More than just caves (Dan yr Ogof Showcaves)

Member Name: asnac

Product:	Dan yr Ogof Showcaves
Date:	23/08/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to explore, a range of activities and exhibits.

Disadvantages: A little pricey, a lot of walking.

Dan-yr-Ogof contains not only caves but several other exhibits. It is worth considering for a half-day visit for a family or group.

When you arrive, even if there are not many visitors, consider parking low down rather than driving up the slope to the caves. The reason is that the visit comes to a natural end at the Shire Horse centre, which is at the bottom. Parking is free.

Then walk up the slope to the caves. If you have small children with you, get them to use the toilet (which is in the café) before you pay to go in, as the first cave takes quite a while to get through.

The caves themselves are reasonably impressive, with flowing water, stalagmites and lovely formations. The centrepiece Dan-yr-Ogof cave, where you go to first, is the longest, but actually it is not as striking as the Cathedral Cave which is visited later. There is a third cave, the Bone Cave, which is the weakest of the three. There can be a queue for the Bone Cave as it is very small.

There are loads of dinosaur models everywhere, but it is worth going in to the Dinosaur Park where many more are gathered together.

The Dinosaur Park is good for a picnic, but there are plenty of other places to sit and eat if you don't fancy using the cafeteria on site.

There is a gift shop and a reasonably interesting museum in the vicinity of the cafeteria, and an area where younger children can pan for 'gold'.

Once you've finished with this end of the site, go back down to the zoo and the Shire Horse centre. There is quite a range of animals - sheep, llamas, donkeys, goats - roaming freely and all used to being petted. The horses themselves are in stalls. There is an indoor play area for under-elevens. Look out for the rodents in one of the barns, absolutely amazing to watch them speeding through the network of pipes.

We spent between three and four hours altogether, and considered it a worthwhile day. We had got coupons from Tesco Clubcard which made the cost (£38 for a family of four) slightly more tolerable. Guard your ticket carefully as it is requested regularly as you go through the complex.

Summary: A reasonable option for a family or group day out in Brecon Beacons