The Waterfall Centre

The Waterfall Centre sits right at the gateway to some of South Wales' best cascade walks, which is precisely why it exists. You're getting an exhibition space dedicated to the falls themselves - their geology, ecology, and the routes that'll take you to them. It's not a theme park or a major attraction in its own right; think of it more as your briefing ground before heading into the hills around Neath.

Walkers will find it genuinely useful. The staff know the terrain properly and can advise you on which falls suit your fitness level and how long each walk takes. Families with younger children get something too - the interactive exhibits are decent enough to keep kids engaged for 45 minutes or so, and there's usually information about easier riverside walks if the steeper forest routes feel too much.

The building itself is modern and nothing special, but it serves its purpose well. Most people spend an hour here max, then push on to the actual falls - Sgwd yr Eira and the others in the Clydach Valley are the real draw. Go midweek if you can; weekends pull in coach parties and the car park gets rammed.

If you're based at Four Falls Glamping just up the road, this is a sensible first stop to plan your walking itinerary. Willow Springs Campsite, five miles away, is equally handy. Admission details aren't straightforward - ring ahead rather than turning up hoping it's open.