YOU can't beat Cyfarthfa Castle for a value day out - the stately home, park, visitor centre, museum and art gallery offer very different attractions with something for all ages, all on one site.

Merthyr Tydfil's magnificent 19th century stately pile - home of the Crawshay dynasty - houses a wealth of treasures and gives a fascinating insight in to of the Iron industry overlords and their lowly workers.

From the moment you enter through the impressive main hall and head downstairs to the basement museum, you are struck by the weight of history contained within its walls. The 'Ironmaster' William Crawshay commissioned Cyfarthfa Castle in 1824.

This magnificent edifice - which has been described as "the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales" - is a triumph of style and design.

But as you walk through the museum, which includes shocking details of the squalid conditions Crawshay's workers endured, you cannot help but wonder if this rich family felt even a twinge of guilt at the splendour they inhabited.

The museum's collection has been carefully displayed with plenty of interpretation boards - allow yourself a good hour to explore before you climb the stairs to view the living rooms.

The residents of Cyfarthfa Castle had impeccable taste when it came to interior design and the decor has been enhanced by a treasure trove of display cases, paintings and artefacts. Merthyr folk have donated freely to Cyfarthfa, and the town's history is well represented.

Once you've had enough of history, head outdoors. The magnificent park has spectacular views, with wide lawns sweeping down to the lake (popular with anglers) and shady woodland walks.

If you don't fancy a stroll, the visitor information centre hires out bikes - and also houses a freshwater and tropical aquarium, as well as reptiles and amphibians. And once you've had enough exploring you can catch your breath with a cup of tea and lunch in the museum's tearoom.

Cyfarthfa Castle, museum and park

When is it open? April 1-September 30 10am-5.30pm daily; Oct 1-March 30 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-4pm Saturday/Sunday (closed winter Mondays) How much does it cost? It's free (there is a donations box at the museum) Are there disabled facilities? Yes, including braille guides, a stairlift to basement and wheelchair provision Where is it? Just north of Merthyr Tydfil town centre on the A470. An easy walk from the town centre, or catch the regular bus service then take the Pontsticill or Trefechan route to the park gates How can I get there? By road - take the M4 to junction 32 and head north on the A470. By train - Cardiff's Valley line. How do I contact them? Museum - (01685) 723112; visitor centre - (01685) 376940