Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves
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Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

4.7
·5k reviews·Abercraf, United Kingdom

Explore breathtaking caves, wander amongst dinosaurs, and step back in time at the Iron Age farm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore breathtaking caves, wander amongst dinosaurs, and step back in time at the Iron Age farm.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A must-visit gem in Wales! Perfect for families and absolutely wonderful for kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be steep and slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the caves and trails.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the caves and dinosaur trail, but not the farm park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

Marvel at the breathtaking waterfall and vast, awe-inspiring natural beauty within this grand cavern.

Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

Wander amongst 350 lifelike dinosaurs, offering a fun and educational Jurassic Park-like experience.

Iron Age Farm

Iron Age Farm

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves

Step back in time at the Iron Age village, offering a glimpse into ancient Welsh life and roaming animals.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Caves & Terrain

Be prepared for steep inclines and uneven paths within the caves. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the natural formations and dinosaur trails. Consider the terrain if mobility is a concern, as some areas are challenging.

Maximizing Your Visit

While the caves are a highlight, don't miss the dinosaur park and Iron Age farm. Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the attractions. Check for any special events or seasonal activities, especially around holidays.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy the outdoor attractions fully
Crowd
Medium
When
Halloween season
Why
Special themed events and atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bouncing Below #bouncebelow #Wales #zipworld #fyp #caves #walestravel #walestiktok #blaenauffestiniog
@davidedwards141
522K likes • 3.9M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be steep and slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the caves and trails. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the caves and dinosaur trail, but not the farm park. Instagram

One of the coolest things I’ve done this year - trampolining in caves ⛰️ about a 2 hour drive from Manchester city centre and so so worth it 🤯📍Zip World Llechwedd #manchester #lifeinmanchester #funthingstodo #trampolineincave #manchesterlife #manchesterlifestyle #Wales #walesthingstodo #whattodoinmanchester #manchesterweekend #manchesterblogger #ukthingstodo #bestthingstodoinmanchester #bestthings...
@lifeinmanchester
315.9K likes • 2.7M views
Great afternoon at Dan yr Ogof, the national showcaves of wales. Kids absolutely loved it on the mini adventure with the beautiful set up down the caves while heading towards seeing the main man Santa and his elves.
darren_wilson_the_tnt_hub
27 likes • 1.2K views

🚂 Free Train Ride

A charming train connects the car park to the main entrance, offering scenic views. Donations welcome. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see the caves, dinosaurs, and farm. Reddit

📍Dan Yr Ogof cave 🥾⛰️😍 Part 1 of our visit to the National Showcaves centre #danyrogof #caves #nationalshowcaves #wales #exploring #history #adventure #waterfalls #visitwales #walesexplorers #danyrogofcaves #hiking
adamhighfield
12 likes • 908 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be steep and slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the caves and trails. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the caves and dinosaur trail, but not the farm park. Instagram

🚂 Free Train Ride

A charming train connects the car park to the main entrance, offering scenic views. Donations welcome. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to see the caves, dinosaurs, and farm. Reddit

🥶 Cave Temperature

It can be chilly underground, even in summer. A light jacket is recommended. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves for its engaging mix of natural wonders and family-friendly attractions, particularly the impressive caves and dinosaur park. While the terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues, the overall experience is highly recommended for its value and the unique blend of history and adventure.

"Really enjoyable day.
Boy my boys enjoyed the caves, dinosaurs and farm. They especially liked the water panning which was free.
Lots to do and see and dog friendly (apart from the farm park)
Be aware though that in places they walk around the area is very steep, both up and down although pathways are very safe. Views from the top were amazing.
The little train from the car park to the main entrance was a great start to the visit.
Would definitely recommend."

Law Family

"Booked here as looked good. Well definitely worth the money. The history of the caves was good, only thing couldn't hear the story properly. Came out and saw the dinosaurs. There is alot to see then walk up into the iron age village and into cathedral caves. The whole experience was brilliant. On the paths is dinosaurs some moving which was fun. There is 350 dinosaurs in total. We were there for 2 hours and would still go again. So much to see and is a good day out for all ages. There is a shire horse and activity park, we didn't go down there but only because was raining. There is accommodation which is through hoseseason. Also a campsite. Cafe is good and food good, reasonably priced. Tickets for the showcaves is worth it. Looking forward to going again. Plenty of parking."

Sarah Harleyquinn

"Overall this was great because of the beautiful setting, animals, and Cathedral Cave especially. Not a suitable place for anyone with mobility issues! The dinosaurs and gimmicky bits were quite tired and dated but didn't affect the overall experience. We spent a couple of hours here so it isn't quite as huge or a full day out as it looks online. Maybe if you have kids and do ALL the activities you might get a full day out. Dan Yr and Cathedral Cave are quite grand but the bone cave was tiny so we were in there about 5 minutes even when we listened to the audio in there. Takes longer to walk to it and back, it was the size of a large room. That specific cave is not worth it for those with limited mobility issues and it is not easy to walk to it bent over for some time as it's so low! The train running from the farm and shire horses to the main entrance and back is a brilliant addition. It's free too (can donate for air ambulance in cash boxes if you like). Runs every 5 mins and a nice view of the stones from it. No toilets at farm park but easy to hop on train back up to loos. Very very steep hills to walk up to 2 of the caves so you need to be relatively fit."

