a diverse collection of objects, artifacts and documents, offering a captivating insight into local history, archaeology, art and Welsh culture. Exhibits cover a vast period, from the region's earliest prehistoric inhabitants to key events and figures in more recent history.

Superb Gothic cathedral built around 1215 with breathtaking stained glass windows. The Celts were the first to pray at the top of this hill; then came the Norman people: the font baptismal inside the building testifies to their passage. The exterior, rather austere, contrasts with an interior coloured by the light of the stained glass windows and the finesse of the sculpted wood pan in the nave. Brecon Cathedral frequently organises concerts of Welsh choirs, for a dive in the heart of the Celtic soul.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is a charitable organization dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Scotland's national heritage. Many sites are supported by the NTS. It is possible to become a donor member of the association and to enter, free or at a reduced rate, the sites for one year for £66/adult (online payment). The site, very well done, highlights the sites by categories, atmospheres, etc: perfect to find inspiration!

Established in 1992, the CCA is the cultural and creative hub of the City of Glasgow. Six major exhibitions are held each year, promoting contemporary, national and international artists. The calendar also includes theatre, dance, film, visual arts, literature and many other artistic performances. The best thing to do is to check their website to see what's going on while you're there. There is a café on site, the Saramago.

Redeveloped by the National Trust and open to the public, this townhouse bears witness to life in a Victorian building in the early 20th century. Miss Agnes Toward lived here for half a century and many of her possessions are still there. Gas lighting is still in use and is a far cry from the installations we know in today's society. Among the curiosities and unusual objects: a jar of plum jam made in 1929, coal-fired stoves, gas lamps still functional...

Right next to the cathedral, Provand's Lordship is Glasgow's oldest house, built in 1471. It was the residence of the chaplain of the Saint Nicholas Hospital and it gives a very interesting insight into what daily life was like in the Middle Ages. Completely refurbished as it was then, the furniture was donated by William Burrell, the philanthropist of the Burrell Collection. The carved wooden chairs, chests and cupboards, as well as the quantity of domestic objects give a very authentic dimension to this attraction.

Widely regarded as Charles Rennie Mackintosh's finest architectural achievement, the Glasgow School of Art was designed and built between 1896 and 1909. The building was unfortunately damaged by a fire in 2014 which led to major renovations that were initially scheduled to last until 2019.

Unfortunately, the Glasgow School of Art is no longer available to visit, following a new and much more serious fire in June 2018. Prior to this event, a one-hour tour was possible.

The superb building on George Square is none other than the town hall: City Chambers. Built in 1888, it is a very fine example of Victorian civic architecture by William Young. In 1923 it expanded to John Street and in 1986 the Custom House on George Street increased its total area to 14,000 square metres. His classicism of great beauty has earned him the choice to embody the Kremlin or the Vatican in film shoots. The banqueting hall, the council chamber and the marble staircase are the highlights of the visit

At the docks, the Tall Ship is a three-masted ship named Glenlee, built in Port Glasgow and launched at sea in 1896. She circumnavigated the world four times, survived formidable storms before being bought by the Spanish Navy and became a sail training ship from 1922 to 1969, then a training school until 1981. Rediscovered in 1990 and fully restored, this ship is accessible from top to bottom and is well worth a visit, before or after the Riverside Museum.

A natural reserve where wild geese, swans and other birds are resting from October to April. Safari organized at 11 h and 14 h each day.