Dowlais
Parish in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
| Coordinates: | 51.762, -3.349 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SO 06 07 |
| Dialling code: | 01685 (Merthyr Tydfil) |
Dowlais sits on the northern edge of Merthyr Tydfil in the South Wales Valleys, tucked against the hills that rise towards the Brecon Beacons. The parish grew up around heavy industry and dense terraces, so the landscape still shows that mix of steep valley slopes, rows of Victorian housing and pockets of scrubland where industry once dominated.
Most famous for the former Dowlais Ironworks, once one of the largest iron-producing complexes of the 19th century under the Guest family, the area’s industrial boom shaped a strong working‑class culture, trade union history and even links to figures such as Lady Charlotte Guest. After post‑war closures the community experienced decline but has been the focus of local regeneration, with heritage interests and nearby museums in Merthyr Tydfil such as Cyfarthfa Castle helping to keep the story of Dowlais alive.
Postcode districts covering Dowlais
Most populated places nearby
- Cardiff 19.4 miles31.2 km
- Newport 20.5 miles33 km
- Tonypandy 11.2 miles18 km
- Barry 24.8 miles39.9 km
- Bridgend 19.7 miles31.8 km
- Cwmbran Central 15.8 miles25.5 km
- Cwmbrân 15.7 miles25.3 km
- Neath 21.3 miles34.3 km
- Merthyr Tydfil 1.6 miles2.7 km
- Coity Higher 18.7 miles30.1 km
- Pontypool 14.2 miles22.9 km
- Briton Ferry 22.5 miles36.2 km
Neighbouring places
- Dowlais and Pant Ward 0.4 miles0.6 km
- Pant Parish 0.7 miles1.2 km
- Penydarren Parish 0.9 miles1.4 km
- Town Parish 1.4 miles2.2 km
- Park Parish 1.6 miles2.6 km
- Gurnos Parish 1.6 miles2.6 km
- Merthyr Tydfil Built-up area 1.6 miles2.7 km
- Twyn Carno Ward 2.1 miles3.4 km
- Vaynor Parish 2.3 miles3.7 km
- Fochriw Built-up area 2.7 miles4.4 km
- Rhymney Built-up area 2.8 miles4.5 km
- Cyfarthfa Parish 2.8 miles4.6 km
Example postcodes in Dowlais
CF48 3AU, CF48 3LG, CF48 3NL, CF48 3PB, CF48 3LR, CF48 3SF, CF48 3AG, CF48 3BS, CF48 3RA … See all
Transport links
- Cardiff Airport 25.3 miles40.6 km
- Bristol Airport 37.7 miles60.6 km
- Merthyr Tydfil Railway Station 1.7 miles2.8 km
- Rhymney Bridge Station 2.6 miles4.1 km
Hotels in Dowlais Ad
Schools in Dowlais
- Dowlais Primary School Primary
Local points of interest
- Brecon Beacons Mountains 9.2 miles14.8 km
- Sardis Road Stadium 11.1 miles17.9 km
- Blaenavon World Heritage Centre Museum 11.2 miles18 km
- Fforest Fawr Mountains 11.7 miles18.8 km
- Ogmore Forest Forest 13.7 miles22 km
- Pontypool Park Stadium 14.1 miles22.7 km
- Llantrisant Forest Forest 14.7 miles23.7 km
- Craig-y-nôs Castle Estate 14.8 miles23.8 km
- Craig Llysfaen Mountains 16 miles25.8 km
- Cwmbran Town Stadium 16.3 miles26.3 km
- Black Mountains Mountains 17.3 miles27.8 km
- Hensol Castle Estate 18.1 miles29.2 km