B Jon

What People Like

Stunning cave formations
Lifelike dinosaur models
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Steep and uneven terrain
Dated gimmicky bits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, South Wales. It's accessible by car via the A4067. There is ample parking available on-site. TikTokReddit+1

Public transport options are limited. While some bus routes may pass nearby, driving is the most convenient way to reach the caves. TikTok+1

From Swansea, take the A4067 north towards the Brecon Beacons. The caves are well-signposted from the main road. TikTok+1

It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Manchester TikTok+1 and a similar distance from Bristol. Cardiff is closer, around a 1-hour drive. TikTok

Yes, a free train runs from the car park to the main entrance, offering a pleasant start to your visit and great views. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but reviews suggest it's 'well worth the money' for the experience. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

While specific discount codes aren't widely advertised, look for family packages or seasonal offers. The SEO keyword 'dan yr ogof discount' suggests people search for this. [^seo_keywords]

Tickets typically grant access to the main showcaves (including Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave), the dinosaur park, and the Iron Age farm. Reddit

Yes, tickets can usually be purchased on the day of your visit, but booking ahead is advisable to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Reddit

Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the stunning natural formations in the showcaves, walk amongst lifelike dinosaurs, visit the Iron Age farm with animals, and enjoy the kids' play area. InstagramReddit+1

The caves and surrounding paths can be very steep and uneven, making them not ideal for those with significant mobility issues. Reddit+1

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the caves, dinosaur park, and farm. Some families might extend this to a full day if participating in all activities. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers reasonably priced food and drinks. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, but be mindful of other visitors and use flash sparingly to protect the cave environment. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Cathedral Cave with its waterfall is a prime spot. The dinosaur park offers many opportunities for fun shots, and the Iron Age village provides a rustic backdrop. InstagramReddit+1

While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to avoid using flash photography inside the caves to preserve the natural ambiance and protect the delicate cave formations. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the caves. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. Instagram

Drone usage is typically not permitted within attraction sites like Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves to ensure visitor safety and protect the environment. Always check local regulations. Instagram

Absolutely! The dinosaur park is designed for exploration and photos. Many visitors enjoy capturing their interactions with the lifelike models. Instagram+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves is a fantastic family day out, offering a blend of natural wonder and prehistoric fun. The dinosaur park is a major draw, with numerous lifelike models that will spark children's imaginations. Instagram+2 The Iron Age farm with its roaming animals provides further engagement, and the free train ride adds an element of adventure. Reddit+1

While the caves themselves are awe-inspiring, be mindful of the steep paths. Consider bringing a carrier for very young children. The water panning activity is also a free and enjoyable option for kids. Reddit Many families make an annual tradition of visiting, especially around Halloween for special events. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

For those who enjoy an active day out, Dan-yr-Ogof offers plenty of exploration. The steep inclines within the caves and the walking trails around the dinosaur park and Iron Age farm provide a good workout. Reddit+1 The natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park surrounding the caves also offers opportunities for longer hikes. TikTok

Wear your most comfortable and supportive hiking boots as the terrain can be challenging. The combination of underground exploration and outdoor trails makes for a rewarding experience for the physically fit. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Showcaves

Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves offers a journey into the earth's geological wonders. The main caves, including the impressive Cathedral Cave, are renowned for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the breathtaking waterfall within. Visitors often describe the experience as magical and like stepping into another world. InstagramReddit

Beyond the main attractions, the Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave provide unique insights into the area's natural history. While the Bone Cave is smaller, the Cathedral Cave is expansive and offers spectacular views. The pathways can be steep and require careful footing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit

For those interested in the history of discovery, the caves were first explored by the Morgan Brothers in 1912. Instagram The experience is enhanced by informative displays and the natural acoustics of the underground spaces, though some visitors have noted that audio guides could be clearer. Reddit

The Dinosaur and Farm Experience

Adding a prehistoric twist to your visit, Dan-yr-Ogof boasts a dinosaur park featuring an impressive collection of 350 lifelike dinosaur models. This area is a huge hit with families, creating a 'Jurassic Park' vibe that captivates both children and adults. Instagram+2 The models are spread out, allowing for a sense of discovery as you wander through. Reddit

Adjacent to the dinosaur trail is the Iron Age farm, offering a glimpse into ancient Welsh life. Here, you can see various animals roaming freely, which is a delightful experience for kids. Reddit+1 While dogs are not permitted in the farm park itself, they are welcome throughout the rest of the attraction, including the caves and dinosaur areas. Instagram

The free train ride from the car park to the main entrance also passes by the farm, providing a scenic introduction to the site and a convenient way to travel between areas. Reddit

Accessibility and Terrain Considerations

It's important to note that Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves presents a significant challenge for visitors with mobility issues. The pathways within the caves and leading to them are described as very steep and uneven. Reddit+1 While the main cave routes are generally safe, the inclines require a good level of fitness. Reddit

Visitors with limited mobility are advised to be cautious. The Bone Cave, in particular, is noted as being small and requiring bent-over walking, which may not be suitable. Reddit The dinosaur park and Iron Age farm also involve walking over varied terrain. Reddit

Despite these challenges, the free train service offers a more accessible way to travel between key points, and the overall experience is highly recommended for those who can navigate the terrain. Reddit

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