Dinosaur replica

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Cultural Attraction
in/near Brecon, Powys,
Wales Mid

Recommendation added: 19/10/2006 21:51
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +191)

velvet202 has been thanked 5 times for this contribution

"Situated in Brecon Beacons National Park 25 minutes from the M4, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales was voted Britain's Finest Natural Wonder in 2004, and a must see-attraction for visitors with or without children.

There's three caves in total: Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. The Bone Cave is probably the most famous of them since it's also the easiest accessible one. It received its name after 42 human skeletons were found inside. Some of the human bones date more than 3000 years back and are exhibited in one of the chambers together with pottery and coins that depict everyday life during the Bronze Age.

Cathedral Cave is highly popular as an unusual place to hold a wedding. The walls are covered in natural carvings and stone formations created by natural forces such as wind and water. During the last ten years, hundreds of lights were installed to make it easier for visitors to admire the unique stone structure.

Dan-yr-Ogof is not easily accessible but once you manage to climb your way up and have passed the river Llynfell, a ten miles vault built of silvery stalactites and stalagmites will take your breath away. Although the stone is not precious, it shines like pure diamonds. Taking photos here is not allowed as light would damage the walls.

Especially children will love the nearby dinosaur park and its real-life imitations of the giants that dominated our earth 65 million years ago. This is one of the worlds largest dinosaur parks and was the inspiration for Hollywood blockbuster Jurassic Park.
Other attractions here include the Shire Horse Barn, where children and adults can choose to step into the footsteps of the knights in medieval times and ride on huge war horses, and the stone monuments, which were probably erected as burial chambers by people during the Bronze Age.

Visiting the National Showcaves is a great experience for the entire family because there is so much to see and do and no one will get bored. Maybe a little bit tired, but then there's also a cosy café near the Dinosaur park where you can relax while talking about one of the most adventurous places in the UK."