In a nutshell
Three limestone caves, slap bang in the middle of the Brecon Beacons, dating back 350 million-odd years. Slimy rocks, subterranean waterfalls and more stalactites than you can throw a stick at (be advised: don’t). It’s all well-lit and spacious, so uncomfortable mining helmets aren’t needed, nor is there any squeezing through potholes. Outside, the attraction is dinosaur-themed, with life-size models of T rex and co dotted about the place – creating a sort of 1970s-style Welsh Jurassic Park. A free app with maps and “treasure hunt” is available but download it beforehand because the phone signal is stone age. There’s also a farm and play barn, with crazy golf coming soon.
Fun fact
Stalagmites grow one cubic millimetre a decade. One cave has a 2m by 40cm pillar. Do the maths.
Best thing(s) about it
The audio tour in Dan-yr-Ogof cave – it’s priceless. Tommy and Jeff, the local farmers who “discovered” the caves in 1912, chat as though they’re down the pub. As the name suggests, the Cathedral Cave boasts an awe-inspiring vaulted ceiling and crystal-clear river for an aisle. It’s open for weddings, too, for those up for a big family day out.
What about lunch?
Fairly standard stuff at the on-site cafe, so a picnic is the best option. Otherwise, there’s the Pen-y-Cae Inn about a mile away that does no-nonsense pub grub.
Exit through the gift shop?
Unavoidable, so steel yourself for requests for shiny pebbles and toy dinosaurs.
Getting there
In the middle of hilly nowhere (between Brecon and Swansea) so a car is the only option. Parking is free.
Value for money?
£13.75 adults, £9.50 kids (3-16 year-olds) – but after three hours you’ll have done everything.
Opening times
10am (last entry at 3pm), seven days a week from April to October, showcaves.co.uk.
Verdict: 6/10
