A major £12 million transformation of Gnoll Country Park in Neath has been officially unveiled, marking a new chapter for one of the area’s most well-loved green spaces.
The extensive redevelopment introduces a range of new and improved facilities designed to enhance visitor experience while preserving the park’s rich heritage, which dates back to the 16th Century.
At the heart of the investment is a fully accessible, two-storey visitor centre featuring a modern café, flexible event and meeting spaces, and a south-facing balcony offering panoramic views across the lake. Families will also benefit from a dedicated indoor soft play area for children.
Outside, visitors can explore ‘Gnoll Towers’, a striking woodland adventure playground made up of three interconnected climbing towers, with the tallest reaching nearly 30 feet. The project has also seen the repair and consolidation of the historic Gnoll House ruins, alongside the restoration of the park’s iconic cascades.
New opportunities for visitors to stay longer have also been introduced, with dog-friendly holiday accommodation at the historic Pond Cottage, which sleeps up to six people and overlooks the park’s pond and wildlife.
As part of the wider improvements, new walking and recreation routes have been created, including a bridge linking the park to nearby Brynau Farm, a 57-hectare Woodland Trust site known for its peaceful natural setting.
The redevelopment was led by Neath Port Talbot Council and funded through the Vale of Neath Heritage Corridor project, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Construction was carried out by Andrew Scott Ltd.
To mark the completion of the project, Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr. Steve Hunt, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the site.
He said: “I’m pleased to mark the official opening of this exceptional building. Gnoll Country Park is a place everyone in Neath Port Talbot knows and loves. This investment offers a new chapter in the park’s story for present and future generations.
“It’s been a true team effort to get us to this point today, and we thank the UK Government for funding to make this possible.”
Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin added: “Gnoll Country Park is a fantastic place for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy. I’m delighted that UK Government money has helped to build new facilities, so that even more people can access the park and it will be preserved for many more years to come.”
Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr. Cen Phillips, highlighted the wider benefits of the investment, saying: “Parks like the Gnoll have long been places where people gather, exercise, learn, and take time for themselves — and this new visitor centre enhances everything the park offers. It’s shaped by centuries of history — industrial, social, and environmental.
“It also strengthens the council’s wider goals around health and wellbeing. This new visitor centre will encourage more people to get outdoors, move more, and experience the benefits of nature.”
Gnoll Country Park Manager, Chris Pugh, said the new facilities would help make the park more inclusive for visitors of all ages.
“We’re very excited to bring some brand-new facilities to Gnoll Country Park that allows us to accommodate everyone from babies to older generations. I’m excited for people to learn more about the heritage, nature and wildlife we have on offer here.”
