Pontypridd has plenty to offer. With beautiful walks, heritage and historic tourist attractions. If you live in the area and are looking for things to do near me, or are visiting, here are things to do in Pontypridd.
Visit RCT
Pontypridd is the unofficial capital of Rhondda Cynon Taf. It is 12 miles from the Welsh capital city in the United Kingdom. It is known locally as Ponty. The River Rhondda flows into the River Taff here. The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries, becoming an important location for the transportation of coal.
Old Bridge
There have been many changes to Pontypridd, but Old Bridge has stood solidly for 100’s of years. It is the landmark of Ponty. The town is named after the bridge. Pontypridd derives from Pont-y-ty-pridd, Welsh for “bridge by the earthen house”. In its day, it was the largest single-span bridge in Europe, with the arch being longer and higher over the water than the Rialto in Venice.
Ynysangharad Park
To give it its full name, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is a huge open space in the heart of Pontypridd. Popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, dogs and families. It also has tennis courts, a cricket pitch and acres of open space to explore, even linking t the Taff Trail from Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.
Open daily, depending on daylight hours. Free entry. No on-site parking facilities. The nearest car parks are on Sardis Road, Berw Road, Goods Yard and Gas Road.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Lido Ponty
The family attraction is the only one of its kind in Wales in Ynysangharad Park. The outdoor pool and adventure play park has been restored to its former glory, with 1920s turnstiles and wooden cubicles. Lido Ponty has external and internal showers, heated changing rooms and state of the art Visitors Centres. Younger visitors will love the swings, slides and tunnels.
Open during the summer. £2.50 for adults under 16s are free. Pre-booking is essential.
Pontypridd Market
Pontypridd Market Quarter has lots to offer, from cafes to sweet stalls and clothes shops. Since 1805, a market has stood on the site. Visit the indoor food hall, farmers market, toy emporium, central hall and the penuel arcade. Whether it is for a quick bite to eat or you want to shop, it’s an interesting place to visit.
Pontypridd Museum
There’s a lot to learn about Ponty’s past. Pontypridd Museum is an excellent place to brush up on your local knowledge. Opened in 1986 in the former Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Chapel. It tells the area’s story, from a quiet Valleys community to a thriving industrial town at the heart of the South Wales coalfield. There’s free entry too.
Pontypridd Rugby
Rugby is the national sport of Wales. Pontypridd RFC was established in 1876, and famous players have included Ian Gough, Neil Jenkins and Morgan Stoddart. Watch a game from the stands or Sardis Road. Or watch another local team, such as Taffs Well, Glyncoch, Clifynydd, Rhydyfelin, Llantwit Fadre, Ynysybwl or Beddau.
Barry Sidings Countryside Park
This is a great place to visit. The trails take you into the surrounding mountains. Bring your mountain bike, hire one, or walk the forestry tracks instead. There’s free parking and plenty of space at Barry Sidings to have a picnic, BBQ, or visit the café instead. Children will love the playground, with swings, climbing frames, and slides.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Rhondda Heritage Park
For a truly unique experience, you should visit Rhondda Heritage Park. With a tour every hour, which are free, you can discover what life was like as a Welsh coal miner. The guides have all worked in coal mines in the Rhondda Valleys and have tales to tell about life underground. As part of the tour, you’ll also ride Dram! A virtual ride with a few surprises in store.
Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre
Also known as Adventure Wales, the Taff Valley Activity Centre offers a range of outdoor activities from quad biking, archery, axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting and gorge walking. It’s one of the things to do in Treforest, specialising in stag and hen entertainment, as well couples and families. Prices start from £20 per person. They are open, even if it rains.
Royal Mint Experience
Just outside Pontypridd in Pontyclun is The Royal Mint Experience. The only place in the world where you can watch the United Kingdom’s coins being made. Go behind the scenes, and see the new coins hot of the press. You even get the chance to strike your very own coin. With interactive exhibitions, it’s ideal for all ages. Book tickets from £5 per person, with plenty of free parking.
Places to eat in Pontypridd
Living on the edge of Pontypridd, I tend to have food and drink in Cardiff. However, I have tried a few Pontypridd restaurants. There are plenty of choices when it comes to cafes and independent pubs. Popular with most locals is Alfred’s Bar and Grill. The brasserie-style restaurant uses fresh, quality ingredients. Choose your meat or fish from the counter.
You can’t go wrong with a meal at The Bunch of Grapes. The ingredients are sourced from independent Welsh producers. Think Welsh rarebit to start, coffee-rubbed steak, fish and chips or harissa smoked cauliflower. The drinks are cask and keg beers, alongside gins, whiskey and organic wines.
The biggest surprise is Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese, a stall in Pontypridd Market. She has been wowing the foodies of South Wales. Janet has worked in luxury hotels, airlines and fed A-listers. Now she’s creating homemade dim sum, honey chicken, boa buns and bibimbap bowls. Making the trip here will be worth it!
Get 50% off food in Pontypridd
Did you know you can get 2 for 1 on meals or 50% off food with a Tastecard? There are independent and chain restaurants to choose from and various cuisines. In Pontypridd, you can get deals in Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, The Oak Bean at Llechwen Hall and Bombay Blue.
Get a 2-month free trial here:
How are you getting around?
Getting around Pontypridd has never been easier. You can get there on the Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil and Cardiff lines. The Pontypridd line stops in Taffs Well, Treforest, Pontypridd, Trehafod, Porth, and further stops until Treherbert. Trains run seven days a week.
The main attractions, Old Bridge, Ynysangharad Park, Lido Ponty, Pontypridd Market, Pontypridd Market, and Pontypridd Rugby, are short distances from the train station. Barry Sidings is furthest away and is a 35-minute walk. Taff Valley Activity Centre is nearest Taffs Well train station. You’ll need to drive to Rhondda Heritage Park and the Royal Mint,
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money? Especially when you can spend the savings on exploring Pontypridd!
Hotels in Pontypridd
You won’t find any chain hotels in Pontypridd. If you are looking for somewhere to stay the night, consider the Heritage Park Hotel. It has been recently refurbished and modernised and has a gym and restaurant.
You’ll find many bed and breakfasts, guest houses, inns and homestays in Pontypridd. You can explore the different options on Last Minute.
Sykes Cottages
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Pontypridd are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Hotels near Pontypridd
The Village Hotel is just off the A470, the main road leading to Pontypridd. It is around a 10-minute drive away. The stylish hotel rooms all have everything you need for a night away. In addition, there’s free WiFi and a large car park which costs £5 per day.
However, I highly recommend upgrading to a Club Room, usually £20 extra. You get free parking, access to the state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. There’s also a larger bed and a huge flat-screen TV with Sky, including Sky Movies and Sky Sports. Plus, a Tassimo coffee machine, ESPA toiletries and a Dyson fan. So, check availability at The Village Hotel Cardiff here:
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. It is a 20-minute drive to Pontypridd from the hotel, ideal for business travellers, couples or families. You can expect free WiFi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save up to 20% off:
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