|
The industrial community developed on the eastern edge of Swansea Bay located on the southwestern coast of Glamorgan. The territory began as a medieval market and port town under the rule of the Lords of Afan. The village industrialised early by developing a copper mining and smelting operation in the late 1500s. The combination of an abundant coal supply and water enabled the ability to power mills and machinery required for operating the docks. With these assets, Port Talbot gained wealth quickly.
The Talbot family owned the land in the late 1700s. The Talbot family financed the construction of the Margan Abbey and the Margan Castle, a mock medieval Gothic residence. In 1830, Christopher Talbot began formulating a plan for developing an ironworks operation on his land. One year later, coal and iron ore mining began. The town officially became Port Talbot in 1839. After his passing, Talbot’s daughter Charlotte carried on the family business. With the assistance of engineers, Charlotte constructed a railway system and implemented port improvements.
By 1900, 500,000 tons of coal left the docks of Port Talbot. This number drastically increased to 3 million by 1923. The prosperity of the Talbot family business soon attracted investors, subsequently influencing the establishment of a chemical plant. In 2005, Port Talbot had a licensed radio station. Motion picture producers have used the impressive view of the massive steelworks structure in several films.
Activities and Attractions
Explore the beautiful Welsh countryside at the Margam Country Park, encompassing 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of grassland, lakes and wooded areas. The location contains many scenic trails for biking and walking. The visitor’s centre in the castle courtyard has refreshment facilities and restrooms. Portions of the castle are open to the public. The castle grounds include an orangey filled with carefully selected flowering plants and trees.
The visitor’s centre is the starting location for paths travelling throughout the park. One of the latest attractions includes the wacky baked bean museum. A young entrepreneur developed the location, which houses hundreds of historical and unusual items paying homage to the popular food.
The farm and wood vibrations trails were developed especially for young guests. The facility’s deer park dates back to Roman occupation. Venturing along the farm trail, youngsters encounter a bevy of domestic animals of all sizes from rabbits to cattle. The unique wood vibrations trail features a collection of playable wooden instruments created from felled trees. Orienteering trails allow individuals to learn mapping skills or hone current experience in levels ranging from easy to difficult. There are also a number of geocache sites.
Individuals yearning for physically challenging activities visit the high wire adventure area of the park. Crawl through tunnels, climb rope ladders and fly through the treetops on ziplines. Another option for experiencing the local environs while getting an adrenaline rush involves checking out any number of adventure tour companies. Facilities provide equipment and training for activities ranging from canoeing and white water rafting to canyoning and rock climbing.
When the mining industry ended in the 1970s, miners got together and established the South Wales Miners Museum. See authentic equipment used for mining the precious minerals and learn about a typical day in the life of a miner. The facility paints a realistic picture of common occupational hazards and how children and women frequently worked the mines.
Places to Stay and Dining
In addition to providing comfortable, modern conveniences, some Port Talbot hotels regularly feature live entertainment shows. Enjoy a specially prepared carvery and attend venues that may include popular comedians or big name musicians.
Guests enjoy lunch or dinner at La Memo Brasserie. Start the meal with homemade soup and baguettes followed by linguine topped with spicy tomato sauce, bacon and parmesan cheese. Dessert options include freshly prepared cheesecake, crème brulee or decadent ice cream.
Accommodation in Port Talbot
Show Bed & Breakfasts in Port Talbot
Show Hotels in Port Talbot
Show Holiday Apartments in Port Talbot
| 
