Aberfan Disaster Memorial — Attraction in Merthyr Vale

This is one of the most emotionally moving memorials in this world. Aberfan is a tiny village in the Merthyr Tydfil Valley of Wales. In 1966 we heard on the Radio that a disaster had occurred in Wales. It turned out that a Coal Slag Heap above the village, following torrential rain, had slid silently down the mountainside and enveloped the local junior school.

As a result over 120 children and over 20 adults were killed instantly. The result was the most tragic thing to happen to the village because a whole generation was left without the children and adults they loved. The effects were to echo down the years and even today, whilst walking through the Memorial Gardens, its possible to feel the cries of those children who died.

The tranquility and beauty of the gardens are a fitting memorial for those who's lives were lost, and for the families who were left behind to live on with...

Stayed in Bridgend a few years back and was told by parents as a child about this terrible story I’m 49 now and thought if I ever was close by I would like pay a visit to Aberfan so I did and visited this memorial site and walked up the path with my wife 6 yr old son and in laws we took a moment to look and think about what happened on this terrible day !!!! Especially as my son played in the small play park as I pushed him on the swings looking and thinking about those children who sadly lost their lives and parents from a fathers perspective on how I would of felt very very sad ☹️ we then drove to the cemetery and left some flowers on the cross very moving and the story had touch me as a child and still does today ☝️if your ever close by go and see this memorial and think of those children and...

This is an extremely, poignant, memorial. The gardens and graves have been kept exceptionally well with great love and care by the people of Aberfan.

We visited on a Wednesday lunch time. Parking wasn’t an issue at this time (but I imagine it could be) and is free. We arrived at the beautiful memorial garden but were confused as to where the graves were. A quick Google search told us that we needed to go to the cemetery a few minute drive away. Please note, the roads are narrow, with cars parked either side.

A beautiful, quaint, charming village with a very sad, tragic story- but truly...