Aberdulais Falls is a hidden gem, a picturesque gorge at the foot of the Dulais River near Neath, that has played a vital part in the early industrialisation of the Welsh valleys. It is actually one of the oldest industrial sites in Britain. The power of the waterfall was first harnessed as early as 1584 when the Mines Royal under Queen Elizabeth I established a copper-smelting plant here. In the 17th & 18th centuries, the waterhweels powered mills that produced textiles and later flour. But its greatest claim to fame is probably as one of the first places where tinplate manufacture was pioneered, leading to the emergence of the Swansea area as the tinplate capital of the world. Today, the site is owned and operated by the National Trust - one of relatively few industrial sites in their portfolio. And the Falls are now used to generate electricity for the site - and to the National Grid - thanks to its own hydro-generation project. The Aberdulais story is told via interactive exhibitions - including a multi-screen movie - and interpretation panels. It is also a haven for wildlife, with pride of place going to a rare flock of Daubenton bats. There are also birds aplenty, including dippers, wagtails and the occasional kingfisher. The famous Aberdulais Falls tearoom - run by volunteers - is renowned for its tea and home-made cakes.
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