Zip World Tower Colliery

Zip World Tower Colliery is where South Wales industrial history has been turned into a completely different kind of day out.

Built around the former Tower Colliery near Aberdare, the site combines high-speed zip lines, a huge aerial obstacle course and a two-seater coaster with views across the Rhigos mountains.

Take on Phoenix

Phoenix is the headline experience and definitely the one for anyone looking for a serious adrenaline rush.

You fly seated along two separate zip-line sections, with four parallel lines allowing friends or family members to launch alongside each other.

Across the full experience there is more than 1.5 kilometres of zip line, with speeds reaching up to 70mph.

The whole Phoenix experience can take up to around two hours from check-in to completion, so allow plenty of time rather than treating it as one quick ride.

Start Smaller with Tower Flyer

If Phoenix sounds like a bit too much, Tower Flyer is a much gentler introduction to zip lining.

You complete three seated zip lines covering a total of around 270 metres, with two parallel lines so you can fly beside someone else.

The whole experience takes roughly 45 minutes, making it a good choice for families or anyone who wants to try zip lining without immediately committing to the biggest ride on site.

Climb the Tower Climber

Tower Climber swaps speed for height, balance and nerve.

This huge aerial adventure course rises across three storeys, with suspended obstacles, balance challenges and elevated sections overlooking the surrounding mountains.

Zip World currently describes it as the largest adventure course of its kind in the UK.

Allow around an hour and a half for the experience, and expect to do more than simply hang onto a rope — you will need to balance, climb and work your way through the obstacles yourself.

Race Around the Tower Coaster

Tower Coaster is a good option for families who want excitement without heading onto one of the high zip lines.

Two people can ride together as the coaster twists around the former colliery landscape at speeds of up to around 25mph.

Part of the fun is that the ride uses the industrial setting rather than hiding it, so you still get a sense of the site’s mining past while racing around the track.

Enjoy the Former Colliery Setting

One thing that makes Tower different from a normal adventure park is the location.

The old mining structures have been retained around the site, so modern zip lines and climbing courses sit alongside reminders of the area’s industrial past.

The Rhigos mountain views add another dimension, particularly from the higher attractions where you can see well beyond the old colliery.

Stop for Food

Cegin Glo Bar & Bistro is on site, serving meals, snacks and drinks.

There is also a viewing area, so people who are not taking part can still watch some of the action while the rest of the group tackles an adventure.

The site is cashless, so bring a bank card or use mobile payment.

A Few Useful Tips

Zip World Tower Colliery is at Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf CF44 9UF, around 40 minutes by car from Cardiff.

The four main adventures currently available are Phoenix, Tower Flyer, Tower Climber and Tower Coaster.

Each experience has its own age, height, weight and medical restrictions, so check the current requirements before booking rather than assuming everyone in the group can take part.

For Phoenix, Zip World asks visitors to arrive around 30 minutes before their booked start time for check-in and the experience itself can take up to two hours.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays.

Parking is available beside the check-in area and charges apply. Zip World currently offers free parking at some of its operated car parks when two or more adventures are pre-booked, so check the conditions when booking.

Accessible parking and toilets are available, and qualifying Access Card holders can arrange a free essential companion ticket in advance. Because accessibility varies between individual adventures, contact Zip World beforehand if anyone in your group has specific requirements.