If you enjoy walking then the adjacent Vale of Neath is the place for you. For over 200 years artists and naturalists have been attracted by the abundance of waterfalls in the area. The famous English painter J M W Turner painted the most well known waterfall, Aberdulais Falls that is now owned by the National Trust. Another nearby waterfall, Melincwrt Falls is also very beautiful and has relatively easy access.

At Neath and Port Talbot are Gnoll, Afan Argoed and Margam Country Parks. Each park is an incorporate large area of woodland with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Margam Park has a giant chess and draughts game, a maze where you can get lost for hours and the restored Margam Castle and Orangery, the country home of a former wealthy industrialist. The long-established Penscynor wildlife park, at Aberdulais in the Vale of Neath, is one of South Wales' most enduringly popular attractions. Its large collection of animals and birds includes penguins, flamingos, eagles, monkeys and chimpanzees. The large site, spread out across a wooded hillside, keeps families entertained all day. In addition to the wildlife visitors can enjoy a chair lift leading to an alpine slide toboggan run, a walk-in farmyard, children's playground and radio-controlled cars and boats. Penscynor is committed to the captive breeding of endangered species. Many of its animals are part of national and international conservation programmes for species facing extinction in the wild.

In the nearby Neath area, the ruins of Neath Abbey can be visited. Richard Graville founded the Abbey in 1130. The wealth it acquired during the 13^th century was used to build the present church (1280 - 1330). Described as "the fairest Abbey in Wales" by antiquary John Leland and dissolved in 1539; Neath was bought in the late 16^th century by Sir John Herbert who converted the Abbot's house into a country mansion.

Neath Castle was one of the minor Norman castles in the lordship of Glamorgan. Like the Romans before them, the Normans chose this strategic spot guarding the river crossing for a stronghold. The main surviving feature of the castle is the great twin-towered gatehouse on its west side. This belongs to the latest phase in its 250-year history.  

Eaglesbush Valley  is a tranquil woodland pathway within the otherwise densely populated area of Melincrythan, the woodland is a particular delight in the late Spring/early Summer.

Discover the power of water at Aberdulais Falls, for centuries this famous waterfall has provided the energy to drive the wheels of industry.

Visit Cefn Coed Colliery Museum, a magnificent steam winding engine, now electrically driven, a simulated gallery and a fascinating display of mining tools and equipment are the highlights of this museum housed in the original buildings of the former Cefn Coed Colliery.

South Wales Miners Museum is located within the Afan Argoed Countryside Centre. This intimate museum depicts the story of the miner and his family in the South Wales Valleys.

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