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Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

Having grown up in Gelligaer and gone to school in Bargoed, I have a fondness for my constituency that goes deeper than it being part of my job. This constituency is home and I truly believe it has so much to offer, both for locals and those further afield.

Today is World Tourism Day and I want to take this opportunity to share a few of my favourite locations from around the borough, which I think makes Caerphilly a brilliant place to live and visit.

First up, Senghenydd Mining Memorial is an attraction sharing a significant part of our history as a mining town. However, this location is special, because it showcases mining disasters from across the whole of Wales. It is so special that it has recently been officially recognised by Welsh Government as the ‘National Mining Disaster Memorial Garden of Wales’. I would encourage everyone to pop along to the gardens to see the memorial and also, to chat with the volunteers of the Aber Valley Heritage Museum where there are a wide range of artefacts to see from Wales’ mining history.

Ruperra Castle is grade II listed building. Situated in the Draethen area and built in 1626 as a stylish renaissance home, it has a colourful history. It has played host to Charles I and the military in World War II, been a family home and hunting lodge, and provided employment for local families. The castle is privately owned and the volunteers at Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust work hard to save it from ruin. 

On your way back from the castle, it’s always worth stopping for a treat at Basil and Rusty’s Parlour in Machen. As the producers of the famous ice cream Minoli’s of Machen, the family-run parlour has won numerous National ice cream awards. Bedwas Workman’s Hall always has a full entertainment calendar too.

For those who prefer the fresh air and the outdoor life, Under the Oak and Cwmcarn Forest Drive both offer a wonderful glamping experience, with Caerphilly Mountain, Parc Cwm Darran, Gelligaer and Merthyr Common and Penallta Park all offering plenty of beautiful walking routes. There is also Van Road bilking trails which is free to use, if you like something a little more adventurous.

Not only is Caerphilly surrounded by green rolling hills, there is also an abundance of brilliant hospitality businesses locally, many of whom I visit regularly with my family. Ten Degrees restaurant, Murrays and Fish Kitchen 1931 in Bargoed, Ffos Caerphilly, Casa Mia and Consurio Lounge are always a popular choice for food and drinks. There is lots of excitement about some new and interesting businesses coming in to our towns too, including the likes of Geshmak, Bourton’s Live Music Café Bar in Bargoed  Caerphilly Escape Rooms and Rosita’s.

Last but not least, Caerphilly Castle forms the centre of the town geographically, but is also central to Caerphilly as tourist destination. As the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the UK, it is considered one of the most remarkable medieval castles in western Europe. It is one of the first authentic concentric castles built in the UK and it attracts thousands of people to our town each year.

Times are changing, the high street is changing; but it is changing for the better. 

The best thing we can do to support our high streets and tourism in our borough this World Tourism Day, is to shout loudly and celebrate the charming attractions that we are lucky enough to have on our very own doorstep.