Aberdulais Falls

Aberdulais Falls is a historic building in Blaenhonddan, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Aberdulais Falls

Aberdulais Falls is a waterfall on the River Dulais in Neath Port Talbot, Wales, where water has powered industry since the sixteenth century.

The site began as one of Wales's earliest copper smelting works, later serving tinplate production and milling before falling into disuse.

The National Trust has restored it and installed a working hydro-electric turbine that still generates power from the same water that once drove the industrial works.

Visitors can access a viewing platform over the falls.

History of Aberdulais Falls

Industry at Aberdulais is thought to date back to 1584, when the falls were harnessed for one of the earliest copper smelting operations in Wales, exploiting the fast-flowing water for power. Over the following centuries the site was used for tinplate production and milling before falling into disuse. The National Trust took on the site and restored it, installing a working hydro-electric turbine that now supplies power back to the National Grid.

Architecture of Aberdulais Falls

What survives on site today is largely industrial architecture, including weirs, leats and the remains of old works buildings that channelled the river for power.

Worth knowing

The painter J. M. W. Turner is said to have sketched the falls during his 1795 tour of Wales, drawn by the drama of the water and the ironworks beside it.

Facilities

Parking Toilets Shop

Plan your visit to Aberdulais Falls

Prices Opening times Official site Google Maps Waze

Nearest station: Neath Rail Station (1.8 miles)

Check the official National Trust website for current opening times, as hours vary seasonally.

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Places to visit near Aberdulais Falls

Old Works Library

historic building 0.2 miles

View Old Works Library on heritage map

Neath Abbey

historic building 2.5 miles

Visit Neath Abbey View Neath Abbey on heritage map

Swansea Castle

castle 8.2 miles

View Swansea Castle on heritage map

Margam Stones Museum

museum 8.5 miles

View Margam Stones Museum on heritage map

Loughor Castle

castle 13 miles

View Loughor Castle on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Aberdulais Falls there are 2 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across Cadw and National Trust sites.

1 Cadw

1 National Trust

2 Historic building

See these 2 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Aberdulais Falls there are 4 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across Cadw and National Trust sites.

3 Cadw

1 National Trust

2 Historic building

1 Castle

1 Museum

See these 4 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Aberdulais Falls there are 15 historic properties, including 8 castles and 5 historic buildings, across Cadw and National Trust sites.

13 Cadw

2 National Trust

8 Castle

5 Historic building

1 Domestic