Blackwood Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo "Blackwood" by Stuart Wilding (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Blackwood" by Ralph Rawlinson (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Blackwood" by Sally Lloyd (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Blackwood" by Stuart Wilding (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Blackwood" by Robin Drayton (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Situatedin the Southof Wales on the banks of the rushing Sirhowy River, Blackwoodis rare for a Welsh town in that it was never a major centre of mining. Althoughit may not have bloomed at the peak of Wales’ coal-miningindustry, it makes up for this today as a bustling commercial and retail hub,home to hi-tech businesses and great shops.

Blackwoodis more than just a business district, however. Its location in the undulatinghills and valleys of the Caerphillycountryside means it is also a popular base for those looking to explore theWelsh countryside, including the abundance of outdoor activities available inthe nearby BreconBeacons National Park.

Naturein Blackwood

Walkers,cyclists and rock climbers will easily find a rocky trail or cliff face to keepthem happy in the Brecon Beacons National Park. For something more local, whynot hike along the Sirhowy River? Once heavily polluted by mining, a clean-upoperation in the area means this is now a picturesque beauty spot. In fact, intestament to the river’s renewed purity, salmon breeding was recently recordedhere for the first time in over 100 years.

Golfin Blackwood

Ifhiking is a bit strenuous for your tastes, you could perhaps enjoy the Monmouthshirecountryside from Blackwood Golf Course. Whilesmall – only nine holes, rather than the traditional 18 – this parkland course neverthelessmakes a tranquil afternoon out. If you’re looking to play, you’ll need to bringyour handicap certificate. That said, the clubhouse is open to everyone, andhas some hearty meals and a warm Welsh welcome on offer.

Architecturein Blackwood 

Traversingthe Sirhowy Valley, the Chartist Bridge was opened in 2005 as part of a regenerationproject in the area. The bridge itself is an impressive manmade complement tothe surrounding countryside and provides fantastic views over the lush valleyand the river at its centre. You could also visit Blackwood Baptist Church, a minimalisticexample of Victorian architecture with some exquisite stained glass windows.

Culturein Blackwood 

Aftera day in the countryside, or working in Cardiff, relax with a drink in one ofthe Blackwood’s many traditional pubs. If you’renot a big drinker, you could also soak up the 1930s splendour of the Maximecinema. Situated right in the centre of Blackwood,some of the original features of this cinema are still present today. Ascinemas go, the snacks and the tickets are surprisingly affordable, too.

Finally,why not see what’s on at the Blackwood Little Theatre? As the name suggests, thislocal community theatre is not large, but the performances definitely are. Cutting-edge,despite its small size, Blackwood Little Theatre wasone of the first in the UK to put on an amateur production of Calendar Girls

EnjoyBlackwood Today

Whetheryou’re here on business, for an unforgettable outdoor holiday, or just want abreak from the hubbub of big city life, Blackwoodmakes a great Welsh getaway. Search online for a great deal and book your tripto Blackwood today with Expedia.

Where to stay in Blackwood

Pontllanfraith

Though Pontllanfraith may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bargoed Woodland Park and Sirhowy Valley Country Park.

Pontllanfraith
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Cefn Fforest

While Cefn Fforest may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bargoed Woodland Park and Parc Penallta.

Cefn Fforest

Pengam

When in Pengam, you can plan a visit to Bargoed Woodland Park and Sirhowy Valley Country Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pengam

Oakdale

While there might not be top attractions in Oakdale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bargoed Woodland Park and Guardian - Six Bells Mining Memorial.

Oakdale

Argoed

Argoed might not have many top sights, but Bargoed Woodland Park and Guardian - Six Bells Mining Memorial are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Argoed

Penmaen

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Penmaen and surrounding area, you can visit Bargoed Woodland Park and Guardian - Six Bells Mining Memorial.

Penmaen
Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Maesycwmmer, nr Ystrad Mynach, Blackwood, Wales
The price is ₹15,211 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
₹15,211
₹18,254 total
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Blackwood. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Parc Penallta ...
8/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
"Lovely stay."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,468 reviews)
"Ideal location for visiting Cardiff, right opposite the castle. Walking distance for shops, eateries, bars, castle and museum. Hotel has no parking itself but there's an NCP just around the corner. Useful disabled access door and lift round the right hand side of the hotel. Sadly only one of the ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

The Angel Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Westgate Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,405 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹9,405
₹11,287 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,712 reviews)
Very comfortable hotel
"lovely hotel, very friendly and helpful Staff outstanding room"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

The Parkgate Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (262 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
The Old Stables
The Old Stables
3.5 out of 5
Caerllwyn Ganol Farm, Twyn Gwyn Road, Mynyddislwyn, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free parking, a garden and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Twmbarlwm ...
Lovely apartments in a lovely location.
"Fantastic self contained apartments in a lovely location. Immaculately kept and a big comfy bed! Staff very friendly and came to see us to make sure we'd settled in OK. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2024

The Old Stables
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Blackwood

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 22%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visited the lake and what a surprise lovely walk beautiful all around

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