Pontypridd brings together the history of the South Wales coalfield with distinctive landmarks, trails and a long-standing market. When planning your visit, it helps to consider the town’s different highlights: the museum tells the story of its development into an industrial town, the Old Bridge is part of the history of architecture, and the park and Taff Trail each have their own appeal.
Industrial heritage and Old Bridge
Pontypridd Museum tells how the area developed from a quiet Valleys community into a thriving industrial town at the heart of the South Wales coalfield. It opened in 1986 in the former Welsh Baptist chapel, Tabernacle. The building’s history of use and the region’s industrial history give a visit to the museum two distinct points of reference in time.
The Old Bridge over the Taff represents another chapter in the town’s history. This iconic single-span arch footbridge was built in 1756 by William Edwards, an architect and clergyman. Its date, design and builder make it a tangible point of reference if you want to learn about Pontypridd’s history not only through the museum but also through a single structure.
Trails and views
The Taff Trail runs between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons National Park and is 55 miles (88 kilometres) long overall. For much of its length, it runs away from roads and motor traffic. In Pontypridd, the route passes close to the Old Bridge. This section therefore brings together a long-distance trail and a well-known local landmark. Before setting out, it is worth checking the current conditions on the Taff Trail.
The Pontypridd Circular offers a different perspective: from high hills, views stretch across Pontypridd to the Brecon Beacons. The Taff Trail is defined by its length and route between two places, while the Circular is defined by its views. This distinction can help you decide whether you would rather explore a longer route or focus on views of Pontypridd and the surrounding area.
Park, memorials and lido
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park opened as a war memorial park to commemorate the many local men who lost their lives in the First World War. The park also contains a memorial to Evan and James James, composers of the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. Open spaces, a sunken garden and paths lined with large trees give the park a variety of landscape features.
The National Lido of Wales is also part of the town’s history: it was built in 1927 in the style of its time. The visitor attraction Lido Ponty has three heated outdoor pools; its seasonal opening schedule may vary. Lido Play is an accessible adventure playground with an industrial theme that recalls Pontypridd’s past. If you want these attractions to shape your visit, check the current dates before you go, as the lido operates seasonally.
The market and finding your way around
Pontypridd Market has been at the same site since 1805. The Market Quarter is a covered market with fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers and confectionery; individual traders may change. Together, the two markets offer an insight into different aspects of market life: the long history of Pontypridd Market’s location and the specific food offerings in the Market Quarter.
For orientation, Pontypridd Museum is in the town centre at the northern end of Taff Street. The museum is within walking distance of Pontypridd railway station on Broadway, at the southern end of Taff Street. This makes it possible to combine arrival at the station with a visit to the museum without needing to plan a walking time. It is best to check current train information separately.
When looking for a hotel in Pontypridd, you can first consider what you want your stay to focus on: cultural history around the museum and Old Bridge, trails and views, or the park and market.
Discover more destinations: Gilfach Goch, Groes-faen, Mountain Ash, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, Nantgarw, Treherbert, Porth
For the main travel overview: Rhondda Cynon Taff.
