About Neath

Neath is a great place for shopping and relaxing or to enjoy its many attractions.

Here is just a taste.

The impressive indoor Victorian market was built by William Whittington and opened in 1837. Take time out to enjoy the traditional food on offer there served up with a warm Welsh welcome.

Or enjoy your lunch in the tranquil surroundings of Victoria Gardens in the heart of the town centre. There you will find the 19th century bandstand and also a circle of standing stones, erected there for the 1918 National Eisteddfod.

Within walking distance is the beautiful Gnoll Estate, just north of the town centre. Many features include waymarked paths through the woods and the historic gardens where you can stroll around the lake. Whilst there take a look at the newly opened environment centre.

If you fancy putting your feet up then why not experience a trip on the Neath and Tennant Canals. The ‘Thomas Dadford’ canal boat departs from Aberdulais canal basin every Saturday from June to September, and daily during school holidays.

Just five minutes away by car is the tranquil setting of Aberdulais Falls which houses Europe’s largest electricity-generating water wheel. The industrial heritage of this area goes back to 1584, when copper was first manufactured. Iron smelting and corn milling followed, with a tin plate works being built around 1830. As well as powering industries for over 400 years, this magnificent waterfall inspired artist J M W Turner in 1795.

The Tourist Information Centre is based there, so pop in to find out more about the local attractions and events taking place in Neath, such as Neath Town Festival and the famous September Fair, which, according to the Showman’s Guild, is the most important in Wales.

You can contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01639 636674 or aberdulais@nationaltrust.org.uk

Neath town centre

Neath town centre is as an excellent base from which to explore the area. From the ancient ruins at Neath Abbey to Waterfall Walks in the Vale of Neath and the beautiful and historic Gnoll Estate. There is plenty to see and do during your visit.

For more information and ideas on things to see and do in Neath Port Talbot visit the Tourist Information Centre at Aberdulais Falls.The tourist information centre is there to help make your visit an enjoyable one. Friendly staff are on hand with tips and advice on places to visit and stay. The centre also stocks an excellent range of gifts, postcards and souvenirs.

Opening Times

April – October - 7 days a week

November to March - Weekends only

Contact

Aberdulais Falls Tourist Information Centre

Aberdulais Falls, Neath SA10 8EU

Tel: 01639 636674

Email: aberdulais@nationaltrust.org.uk

Neath RFC

Neath RFC is the oldest senior rugby club in Wales having played its first game in February 1872, some nine years before the Welsh Rugby Union was formed at the Castle Hotel, Neath in 1881.

The club’s famous All Black strip was adopted after a player, Dick Gordon, died following injury at Bridgend in 1880 and the club crest of a White Maltese Cross was allegedly added to break the monotony.

The Welsh All Blacks have been Welsh club champions more times than any other club in :- 1909/10, 1910/11, 1928/29, 1933/34, 1934/35, 1946/47, 1966/67, 1986/87, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91(first National League winners), 1995/96, 2004/05,

2005/06 and 2006/07.

Neath became the first winners of the WRU Cup in centenary season 1971/72 and have since won it again in 1988/89, 1989/90 and 2003/04.

The Gnoll has witnessed many classic games, capacity crowds witnessing fixtures against the world’s greatest rugby nations New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Visit the Welsh All Blacks Sports Shop at

13 Old Market

St Neath

Tel: 01639 622038

Or for free flowing local rugby visit the home of the Welsh all Blacks at the Gnoll.