Things to do in South Wales when it’s raining

Ever wondered where your coins come from, how they’re made or why they look like they do? Take a journey into the world of money-making at The Royal Mint Experience. This fascinating guided factory experience is based in the home of UK currency in Llantrisant - you can find out the history of coin making and watch the money-makers at work. The interactive exhibition lets you follow the lifecycle of a coin from design to distribution, with plenty of rare coins and medals for you to look at.

Ever wondered what it's like to read the news? Or how sound effects are added to your favourite podcasts? Join the friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of BBC Cymru Wales. Visit the state-of-the-art television and radio studios to discover the secrets of making BBC programmes. BBC Cymru Wales has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award for the quality of its tours and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award. These guided tours are available in Welsh, English and BSL.

Explore Wales’ finest examples of national art, natural history, archaeology and geology alongside major touring and temporary exhibitions. See 500 years of magnificent paintings, drawings and sculptures from across the globe, including one of Europe’s best collections of Impressionist works. At National Museum Cardiff you can also see the world's largest leatherback turtle and a huge skeleton of a humpback whale.

Coal mining is a huge part of Wales’ history. Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the miners and the work they did on this site in the South Wales Valleys. Get kitted up with a miner’s helmet and battery pack then travel 300 feet (100 metres) underground to find out what being down the mines was like. There’s an on-site exhibition to stroll through and there are often events and workshops to take part in.

This 11-mile (17km) cave system is one of the largest in Europe. One local cave diving expert believes that the caves may stretch up to 90 miles (150km) in length! Dan yr Ogof caves were discovered in 1912 and were inhabited during the Bronze Age, while remains of 42 human skeletons were found in Bone Cave, along with jewellery and other ancient artefacts. The site also has an Iron Age village and a dinosaur park. Visit them today to see the caves and natural forms for yourself.

You might recognise the Wales Millennium Centre from the TV - it's repeatedly featured in episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood. The largest performing arts venue in Wales is the place to find the Welsh National Opera, stadium-filling comedians, touring West End shows and much more besides. It's also a great place to visit during holidays and weekends. Watch free small performances, grab a bite to eat, see an exhibition or simply soak in the atmosphere of the Cardiff Bay landmark.

Do as the Romans did many centuries ago and explore the remains of the Second Augustan Legion’s state-of-the-art leisure complex. Visitors to Caerleon Roman Fortress get to see a vivid picture of life in second-century Roman Britain. Depending on when you visit, you can see different parts of the Roman baths – including the bathing areas, changing rooms and communal pools – and take part in arts and crafts, talks and demonstrations. You can also explore the National Roman Legion Museum and when the showers stop, take a look at the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain, which is just a few minutes down the road.

Just on the edge between South and Mid Wales is the market town of Abergavenny. As well as lots of cute shops to nose around and the creative haven that is The Art Shop and Chapel, the afternoon tea of a lifetime awaits at The Angel Hotel. One of the only afternoon teas outside of London to achieve an Award of Excellence from the UK Tea Guild, it offers delicious nibbles and finger food that is paired with luxury East India Company teas. Treat yourself!