Port Talbot is a beautiful town located in the county borough of Neath Port. It is not a big name when it comes to tourist destinations in the United Kingdom, but just like most of the lesser-known destinations in the region, it boasts a plethora of attractions that most tourists will love to check out. Whether you are an indoor enthusiast or an adventurous soul willing to explore the beautiful countryside landscapes, this town will always have something for everyone. If you are wondering about the attractions or experiences to prioritize during your visit, check out our list of the best things to do in Port Talbot, the UK.
1. Spend time with family at Aberavon Beach
Aberavon Beach stretches over 3 mi (4.8km), and it is an incredible place to visit with adventurous kids. This is because it has just the right kind of environment that kids love to run around and play all manner of games like building sandcastles on the shores. For adults, the beach has plenty of spots for a refreshing dip in the sea. For those who love surfing, this is one of the best surfing locations in Wales.
Aberavon Beach
Address: Aberavon Beach, Talbot, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Get excited about baked beans at Baked Bean Museum
Baked Bean Museum of Excellence is owned and operated by Captain Beany. A bean-obsessed superhero who has done an incredible job to make nearly everyone who sets foot into the museum get excited about beans. The museum is full of memorabilia that celebrates canned baked beans in a way that you have never imagined before. In addition to the bean “exhibits,“ you will be treated to unique and spectacular bean performances by Captain Beany. These acts will make you appreciate further the incredible passion that a man can have about baked beans.
Baked Bean Museum of Excellence
Address: Flat 6, Flint House, Moorland Rd, Sandfields, Port Talbot SA12 6JX, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Treat your kids to a day of fun at Margam Country Park
Margam Country Park sits in the countryside and is home to a plethora of fun and exciting attractions that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Kids will love the fun at Adventure Playground with elevated walkways and castles. There is a beautiful farm trail that visitors can use to see various farm animals such as sheep, ponies, rabbits, and cows among others. Then, there is also the Fairytale Village with child-sized cottages for the little ones to have even more fun.
Margam Country Park
Address: Neath SA13 2TJ, United Kingdom
Website: Parc Gwledig Margam Country Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
4. Immerse in an incredible family adventure at Go Ape Margam
Go Ape Museum features some of the best family fun activities in Port Talbot. It offers historic recreation grounds with various amenities for an adventure like zip wires for you to enjoy zooming above the canopies. Also, present within the ground is over 35 thrilling crossings that feature tunnels and bridges that will make you feel like the modern-day Tarzan. A trip to this facility will treat you to three hours of thrilling fun, including a chance to enjoy some of the most amazing views of Margam County Park from the top of the trees.
Go Ape Margam
Address: Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Step back into history at Margam Castle
Margam Castle is a 19th-century gothic mansion that was built in 1830 for Christopher Mansel Talbot. The mansion is of exceptional quality and it has certain spectacular features that make it completely unique from most of the castles you may have probably seen. Some of the notable features include a unique octagonal tower and a vast staircase. A trip to this castle will be a good chance to marvel at the unique architecture and also have a glimpse of life over a hundred years ago.
Margam Castle
Address: Port Talbot SA13 2TJ, United Kingdom
Website: Margam Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
6. Learn about the region’s mining history at South Wales Miner’s Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
South Wales Miner’s Museum was opened to the public in 1976. A trip to this museum will take you back in time with incredible audio and video lessons about the working life of miners in South Wales. The trip also includes an underground tour with some of the notable exhibits such as the Engine House, the Blacksmiths’ Shop, a model steam train, and a lamp room among others.
South Wales Miners' Museum
Address: Afan, Cynonville, Port Talbot SA13 3HG, United Kingdom
Website: South Wales Miners’ Museu
7. Participate in outdoor activities at Afan Forest Park
Are you yearning for outdoor fun but don’t just know exactly what you want? Whether you want to go hiking or picnicking with your family members, Afan Forest Park allows visitors to experience all of it. Even if you are interested in a more leisurely exploration of the entire park, you will have the means to do so, thanks to the thrilling forest safaris on 4x4s.
Afan Forest Park
Address: Port Talbot SA13 3HG, United Kingdom
Website: Afan Forest Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Marvel at the unique carvings at Margam Stone Museum
Margam Stone Museum is located right next to the medieval abbey church—one of the very first church schools in Wales. The museum houses an incredible collection of stones and crosses with some being as old as Christianity. Most of the stones were originally used as milestones placed along the Roman roads. The museum also has a decent collection of medieval inscriptions and sculptors drawn from Margam Abbey. The museum is indeed a tiny space but with giant history.
Margam Stones Museum
Address: Abbey Rd, Port Talbot SA13 2TA, United Kingdom
Website: Margam Stones Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10:30am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
9. Explore the historic Margam Abbey
Margam Abbey has been gracing the grounds of Margam since the mid-12th century. It was a Cistercian monastery initially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. What you will find here currently is a ruin with magnificent pieces of evidence of the abbey’s former glory. The intact nave as well as the immaculate surroundings of the ruins are some of the features that you will love the most here.
Margam Abbey
Address: Port Talbot, Wales SA13 2TA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
10. Grab a refreshing drink at Brit Pub
You may not be in Ireland but that’s not a reason for you not to enjoy a bottle of cold beer at Brit Pub. It is a traditional pub and restaurant serving a variety of high-quality foods and drinks in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. With its reputation for delicious home-cooked and freshly prepared culinary delights, it is a very popular joint for both locals and tourists in the town. This is definitely the go-to place for anyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful selection of gin, real ales, and good wine in a perfect atmosphere.
Brit Pub
Address: London Row, Cwmafan, Port Talbot SA12 9AH, United Kingdom
Website: Name of food establishment
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Appreciate the beauty and attractions in Port Talbot
Port Talbot is a beautiful town with incredible history and a wide range of attractions that will appeal both to the young and the old. Refer to our of the best things to do in Port Talbot, the UK, when planning your travel itinerary.
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