The county borough of Neath Port Talbot includes eight miles of coastline, either side of Port Talbot, incorporating the mouths of two rivers (Neath and Afan), though most is developed, adjoining residential districts or industrial sites. All is sandy, the wide beaches bordered by grassy dunes; there are no cliffs or dramatic rock formations. The other main city, Neath, is surrounded by quite extensive suburbs, yet away from these two centres, most of the county is rural and hilly, and almost half is covered by forests, the majority conifer plantations.
The rivers and their tributaries lead quickly from the flat corridor beside the coast to the undulating uplands, forming steep-sided valleys between ridges and peaks. The borough extends northeast towards Pontneddfechan, on the border of Brecon Beacons National Park, and northwest to Brynamman, at the foot of the Black Mountains. There are several forest and county parks, crossed by many paths, plus other trails to viewpoints, waterfalls (Melincourt and Aberdulais are the two most well known locations) and old mines. The hills also conceal Llyn Fach, the southernmost montane lake in the UK.
The three main historic sites in Neath Port Talbot are the monastic ruins of Neath Abbey and Margam Abbey, and the remains of Neath Castle, right in the city centre. Other ancient structures include hill forts, cairns, standing stones and barrows.
The rivers and their tributaries lead quickly from the flat corridor beside the coast to the undulating uplands, forming steep-sided valleys between ridges and peaks. The borough extends northeast towards Pontneddfechan, on the border of Brecon Beacons National Park, and northwest to Brynamman, at the foot of the Black Mountains. There are several forest and county parks, crossed by many paths, plus other trails to viewpoints, waterfalls (Melincourt and Aberdulais are the two most well known locations) and old mines. The hills also conceal Llyn Fach, the southernmost montane lake in the UK.
The three main historic sites in Neath Port Talbot are the monastic ruins of Neath Abbey and Margam Abbey, and the remains of Neath Castle, right in the city centre. Other ancient structures include hill forts, cairns, standing stones and barrows.
Historic Sites Parish church occupying the nave of an ancient abbey, beside monastic remains including a 12-sided chapter house Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Substantial remains of a major Cistercian monastery including a huge church, and a 16th century mansion Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Twin-towered gatehouse, curtain walls and inner foundations, from a 13th century Norman castle in the town centre Rating: ★★★★★ |
Landscapes
 Remote montane lake below steep, north-facing sandstone cliffs high above the Vale of Neath near Rhigos Rating: ★★★★★ |
 80 foot waterfall along a tributary of the River Neath, which flows through a cool, sheltered, thickly wooded valley Rating: ★★★★★ |