Tourism

TOURISM

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We are open to the public Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm, all year round with the exception of the Christmas period and public holidays. Find out how to get here

At Pontypridd Museum we have a variety of leaflets on attractions in Pontypridd and further afield.

Why not pack your bag with the essentials for walking in and around Pontypridd and we’ll give you some ideas on what to see?

For information on visiting the rest of Rhondda Cynon Taff, check out the Visit RCT website

WHAT TO SEE IN PONTYPRIDD

  • THE OLD BRIDGE

    This iconic single-span arched footbridge crosses the river Taff at Pontypridd. It was built in 1756 by Architect and Minister William Edwards after three failed attempts. 

  • YNYSANGHARAD WAR MEMORIAL PARK

    The park was officially opened as a war memorial park to commemorate the sad loss of many local men to the First World War. These days the park has retained most of its original features. A monument to the Composers of the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, Evan and James James, can be found in the park as well as a bandstand, the National Lido of Wales and other sights. 

  • LIDO PONTY

    The national Lido of Wales was built in 1927 in the style of the times. There are three pools, all of which are heated to 28 degrees, so when you decide on Boxing Day to go for a swim, the water will be enjoyable.  Our very own Sir Tom Jones was once a regular at the Lido, and the first Welsh person to swim the English Channel, Jenny James, first found her passion for swimming at the Lido at a very young age. 

  • PONTYPRIDD MARKET

    Pontypridd market has stood on the same site since 1805. A vibrant and well-visited market by people from around the valleys, it was the highlight of the town every Wednesday and Saturday. Although the market has undergone some changes since 1985, market days are still held twice a week, spilling out into Market Street. Inside, a vast array of different stalls sells everything from telescopes to turmeric, back bacon to bedding. 

SHORT WALKS

  • PONTYPRIDD COMMON WALKING TRAIL

    Take a walk above Pontypridd and take in the spectacular views on this natural and historical walk.


  • PONTYPRIDD WALKING TRAIL

    Take a wander through town, taking in the architecture which still bears signs of the wealth that flowed through Pontypridd from local industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the old Tabernacl Chapel now occupied by this Museum, to the beautiful green landscape surrounding the urban area, there are many other lovely sights our town has to offer.

  • RICHARD GRIFFITHS TRAMROAD TRAIL

    Follow the route that links the first coal mines in the Rhondda Valley with the Glamorganshire Canal and industry in Pontypridd.

  • TREFOREST WALKING TRAIL

    This walk shows how an industrial village became a student town, from the Crawshay family Tinplate works to the University of South Wales through social, cultural and historical points of interest.

LONGER WALKS

  • PONTYPRIDD CIRCULAR

    This 12 mile (18km) moderate to strenuous walk is one with fantastic views over Pontypridd town, to the Brecon Beacons from high above the hills. It is recommended to wear walking boots or sturdy shoes. For a shorter walk the Pontypridd Circular can be split into four legs.

THE TAFF TRAIL ON TWO WHEELS

  • TAFF TRAIL

    With a distance of 55 miles/88Km (mostly off road and traffic free), the Taff Trail between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons National Park is a must for all cyclists (and walkers!). It passes through Pontypridd near the famous Old Bridge and some of the Valleys’ snaking rows of colourful terraced houses.  At halfway between Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd is ideal for a pitstop, so why not break your journey at one of the town’s great choice of cafés?

GETTING HERE

The Museum is located in Pontypridd town centre, at the north end of Taff Street. 

PARKING

Most weekends visitors are welcome to park in the car park to the rear of the Museum on Berw Road. On weekdays, please use one of the pay and display car parks around the town. The closest car parks to the museum are:
Berw Road multi storey - Located opposite the car park behind the Museum.
Goods Yard - behind the Bus Station
Gas Lane - accessed at the north end of Taff Street

BY CAR

From Cardiff/the south - Take the A470 north and leave at the junction signposted for Pontypridd. At the roundabout next to Sainsbury’s, take the second exit and move into the left hand lane signposted to the town centre. At the next roundabout take the first exit. Going past Ynysangharad Park on your left, you will cross a bridge next to the historic Old Bridge, and you will see the museum on your right.

From Merthyr Tydfil/the north - Take the A470 south and take the junction signposted for Pontypridd. At the roundabout, take the third exit signposted towards the town centre. Going past Ynysangharad Park on your left, you will cross a bridge next to the historic old bridge, and you will see the museum on your right.

BY RAIL

Services run from Bridgend, Barry Island and Cardiff Central to Pontypridd six times an hour on weekdays and Saturdays until early evening; look for trains to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare or Treherbert. The train station is located on Broadway, at the south end of Taff Street. To reach the Museum, walk all the way down the length of this street, the Museum will be opposite you to the right, across the road. The National Rail website is a good place to start planning your journey.

BY BUS

Pontypridd is very well served by local and regional bus services. Local service providers are Adventure Travel, Edwards and Stagecoach. From outside the local area you can reach the Museum from Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent by taking the X4 or the T4. You can also take the 120 or 130 between Caerphilly and Blaencwm which stops in Pontypridd. For other bus services there is information on the Traveline Cymru webpage, or you can call them on 0800 464 00 00.
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