Audio Trails

During the 12th century, Nevern Castle stuck out like a sore thumb, proudly stamping its authority on the Pembrokeshire landscape. Today, you’d be forgiven for walking straight past it. The stone and timber defences are nearly all gone, yet entombed in the earth are treasures: fragments of pottery and other artefacts that provide a window into castle life in the 1100s. The short and colourful life of Nevern Castle, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, has been brought to life in this audio trail for visitors.

Around Parc Penallta, Caerphilly you will find a number of public art installations. Some are quite small, others such as Sultan the Pit Pony - the UK's largest figurative earth sculpture - are best viewed from the air. Listen to the stories behind these sculptures. Can you find them all?

Parc Cwm Darran is a peaceful country park set in the heart of the Darran Valley, Caerphilly. Discover how this visitor attraction has been transformed from a ‘toxic planet’ to a wildlife haven in less than thirty years. Okay, so the toxic planet was for BBC’s Doctor Who, but it provided the perfect Martian landscape for the series in the late 1970’s. Listen to this audio trail to find out what happened here to make it a suitable alien backdrop?

Starting at Rhondda Heritage Park, this countryside walk rises above the famous Rhondda valley and local historians and an ex-miner tell us about the coal mines that once filled theValley.You will also visit a number of industrial heritage sites.Why not combine it with a visit to the Heritage Park and immerse yourself in the history of Wales’ most famous mining valley. (NB. Appropriate clothing and footwear required for this walk).

See where the first National Eisteddfod took place, where a pioneer of cinema first showed his films, learn about the first leader of the Labour Party and why Aberdare was the ‘Athens of Wales’. Leading members of Cynon Valley History Society share their knowledge.

Discover how this river crossing became a town born out of the industrial revolution. Cross what was once the longest single span bridge in the world, learn about the creators of the Welsh national anthem, visit one of South Wales’ iconic town parks, see where two of Wales’ most well known rivers – the Rhondda and the Taff meet and much more.

This fascinating medieval town high on a hill has many historic secrets to reveal. Did you know the first cremation took place here? It was of a baby and was conducted by a druid.The unfortunate King Edward II was imprisoned here and the longbowmen who won the Battle of Crecy came from this area too. An historic church, medieval market and workhouses for the poor add to the story of this ancient place.

The ghost of William Bryant – once a worker at the Hirwaun Ironworks, shares his memories of his life and the history of this former iron town which originated in the 18th century. Unlock the secrets of the ironworks, the brickworks and the railway – all long disappeared.