Afan Port Talbot Tourist Information

Aberavon Beach & Surfing Wales

Family holiday hotspot Aberavon beach, the main long stretch of beach serving Port Talbot and Margam is also prime surfing territory. The most popular family attraction on the seafront is the marvellous Afan Lido Leisure Complex one of Wales' best indoor waterpark come sports complex. Inside, kids (and adults) of all ages will love the Aqua Dome with water slides, wave pools, a mock spacecraft and Inca Temple.

The Aquaspa area of the Afan Lido contains a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi & spa, relaxation area and a cold plunge shower for the brave! There's also a large sports centre on-site and fitness classes, gym facilities, indorr bowls and more are all offered. See the Afan Lido Leisure Complex weblink right for details of opening times.

Also in the area is a 6 screen Apollo multiplex which has excellent disabled/wheelchair access to all screens. You can't miss it on Aberavon Beach. Tel: 0871 2206000 for 24 hour booking and information on current screenings.

Afan Lido, Princess Margaret Way, Aberavon Sea Front, Port Talbot, SA12 6QN. Tel: 01639 871444.

Afan Forest Park & Mountain Bike Holidays

The Afan Forest Park just behind Port Talbot near Neath, once an area of coal mining, now offers a choice of prime mountain bike trails, including the renowned world class trails the Penhydd (22km/forest and road climbs/superb views/open flowing singletrack)), the Wall (23km/singletrack on the north side of the park/mix of fast, open and flowing to tight technical and rooty), Skyline (a long one at 46km, commencing at the Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre, quite rocky in parts, a real challenge for the experienced mountain biker and White's Level (24km/also starting at Glyncorrwg, this is a good technical trail wiith drops/stepdowns and singletrack climbs). With over 100km of singletrack this park is a mountain biker's paradise.Something for everyone here, from the experienced to the beginner. In fact you don't even need a mountain bike on some of the easier tracks which are suitable for all kinds of bikes.

For the experienced mountain biker the variety of steep climbing bike trails criss crossing through beautiful woodland are a real challenge (see Afan Forest Park weblink right). The Afan Forest Park main visitor centre has a host of facilities including a campsite, conference room, cafe, shop and plenty of information leaflets on the park. Numerous walking and cycling trails fan out from the visitors centre including two renowned mountain bike trails. The superb South Wales Minters Museum is also situated within the visitors centre! The centre sits just on the main A4107. Follow the signs for the Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre - you'll see plenty of them. Tel: 01639 850564.

The newer Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre and Ponds is just past the main Afan Forest Park visitors centre towards Cymmer. Brown and white signs make it easy to find (note the sharp left turn towards Glyncorrwg). This centre is where the dedicated mountain bike fans tend to head, as two world class mountain bike trails fan out from this visitors centre. Also on-site is a well stocked bike shop, a campsite and showers, a jet wash, cafe and tourist information. The cafe has an outside terrace offering lovely views.

If you prefer walking then the Afan Forest Park won't disappoint. Plenty of walking trails, many of which start from the main visitor centre or Rhyslyn car park, are waiting to be discovered. Pick up walking trail maps from the visitor centre.