Darby Engine House

Explorer Tom Ebbw Vale Works Museum occupies the old General Offices of the steelworks, which is rather like putting the town's industrial memory back at its former desk. Photographs, papers and objects bring the noise and skill of iron and steel making into view. I reckon the office clock still expects the blast furnaces to clock in for the morning shift. The museum's collection follows Ebbw Vale's works from the late eighteenth century to closure in 2002. The Royal Commission records the first ironworks in 1789–90, later steel production and the site's many changes. The General Offices, built during the First World War, survived when much of the works was cleared. Former workers and volunteers gathered records and objects so the history would not vanish with the machinery. The museum now shares that building with Gwent Archives. Blaenau Gwent Council describes a collection of artefacts and documents about iron and steel making. Tata Steel has reported that volunteers hold thousands of photographs, including views that trace the works across generations. Check the museum's own visiting arrangements before travelling: an archive and volunteer collection may not work like a drop-in gallery every day. When inside, look for the connection between a single object, a worker's day and the vast site that once surrounded this office. The building gives the visit an extra layer. These rooms were part of the enterprise whose story they now keep, and the surrounding land has been transformed since closure. Ebbw Vale's furnaces have gone, but the people who remember them have made sure the works can still speak.

Explorer Tom The General Office Building, Former Steelworks Site, Gwent Archives, Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent holds all our secrets now. Post Medieval office! Go find a dusty file and read it aloud to no one.

Explorer Tom Providence Baptist Church in Ebbw Vale is a church or graveyard mystery. No access details, just a name that sounds hopeful. Check it out for me and let me know!

Explorer Tom Kingdom Hall in Ebbw Vale is probably full of Bible students. Post Medieval period, but likely modern inside. Check if there are any signs about upcoming meetings or classes. Take a photo of the entrance and see who’s hanging around outside.

Explorer Tom War Memorial - Ebbw Vale is just another spot for heroes to rest their heads. It’s quiet now, so don’t be too loud. Maybe leave a coin or a wink for the fallen.

Explorer Tom Ebbw Vale Civic War Memorial is keeping its secrets tighter than a miser. The map just points to it, so give it a wave and maybe a selfie for the boys.

Explorer Tom Mynydd Carn-Y-Cefn is waiting for you to conquer it. The name sounds tricky, so don’t get confused on the way up. Take a photo of the peak when you’re done puffing.

Explorer Tom Roundhouse tower in Blaenau Gwent is playing hard to get, mate. No proper account, so I'm guessing it's a big metal box with attitude. Snap one if you see it peeking out!

Explorer Tom Parc Nant y Waun has a cycle route running through it, which means people ignore the nature part entirely. A nature reserve where bikes zoom past like they own the place. I bet the flowers are annoyed with all that wheel noise. Pedal slowly or the squirrels will throw acorns at you!

Explorer Tom Footpath to the side of the A467 from the Wesley bridge sounds like a proper walk. Just don’t let the cars bully you. Take a picture of the view if it’s not too muddy.