If you would like to contact us for any reason, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please check the FAQs (frequently asked questions) list below first for possible answers to your query. Also remember that some of the comment are meant in a light-hearted manner, so make sure your sense of humour is turned on. To send us an email please click here.

FAQs

Why does the spelling vary frequently between Blaenafon and Blaenavon - can't you make up your mind?

The name of the town was originally Blaenafon (Welsh for 'source of the river'), but the English influence in the last century was so strong that generally 'f's were written as 'v's in most Welsh place names that weren't simply Anglicised (such as Cardiff from Caerdydd) or renamed (Newport from Casnewydd - new castle). It seems likely that the town name will gradually revert to the original spelling as has happened elsewhere, but in most official references it is still spelt the English way. This website uses both spellings regularly interchanged as a device to secure maximum exposure on search engines, the signposts of the Internet, but we prefer Blaenafon as being more authentic. The subject of place names can raise strong emotions (there was a long graffiti campaign in the 70s to delete all road-sign references to the seaside town 'Barry' and spray-paint in the Welsh alternative 'Y Bari') but a recent poll of Blaenavon residents showed no strong preference either way.

Do they speak English or Welsh in Blaenafon?

English, albeit with a strong Welsh accent! Welsh is actually only spoken as the first language in a few areas of Wales, mainly in the Northwest and West, although it's taught in schools throughout the principality. Estimates of how many people in Wales can actually speak Welsh vary greatly, (usually between roughly 10% and 30%, probably realistically about 15%) but depending on both how much of a language one needs to know before one can be said to 'speak' it and also which view is being supported, the figure can be exagerrated or diminished. What is indisputable is that virtually everyone in Wales now speaks English by necessity (the exceptions being recent immigrants) and in the areas around Newport and Cardiff you would be unlikely to find many people who understand Welsh well, let alone speak it regularly, although the numbers are growing. (This view is often challenged by those who know groups of people in both cities that can speak Welsh, but so do we - and it remains a fact that they are a small minority.) However, most signs and official publications are bilingual in a valid attempt to display the language and it is a popular choice of study for adult education. But for now, the only conversational Welsh you're likely to hear in Blaenavon is in the classroom.

Do they really keep a 'Welcome in the Hillsides' or are they actually fed up with tourists?

This isn't France! Blaenafon folk uphold the best welcoming tradition of the Valleys knowing the strength of the town comes from its immigrant fathers drawn from all over the UK and beyond, a mere century and a half ago. Welsh hospitality generally is legendary - the natives really are friendly.

I can't find a listing of any hotels in Blaenafon. Where do I stay?

At the moment Blaenafon is not well served by hotels but in some ways this adds to the charm, although not to the town coffers. The expensive corporate dormitories that serve Cardiff and Newport are best avoided unless you require luxury (in which case, try the Celtic Manor in Newport) so our advice is to drive the Pontypool - Abergavenny - Brecon corridor where small bed and breakfast accommodation or old 'coach inn' hotels and pub rooms abound. There are a few B & Bs in or near Blaenavon and some are listed below. Of Blaenafon's pubs, the Cordell Coutry Inn is just over the mountain towards Abergavenny and enjoys nice views - the Rifleman's Arms just north of the centre has a modern annex and the Castle in Broad Street has basic facilities. But as mentioned in the text, why not just turn up and enquire for accommodation at the ironworks visitor centre or at any pub. . Finding somewhere to stay around Blaenavon is not normally going to be a problem, although as always don't leave it too late in the day, especially at busy periods. If you find somewhere nice to stay, let us know.

Bed & Breakfast accommodation in or near Blasenavon:
(distances from town centre)
1 Oakfield Terrace, Varteg Road, NP4 9DS (0.6 miles/1km) 01495 792 829
Red Rooster Cafe, 23 Broad St, NP4 9NE (town centre) 01495 791 840
Cordell Country Inn, Blaenavon Rd, Govilon NP7 9NY (2.5miles/4km) 01873 830 436
Rutland Cottage, Cwmavon Road, NP4 8XJ (3.2 miles/5km) 01495 772 222
Rifleman's Arms, Rifle Street, NP4 9QS (0.5miles/0.8km) 01495 792 297
The Castle, 94 Broad Street, NP4 9ND (town centre) 01495 792 477

Where is the nearest international airport to Blaenafon?

Cardiff Airport at Rhoose is the nearest airport, but has limited international flights. The same applies to nearby Bristol. However, London Heathrow is only 2 hours or so away by car, with rail and coach connections to Newport. London Gatwick and West Midland airports are feasible alternatives.

Can I spend euros in Wales?

No. Unfortunately, even credit card acceptance is not guaranteed in a society that is just coming to terms with decimalisation of the pound. Bring sterling cash and plenty of beads! (We also receive regular complaints about this section - it is a JOKE, but like all good humour does have an element of truth!) Blaenavon does now have an ATM cash machine situated at the junction of Broad Street with Lion Street, near the library.

How expensive is it to visit South Wales?

This is one of the best value areas of the UK to visit. The cost of accommodation, food, pub drinks and entrance charges must be among the lowest in Britain. Even prices in Cardiff and Newport, although more expensive than the smaller towns, are reasonable compared to other cities of similar sizes elsewhere in the UK and much cheaper than London.