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Aberdulais
An Industrial Revolution, powered by water since 1584! | Yn Chwyldroad Diwydiannol, wedi'i bweru gan ddŵr ers 1584!
Aberdulais, Neath, Neath Port Talbot, SA10 8EU
Important notice
Please be advised that maintenance work is currently underway on the historic waterwheel. Though open as usual, visitors may notice scaffolding and equipment on site. We appreciate your understanding as we work to preserve this iconic feature.
Opening times for 17 November 2024
Asset Opening time Gwaith Tun a Rhaeadr | Tinworks and Waterfall Closed Siop Lyfrau Ail-law | Second-hand bookshop Closed Mae mynediad i Aberdulais yn rhad ac am ddim. | Entry to Aberdulais is free of charge. ~ Nodwch bydd y safle ar gau dros y Nadolig (21ain Rhagfyr - 9fed o Ionawr) | Please note the site will be closed over the Christmas period (21st December - 9th January).
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Our Bookshop is open during property opening hours, subject to volunteer availability.
Dogs allowed
Dogs to be kept on short lead.
Car park
The main car park surface is gravelled with embedded space markers. There is a pedestrian crossing available to use to cross the road. Cycle racks are available.
Toilet
Accessible toilets are located near the entrance.
Level access and terrain throughout. Three Blue Badge car parking spaces. Accessible toilets. Wheelchairs available for hire.
Accessible route and/or map
Level access/terrain
Accessible toilet
Wheelchairs available
Designated parking
By road
A4109, 3 miles north-east of Neath. Exit 43 off M4 (Llandarcy), take A465 signposted Vale of Neath
Parking: Car park opposite side of the road.
Sat Nav: follow brown signs, not Sat Nav
On foot
via Neath to Aberdulais Canal footpath
By train
Neath 3 miles
By bus
services from Swansea to Brecon, Swansea to Aberdare and Banwen, Neath to Aberdulais and Neath train station to Aberdulais
By bicycle
NCN47 passes property. Access near B&Q Neath to Neath Canal towpath and Aberdulais Canal Basin
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Aberdulais with your dog
Dogs are welcome at Aberdulais all year round with plenty of room for them to explore. We ask they remain on short leads whilst visiting.
Highlights
Waterwheel
The Waterwheel is currently inactive for specialist assessment and restoration. Europe's largest electricity generating waterwheel with historic roots from 1584 and throughout the Industrial Revolution.
Waterfall
Waterfall instrumental in over 400 years of Industrial Revolution. Home to a variety of wildlife.
Spotlight events
Article
Christmas at Aberdulais
Step into a world of festive wonder at our Community Christmas Craft Fair, where twinkling lights and the scent of pine fill the air. On this magical day, local artisans will enchant you with their unique, handcrafted treasures—perfect for finding those one-of-a-kind gifts that sparkle with thoughtfulness.
Things to see and do
Article
Visiting the waterfall at Aberdulais
The waterfall at Aberdulais truly is a force of nature. Whether it's a torrent or a trickle, it always looks beautiful. Discover more about its historic past and what to see during your visit.
Article
Visiting the waterwheel at Aberdulais
When in operation, the waterwheel at Aberdulais generates green energy for the site as part of a ground-breaking hydro-electric scheme. A tradition dating back 400 years continues.
Upcoming events
Event
Literary Event with local author Paul Reynolds
"Was it Parsons' Folly?" - if you want to know the answer - come along to Aberdulais for a presentation by local author Paul Reynolds.
About Aberdulais
As water continued to cascade through the centuries, the industries continued to flow through time, and Aberdulais established its place as an industrial centre for pioneering.
Discover how a small village in the Welsh valleys used cutting edge technologies to harness an ice age landscape and breath-taking waterfalls, to shape the industries that changed the world.
St Giles Cymru at Aberdulais
At Aberdulais we are working in partnership with St Giles Trust Cymru, an award-winning social justice charity, who will use some of the buildings and wider site to enable their work in helping people facing the greatest adversity to realise a positive future.
Together, our two charities aim to work beyond our boundaries to benefit people and increase access for everyone to nature, beauty and history.
Donate to Aberdulais
OR
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History
Article
History of Aberdulais
Discover how Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall has been at the heart of Welsh industry when a German engineer chose it as a secret location for smelting copper.
Latest news
Press release
National Trust Cymru announce reopening of Aberdulais in partnership with St Giles Cymru
National Trust Cymru announce reopening of Aberdulais in partnership with St Giles Cymru, an award-winning social justice charity.