Two new attractions have been unveiled at Cwmcarn Forest by Deputy Minister for Culture Sport and Tourism, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM.

The tourist attraction, located in the Caerphilly county borough, now boasts a brand new ‘adventure hub’ play area, which includes a climbing wall, slides and high orchard swings.

New luxury lodges have also been added to the site, in addition to Cwmcarn Forest’s existing Visit Wales 4 star graded campsite and glamping pods.  There are six new lodges, varying in size from comfortable 2 berths to spacious 6 bed holiday homes, with each unit featuring its own kitchen, toilet, shower room and double bed.

The adventure hub and lodges are part of a Visit Wales led Tourism Attractor Destination programme which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. They are the first schemes to be undertaken as part of a major £4.6M EU backed project, the Mon and Brecon Canal Adventure Triangle, which is being delivered by Caerphilly County Borough Council in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council and Welsh Government. The Caerphilly county borough will benefit from over £1.8m capital investment over the next three years.

Future projects in the Caerphilly county borough will include further enhancements at Cwmcarn Forest, including new cycle trails, infrastructure works to the Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, plus improvements to trails linking Twmbarlwm to West Torfaen.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:

“Projects such this one are at the heart of our ambition to help Valleys communities celebrate and make the most of their natural resources and heritage.

“Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market. “

Cllr Sean Morgan, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism, added

“Cwmcarn Forest is already a flagship visitor destination, set in spectacular surroundings.  The latest editions enhance the facility further; providing more opportunities for families to get active outdoors and encouraging visitors to the county borough.”