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Aberdulais
An Industrial Revolution, powered by water since 1584!
Aberdulais, Neath, Neath Port Talbot, SA10 8EU
Opening times for 26 July 2025
Asset Opening time Gwaith Tun a Rhaeadr | Tinworks and Waterfall 10:30 - 15:30 Siop Lyfrau Ail-law | Second-hand bookshop 10:30 - 15:30 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Bookshop
Our Bookshop is open during property opening hours, subject to volunteer availability.
- 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.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs to be kept on short lead.
- 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
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Level access/terrain
- Wheelchairs available
- 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
- Cycling
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.
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
Tucked into the steep-sided gorge of the River Dulais, Aberdulais Falls is home to one of Europe’s largest power-generating waterwheels. Towering over eight metres in diameter, this remarkable piece of engineering once drove the tinplate works that powered a local industry – and now, after years of standing still, it’s turning once again.
Upcoming events
Event
Festival of Archaeology at Aberdulais
On Thursday 24th -Saturday 26th July and Thursday 31st July-Saturday 2nd August enjoy Heritage Explorer Challenge Trail, archaeology-themed arts and crafts, dress up and archaeology play.
Event
Summer of Play at Aberdulais
Come to Aberdulais this summer holidays to enjoy lots of crafts, games, dressing up and more!
Event
Neath Port Talbot Adult Learning in the Community at Aberdulais
Learn something new for free this summer with Neath Port Talbot Adult Learning.
Event
Walk With Us - Aberdulais Well-being walks
Are you looking for exercise, company and conversation? Join us for a weekly, gentle stroll along the canal.
Event
Teddy Bears Picnic at Aberdulais
Bring your Teddy or other soft toy and a Picnic and enjoy the nature and beauty at Aberdulais on Saturday 9 August.
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
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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.