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National Trust - Aberdulais | Neath | Wales | United Kingdom

National Trust - Aberdulais

Sightseeing attraction | Neath | Wales | United Kingdom

Aberdulais, located near Neath in Wales, is a historic industrial site known for its impressive waterfalls and rich industrial past. Since 1584, the water power of the River Dulais has been used to operate various industries, starting with the copper smelting industry. Over the centuries, the site has served as an ironworks, corn mill, and eventually a significant tinplate works in the 19th century.

A standout feature of Aberdulais is the large water wheel, which is considered one of the largest electricity-generating water wheels in Europe. With a diameter of 8.2 meters and 72 paddles, it rotates at a speed of five revolutions per minute, impressively showcasing the use of renewable energy in industrial history.

The picturesque waterfalls are the focal point of this former tinplate works, where water power has been used since 1584.

Today, Aberdulais is managed by the National Trust and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ruins of the former industrial facilities, learn more about the history of the industrial revolution in Wales, and enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfalls. The site also serves as an educational center and venue for various cultural and community activities.

In February 2023, Aberdulais was reopened in collaboration with St Giles Cymru to serve as a green community, training, cultural, and wellness center for people in challenging circumstances.

Aberdulais is a fascinating example of how nature and industrial history are intertwined, providing a unique insight into the use of water power over multiple centuries.
National Trust - Aberdulais Neath

Contact details

Web

Phone
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Address
Main Rd
Aberdulais Falls, Aberdulais
SA10 8EU Neath

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday--
Monday--
Tuesday--
Wednesday--
Thursday10:30 - 15:30
Friday10:30 - 15:30
Saturday--

Reviews

1098 Reviews

Gillian Wilde
06.02.2025

It's free
Alex1s claire richards
03.01.2025

Need more space to walk around as they have shut off areas .Also the information room was shut due to a santa grotto but people visit to see everything .
geany b2712
27.12.2024

Marked as open on here but drove all the way there to find that it’s closed for the holidays until January
Stephen Rees
01.11.2024

Lots of it was blocked off. Probably why it was free today
Christopher John
28.10.2024

Beautiful little spot to include in a stroll round the area. There is a little charity/ thrift store on the way in and a fair amount parking outside. The thrift store helps to finance the running and up keep of the site. you can find books games and Dvds in there and there are a few comfy seats to sit down and chill. It is a lovely walk along the river side up to the waterfall will a few old places ruins to explore that are full of information and history about the site. It doesn't take long to go round but on a dry day it would be nice to stop off with a flask of coffee and take in the scenery and atmosphere.
Rachel Anne D
19.10.2024

I enjoyed learning all about the place, thanks to the information boards all around the site. Also, the famous Waterfall was looking amazing thanks to all the recent rain. Unfortunately the waterwheel wasn't working, however admission was free, so there was nothing to really complain about. I would definitely visit again.
Beti Powell
15.10.2024

We haven't been to Aberdais for a few years, and were very impressed with the improvements to the site .We did miss the lovely tearooms , but they now have a really good book shop with comfy chairs where you can read the books ,which are very reasonably priced. We look forward to going again.
Julia G
11.10.2024

Fascinating site with a surprising range of community and industrial history. We enjoyed our visit today, and having it brought to life with a warm welcome from Declan and a engaging tour by Stephen and Cheryl. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the local volunteers here is excellent. It's not a huge site, and you could sensibly just pop in for 30 mins for a quick look, but the history is fascinating, and it's also just a beautiful spot just to take it all in. Much of the site is accessible, and lots of places to pause and sit.
Hannah Wild
04.10.2024

This is free to get into even if you don't have membership. There's a carpark on the opposite side of the road. There's lot's of information boards telling the fascinating history that's behind this magical place. The falls themselves are great to watch and at best after heavy rain. There's also a small gift/book shop as well as toilets.
nichola Rodgers
01.10.2024

This place was actually closed when the website said it was open so we didn’t get to see it
Joseph Arnold
26.09.2024

Great falls , interesting history. But no cafe , and visit takes about 30⁰ mins
Colin Wallace-Stock
17.09.2024

It is what it is. Interesting history, lovely walks & free!!! 😀 No reason at all to mark it down
Dave R
14.09.2024

Unable to go and see as going on a trip to south wales Sun to Wed, and Aberdulais Tin mine and waterFall is closed on each of theses days ... is only open Thurs to Sat
Ejaz Choudry-Thomas
06.09.2024

Beautiful place if very small. Definately worth it for local history buffs
Marianne Skinner
26.05.2019

Great site, lovely industrial ruins and lovely waterfalls, sadly the coffee shop and NTShop have closed since the pandemic reopening, the lovely building they were in sits empty, a great shame. Good secondhand bookshop in the old schoolhouse though.
Alistair Ward
04.09.2024

What a lovely place to have a wonder, the waterfall at the back is certainly worth a visit. Please come take a look if you're ever inthe area. You certainly won't be disappointed.
Chris Swinney (Swinster)
25.08.2024

There are more photogenic waterfalls locally, although the history is interesting, but not much here.
Matthew Allton
23.08.2024

Visited while on holiday in Swansea. An interesting site with lots of information boards about the various industry undertaken there over the years. Having been very heavy rain overnight for the last few days the river was high and in very turbulent flow...certainly highlighting well where the power for the machinery came from! Lots of ruins of the old tin works and a replica waterwheel, with boards showing artist impressions of what the works were like. We couldn't get up to the higher level on our visit. Certainly interesting, but you couldn't spend hours here.
Matt Hop
19.08.2024

Alot smaller than it use to be and the wheel no longer works. Can't see the falls from the top, fish pass
Ian Barraclough
10.08.2024

Would have loved to have seen it, but it's.o let open until 1530 or so, so we missed out arriving at 1600....
phillip Richardson
03.08.2024

Very poor showing now, has lost its appeal, no cafe or visit into tower giving it's history of time gone by.
H A
01.08.2024

Poor opening times
David Collins
28.07.2024

Not as good as last visit nothing open except book shop
Anang Pangeni
30.06.2024

Check before you go. They open Thursdays and Fridays.
Anthea Prior
23.06.2024

Lovely walk. Would recommend

 

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