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Most Asked Questions About The National Showcaves Centre for Wales.
1. What does the admission ticket cover?
The 1 ticket covers all 10 of our attractions. These are:
• Dan-yr-Ogof Showcave
• Iron Age Farm
• Cathedral Showcave
• Dinosaur Park
• Bone Cave
• Museum
• Millennium Stone Circles
• Shire Horse Centre
• Mr Morgan’s Farmyard
• Barney Owl’s Play Area
We are Wales’ top award-winning attraction.
2. Do we need special clothes and footwear when visiting the Showcaves?
The Showcaves are a constant 50 degrees F. So a jumper is advisable, especially if it is warm outside. Although, there are good pathways throughout the Showcaves, sensible sturdy shoes are advisable. High heels are NOT a good idea!
3. How long does it take to see all 10 attractions?
We suggest you allow a minimum of 2.5 - 3 hours.
4. Do you have to walk around the Showcaves in a group?
All the Showcaves are self-guided. Commentaries play within the 3 Showcaves at selected points. This allows you to enjoy your visit at your own speed.
5. When are you open?
From April 1st (or Easter) until October 31st, 7 days a week. We open at 10.00 am, and the last admittance is at 3.00pm (this time does vary in the high season, please telephone for precise information – 01639 730 801).
We also open during December for our Father Christmas experience, and for the February half term week (please telephone for up-to-date information - 01639 730 801).
6. How big is the Dinosaur park?
We have one of the World's largest dinosaur parks, with models from the massive plant-eating Brachiosaurus, and the ferocious meat-eating Tyrannosaurus Rex, to our ‘armour-plated’ Stegosaurus and baby Triceratops!
7. Do you have a play area for children?
Yes, we have a brand new, themed play area. It is in a converted barn at the Shire Horse Centre - so it doesn’t matter if it rains! The play area is designed for 6-10 year olds.
8. How long are the 2 main Showcaves?
In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk approximately 800 metres, although the cave system that lies beyond is over 10 kilometres in length!
In Cathedral you walk about 300 metres, though experienced cavers have explored almost 2 kilometres of cave passageways!
9. Can you take a pram/pushchair through the Showcaves?
No. The geography of the Showcaves means there are a number of flights of steps underground, making it impractical. However, thousands of babies visit the Showcaves every year, and the ‘baby back packs’ seem a popular mode of transport!.
10. Is the site suitable for wheelchairs?
Sorry, but the natural layout of the Showcaves means there are a number of steps and slopes which have to be negotiated, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please click here to read our Disability Access Statement.
11. Are you easy to find?
Yes, we are sign posted from junction 45 of the M4, all the way up the Swansea Valley to the complex itself. If you are travelling from the North, you will pick up our signs from Brecon on the A40, head for Sennybridge, and take the A4067, in the direction of Swansea. Our sign posts are the brown tourist signs reading Dan-yr-Ogof Caves.
12. Do you have adequate parking facilities?
Yes, we have large car and coach parking areas. These are free to all our guests who visit the Showcaves.
13. Are you open when it rains?
Yes, we are an ideal wet weather attraction, with various exhibits undercover.
14. Can we go caving, and see other parts of the Showcave not normally open to the public?
We do not organise any trips like this; the sections of cave beyond the Showcave are accessible to experienced cavers only.
15. Did people really live in Bone Cave?
Yes, 3000 years ago in the Bronze Age. Over 42 human skeletons have been found!
16. Do you have any food available on site?
Yes, we have a Coffee Shop which serves sandwiches, lunches, cakes etc., and hot and cold drinks. We serve children's portions too.
17. Are the Showcaves man-made?
They are all natural. Only the footpaths, electrical lighting, and the entrances you walk through today are man-made – all the rest is nature’s work.
18. Can we stay overnight?
Yes, we have our own caravan/tenting park with full facilities. There are also self-catering units on site – Brecon Cottages – which can only be booked via Hoseasons Holidays.
19. Can we really get married in Cathedral Cave?
Yes, approximately 500 feet below ground, surrounded by waterfalls and natural cave formations – surely one of the most amazing places to get married in the world!
20. Who owns the Showcaves?
They are owned and run by the descendants of the Morgan family who originally discovered Dan-yr-Ogof. |
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