Not many people are familiar with this city in the United Kingdom mainly because it isn’t as popular as other more renowned cities in the country. Ebbw Vale is a small and beautiful city with plenty of unusual tourist destinations. In fact, you’ll be amazed by some of the unique things that you can do and the amazing places you can explore in this hidden gem. The city is also popular among people who travel to Bristol because they often spend a few hours or a day here before going back on the road. Thinking of visiting Ebbw Vale but not sure if the city is worth your time? Keep reading this list. We have put together the top things to do in Ebbw Vale, the UK.
1. Interact with the birds at Festival Park Owl Sanctuary
Get up close with more than 50 birds of prey such as falcons, owls, and, buzzards here at Festival Park Owl Sanctuary. Over time, the bird collection has gotten bigger and more comprehensive thanks to the donations that the sanctuary received. Some of the birds will eventually be released into the wild but some others will stay there for life. Visitors are allowed to have the birds on their hands and to take photos. Other than owls, there are also other types of birds here such as harriers and vultures. The birds also have been trained to respond to visitors’ calls!
Festival Park Owl Sanctuary
Address: Festival Park, Victoria, Ebbw Vale NP23 8FP, United Kingdom
Website: Festival Park Owl Sanctuary
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Learn about the history of the town at Ebbw Vale Works Museum
Want to learn about the history of the steel and iron industry in Ebbw Vale through firsthand resources? Ebbw Vale Works Museum has what you’re looking for. This place is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This historical museum makes the perfect place for an educational day out with friends and families. The friendly staff also enhances the learning experience. You’ll find artifacts and photographs depicting the town during a bygone era here.
Ebbw Vale Works Museum
Address: Steel Works Rd, Ebbw Vale NP23 6AA, United Kingdom
Website: Ebbw Vale Works Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
3. Enjoy cheap popcorn and amazing movies at The Market Hall Cinema
Want to have a movie night with your loved ones without breaking the bank? Then make sure to visit The Market Hall Cinema. A fun and autism-friendly community cinema where you’ll find amazing movies projected on a big screen at affordable prices along with equally affordable snacks. Located in the heart of the town, this cinema is a favorite among locals. It is also said that the cinema is the oldest one in Wales. The theatre is also installed with large comfortable seats that will amp up your whole cinema experience. In short, it’s a great cinema with the cheapest confections in town - it couldn’t get any better than this!
The Market Hall Cinema
Address: Market Square, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale NP23 4AJ, United Kingdom
Website: The Market Hall Cinema
4. Have fun on a Supertubing experience
No matter how old you are, sliding down an inflatable tube in a pool on a hot summer day never gets old. Meet one of the most popular leisure experiences at Festival Park in Ebbw Vale: Supertubing. Visitors will sit on an inflatable tube, then pushed down from the highest point of the ride. Race with your friends or families to see who can reach the end of the slide first.
Supertubing
Address: Festival Park Outlet Shopping Centre, Victoria, Ebbw Vale NP23 8FP, United Kingdom
Websites: Supertubing
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: 5 GBP (6USD)
5. Get active at Ebbw Vale Sports Centre
Get fit at Ebbw Vale Sports Centre - one of the biggest sports centers in town. The place offers many kinds of facilities for individuals of all ages and needs. Since the venue is also often used to host to numerous events and concerts throughout the year, don’t be surprised to find that the place is packed when you come here. Some of the facilities offered here are a 25-meter (82-foot), six-lane swimming pool with viewing gallery, fun pool with slides, fitness suite, weights room, and six court sports hall with seating. In addition to it, there is also is a full-sized grass rugby pitch and 3G artificial pitch.
Ebbw Vale Sports Centre
Address: Lime Ave, Ebbw Vale NP23 6GL, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 10pm; Fri: 6am - 8.45pm; Sat: 7:30am - 4:30pm; Sun: 7:30am - 8:30pm
6. Shop interesting finds at Mary's Garden Centre
This venue is where you go hunting for the perfect gift for your loved ones. The place is comprised of two areas, the shop and a small garden center. You’ll find this place located at the back of Festival Park Shopping Centre’s main car park. The shop sells some of the most unique and interesting items for Christmas, such as edgy garden ornaments and accessories. If you don’t know what to get, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the staff for they are very friendly!
Mary's Garden Centre
Address: J Smith, Garden Centre Festival Park Factory Outlet Shopping Centre, Victoria, Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom, NP23 8FP.
Website: Mary’s Garden Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9:30am - 7pm: Sun: 11am - 5pm
7. Go shopping at Festival Park
Locals like to hang out here mainly because its huge car park has a lot of free parking spots. All of the shops are also wheelchair-friendly and are very well-stocked - you can pretty much find something for everyone. Within the area, you can find a bird sanctuary, places for kids, and eateries such as Masserella cafe. Once you’re done shopping make sure to spend some time admiring the beautiful surrounding view.
Festival Park
Address: Victoria, Ebbw Vale NP23 8FP, United Kingdom
Website: Festival Park
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9:30am - 7pm: Sun: 11am - 5pm
8. Spend a day in nature at Silent Valley Nature Reserve
If your idea of a perfect holiday is a day in woodland covered with lush trees, then this site is for you. In the spring, enjoy the spectacle of leaves twirling and flowers covering the woodland ground in bright colors as far as the eye can see. Also, the view of bluebell flowers covering most of the area on the upper slopes is truly a sight to behold. In summer, you will find insects such as butterflies hopping off one flower to another, and lizards coming out to soak in the warmth of the sunlight. If you come during autumn you’ll witness the mesmerizing view of yellow and red color from the leaves of the trees. Visit this place in winter for great views of ravens doing acrobatic courtship flights.
Silent Valley Nature Reserve
Address: 43 Cendl Terrace, Cwm, Ebbw Vale NP23 7RZ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Relax your mind and soul at Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodlands
Located roughly 1,300 to 1,350 feet (396 to 411 meters) above the sea level, Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodlands is an upland covering approximately 81 hectares (200 acres) of gently curved hills. The site is also sandwiched between steep-sided valleys that follow the border of the rivers Ebbw and Ebbw Fach. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge your body and soul here. Go for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the beautiful scenery in the evening, or pump your adrenaline by going for a run during the day, The site is a must-see spot for nature lovers!
Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodlands
Address: 27 Highlands Rd, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale NP23 5RG, United Kingdom
Website: Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Have a good meal at Glyncoed Fishbar
Where do you go for a plate of top-notch meal in Ebbw Vale? Here. The restaurant is known for its super-crispy and fresh fish and chips. Freshly cooked and generously plated, the dish will make your day! The batter is deliciously juicy and well-seasoned. The place is also spotlessly clean. Once you’re done with their fish and chips, order other delicious dishes as well from the menu! A word of warning though: the place is always busy so make sure that you come early to avoid a long wait.
Glyncoed Fishbar
Address: 14 Commercial Rd, Llanhilleth, Abertillery NP13 2JA, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 3pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
A peaceful holiday in Ebbw Vale
Longing for a relaxing getaway in a peaceful city in the United Kingdom? Ebbw Vale is where you want to be headed for your next holiday. Wake up to a beautiful view of lush hills, mini waterfalls, and rocky mountains. The city is the perfect destination for those who love mountain climbing and biking because in this city there are many routes that are open for exploration. There are many excellent accommodations, too! What more could you ask for?
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