Following the popularity of its Dam Open Days, Pen y Garreg Dam in the Elan Valley will be open to visitors on December 29, 30 and 31, and January 1 and 2.

The sessions offer a rare opportunity to step inside one of the few dams in the UK open to the public and explore its Victorian engineering. Adult tickets cost £5, with children admitted for £1, and half of all ticket sales will be donated to the charity WaterAid.

The open days provide an ideal school holiday activity and can be combined with a winter walk in the Elan Valley or a visit to the on-site café for lunch or refreshments. Visitors can also pre-book a hot drink and scone for £6 per person to enjoy before or after their tour.

Built in 1903 by engineer Eustace Tickell, Pen y Garreg Dam stands 123 feet high and stretches 528 feet across the valley. The structure is unusual in that it contains an internal access tunnel leading to the central tower, lit by openings on the downstream side of the dam. Visitors can climb steps to the central platform, where there are views of the dam wall and the valley below.

An Elan Valley Ranger will be on hand throughout the open days to answer questions about the dam and the wider estate. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am to 4pm throughout the winter months.

Prebooking a Dam Open Day session is highly recommended at: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/winter-dam-open-days/

Download Elan Valley walking trail guides on our website and plan your visit: https://elan-valley.co.uk/walking-routes/