Abercraf, Swansea, SA9 1GJ, on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Cave
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
Full day
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Three different caves make this more than a single underground stop: follow decorated passages in Dan-yr-Ogof, enter the vast Cathedral Cave and its waterfall-filled Dome of St Paul’s, then explore the human story of Bone Cave.
The showcaves combine striking limestone formations with a genuinely varied underground experience: long decorated passages, vast caverns, waterfalls and the archaeological story of Bone Cave. The above-ground attractions make it a substantial family day out, though the site is a managed, ticketed attraction rather than a wild, quiet cave visit.
Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapAbercraf, Swansea, SA9 1GJ, on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
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The experience
A paid, multi-part visit centred on Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave, with a dinosaur park, Shire Horse Centre, farm, Iron Age village, museum and other attractions also described by the sources. Allow time to explore at your own pace and check current access and opening details before setting out.
Things to do
Walk Dan-yr-Ogof’s decorated passages
Follow the visitor route through the cave’s decorated passages; the Visit Wales listing describes the route as almost one kilometre.
Allow time within a 2–3-hour cave visit
See the waterfalls in Cathedral Cave
Explore the vast caverns and reach the Dome of St Paul’s, where waterfalls are described at the end of the cave experience.
Explore Bone Cave’s human story
Find out about the 42 human skeletons discovered in Bone Cave and how people used the caves.
Visit the Iron Age village and stone circles
Add the reconstructed Iron Age village and stone circles to the cave visit; both are listed among the centre’s attractions.
Follow the dinosaur displays
Look for life-sized dinosaur models, including T. rex, Brachiosaurus and Tsintaosaurus, in the Dinosaur Park.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 2–3 hours
Three caves, one underground journey
- 01
Follow the visitor route through Dan-yr-Ogof’s decorated passages.
- 02
Continue to Cathedral Cave and take in its vast caverns and waterfalls.
- 03
Visit Bone Cave to explore its archaeological story.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the showcaves
- 01
Explore the three cave routes, allowing time to pause at the formations and waterfalls.
- 02
Visit the museum and Iron Age village.
- 03
Check current café arrangements for a break before leaving.
Full Wildland day · Full day
The full centre experience
- 01
Start with the three showcaves: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave.
- 02
Explore the dinosaur park and its life-sized models.
- 03
Continue to the Shire Horse Centre, farm and Iron Age village.
- 04
Allow time for the museum, stone circles and other attractions; check current opening and facilities before visiting.
Verified history
Bone Cave is associated with the discovery of 42 human skeletons. The centre presents the cave as a place to learn how people used caves; the supplied sources do not provide a detailed account of the individuals or a precise date for the discovery.
Hidden details
The story beneath Bone Cave — The centre highlights the discovery of 42 human skeletons in Bone Cave. Look for the interpretation that explains what is known about the find and cave use.
When to go
· Check the official website for current opening times and plan arrival around the latest visitor information.
The main showcave experience is underground, but the sources do not establish a best season. Opening dates and current visitor arrangements should be checked before travelling.
The caves are underground; the centre also includes outdoor attractions, so check the forecast and current visitor information before travelling.
What to look for
Notice the decorated passages in Dan-yr-Ogof, the scale of Cathedral Cave and its waterfalls, and the archaeological story associated with Bone Cave. Above ground, look out for the Iron Age village, stone circles and life-sized dinosaur models.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Check the centre’s current opening dates before planning a visit; the caves offer an underground experience whatever the weather outside.
Check the official website for current opening dates and ticket availability. The caves are underground, so outdoor weather is less central to the cave visit; allow extra time for the wider outdoor attractions in wet conditions.
How long to spend
Full day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Teens · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10-11:30am
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10-11:30am
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 10-11:30am
- Saturday: 10am-1pm
- Sunday: 10am-1pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A paid visitor attraction with routes through three showcaves and additional outdoor and indoor attractions. Check current opening dates, tickets, route conditions and accessibility details before travelling. The caves may be cool; suitable footwear and warm layers are sensible.
Check before visiting
Parking
On-site parking is listed by the Bannau Brycheiniog tourism source. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by Visit Wales. Check current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A coffee shop is described by the official site and Visit Wales. Check current opening and food options.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check the centre’s current dog policy before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. This does not confirm that cave routes or all attractions are wheelchair accessible; contact the centre to check route-specific access.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Waterfalls and an underground river are described within the cave experience. This does not establish permission for swimming or paddling.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph6.4Craig-y-Nos Country Park
Brecon Road, Pen-y-cae, Swansea Valley, SA9 1GL
0.6 km away
Place photograph8.2Henrhyd Falls
Near Coelbren, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Wales
4.4 km away
