The Valleys of South Wales

Naturally speaking 

You might already have a picture in your mind of what holidays in  South Wales Valleys are all about.  It probably needs an update.  We’d like to introduce you to The Welsh Valleys of today.

We are very proud of our Industrial Heritage, the Valleys were at the heart of the Industrial Revolution.  Today you can follow the great stories and achievements of that age, history is all around, and on show in a range of Visitor Attractions, the only coal mine is Big Pit  in Blaenavon where you can take a tour with an ex miner. What you will also see are country parks, lakes and forests, open hillsides and green mountains. 

And here’s another surprise.  The world is just waking up to the fact that The Valleys are home to a captivating choice of attractions and places to visits, like Caerphilly Castle or Blaenavon, a World Heritage site.  Not to mention the wide range of activities and events that can be played out against our terrific landscape. 

So you’ll find that things have changed.  But what hasn’t altered is the strong Valleys spirit.  Walk into any hotel or restaurant and you will find that Valleys folk are genuinely warm and friendly.  It all comes naturally in the South Wales Valleys – the Heart & Soul of Wales.

For holidays or short breaks in South Wales, the Valleys make a refreshing change.

Only Men Aloud join Heart and Soul campaign

Britain’s favourite choir, Only Men Aloud, have joined ‘The Valleys Heart and Soul’ campaign. The choir returned to their roots for a special concert in New Tredegar on 28 February 2010. The choir rocked the Carmel English Baptist Chapel where they gave their first ever performance in 2000 and were joined by special guest Bonnie Tyler.

Don’t worry if you missed them Only Men Aloud will also be headlining at the Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys National Eisteddfod opening concert in The Works, Ebbw Vale on 31 July 2010.

Please click for further information on Only Men Aloud and make sure you watch the video below.

Archbishop of Canterbury unveils Wales' 'Guardian'

A 20m statue to rival the Angel of the North will tower over South Wales from 28 June 2010 as the 'Guardian' was unveiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury to commemorate 50 years since the 1960 Six Bells Colliery Disaster.

The day marks 50 years exactly since 45 men lost their lives in Wales' last major mining disaster in Six Bells Colliery in Blaenau Gwent, one of the worst post war mining disasters in British coal mining history.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Six Bells Communities First secured the £200,000 funding from a variety of sources including a Welsh Assembly Government Head of the Valleys Partnership aimed at regenerating the region.

Please click for further information on the unveiling of the 'Guardian' memorial.