There is evidence of settlement in the area around Bedwas from the time of the bronze age. More recently, the parish church of Bedwas, St. Barrwyg's, has the interesting architectural feature of a Norman tower with the apex of its roof set transversely to the line of the nave.

In the 1730's Guto Nyth Bran ran from St. Woolas Church, Newport to St Barrwg's Church, Bedwas  (12 miles) in 53 minutes, in a challenge against a local man. History records the visit of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, to Pantglas Farm, Bedwas on 3 April 1749. A few miles down the road was the birthplace (since demolished) of Dr William Price, who became famous as an advocate of cremation.

Although little remains of the railway, which served to transport the local minerals, CADW maintains a local tunnel on the Cwm Road which is considered an important piece of industrial archaeology.

Just a mile and a half to the west of Bedwas is the ancient town of Caerphilly, famous for its castle (the largest in Wales and the second largest, after Windsor, of its type in the UK) and much later, for its cheese.

Driving from Bedwas to Caerphilly, bear left at the traffic lights when you see the castle in front of you. As you go up the hill you'll see the Caerphilly Visitor Centre on your right, and an adjacent car park, which is also home to a statue of the famous magician and entertainer Tommy Cooper, who was born in Caerphilly.

The Visitor Centre gives a fine view of the castle and has an excellent range of leaflets on the local attractions, a full tourist information service, and local craft gifts, with more just across the road in a small Welsh craft shop.