Things to do in Torfaen

For most people, Torfaen is probably best-known as the location of Blaenavon's UNESCO World Heritage Site industrial landscape. But there's much more to discover in the area. As a resident of neighbouring Monmouthshire, here are a few of my recommendations.

An excellent place to start your exploration is Torfaen Museum in Pontypool. Found in a Georgian stable block with an attractive central courtyard, it's a fascinating repository of county history. You can see a range of artefacts that shed light on Torfaen's industrial and social heritage, including an impressive collection of Japanware (intricately-designed items made in Pontypool in the middle of the 18th century). There's also gallery spaces showing a shifting programme of art and historic exhibitions).

This piece of unconventional architecture was commissioned by John Hanbury, the rich and powerful local ironmaster, in the second half of the 18th century. Standing in Pontypool Park (once owned by the Hanbury family) Shell Grotto is the finest surviving example of this singular type of building to be found in Wales. Built from local sandstone, the conical-roofed structure doesn't look like much from the outside. The interior, decorated in striking patterns made from colourful shells and animal bones, is another story.

Enjoy some proper Welsh flavour with a tour of Rhymney Brewery. Originally founded in 1839 to provide refreshment for the thirsty miners and steelworkers of the South Wales valleys, Rhymney became one of the country's biggest names in beer. The modern-day brewery has revived traditional brewing methods (as well as relocating to premises just over the road from Big Pit National Coal Museum), to create a range of ales that both taste great and reflect the area's rich history. You can go behind the scenes to see how the beer is made (and enjoy a few samples) at the brewery's newly refurbished visitor centre.

Enjoy the great outdoors at Llandegfedd Lake on Torfaen's eastern border with Monmouthshire. It's a hotspot for activities in, on and near the water. Intrepid adventurers can try their hand at a selection of watersports, including sailing, swimming, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and powerboating, with equipment hire available from the dedicated Watersports Centre. The stand-up pedalboards, which let you literally walk on water, are particularly good fun.

If you'd prefer to keep your feet dry, the lake is a great for a spot of fishing, with rainbow and brown trout – plus coarse species like bream, roach and pike – living in its depths. There's also a selection of walking trails, most of which start from Llandegfedd's Visitor Centre on the lake's south-eastern shore.

See stunning contemporary art from Wales and beyond at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran. A permanent collection of works from artists like Arlie Panting, Jessie Bayes and Michael Crowther sits alongside a changing selection of exhibitions showcasing painting, ceramic, sculpture and textiles. If you're inspired by what you see, you can pick up one of a kind items from local and national makers in the craft shop or even take part in one of the centre's workshops to develop your own artistic skills.