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Cyfarthfa Castle
Taff Trail
pontsticill reservoir
Cefn Coed Viaduct
Joseph Parry's Cottage
Parc Taf Bargoed
pontsticill reservoir

MERTHYR TYDFIL

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Merthyr Tydfil, is one of the most historically fascinating and beautiful regions in Wales and is ideally placed between Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff the Welsh capital.

With the Brecon Beacons National Park a short trip away Merthyr Tydfil can boast some dramatic and

breath taking scenery.

 

As one of the towns forming the Heads of the Valleys, Merthyr Tydfil is rich in culture, landscape and scenery. Once the Iron capital of the world, Merthyr Tydfil breathes life into its history with attractions such as Cyfarthfa Park, which is home to Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Joseph Parry's Cottage and Brecon Mountain Railway to name but a few.

 

For those interested in the 'great outdoors' there are many activities available from guided walks along the famous Taff Trail to Climbing in the Rock UK Summit Centre. For those who want to relax and absorb the more tranquil aspects of Merthyr Tydfil, there are numerous parks such as Parc Taf Bargoed, Taf Fechan Nature Reserve and Gethin Woodland Park.

Cyfarthfa Park

Cyfarthfa Park and Museum will offer you a warm welcome to what is the "Jewel in Merthyr's Crown"

The Crawshay family home, built in 1824 now houses the famous Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, which has recently been awarded the prestigious status as being a Top 10 Valleys destination, and has undergone a significant refurbishment to improve your visitor experience.

Cyfarthfa Park is as important historically as the Castle itself, and interesting and exciting times are ahead for the park! To find out more please click here.

 

Brecon Mountain Railway

For a dose of nostalgia why not take a trip on a vintage steam locomotive across this narrow gauge heritage railway that runs beside Pontsticill and Pentwyn Reservoirs. The former Brecon & Merthyr junction railway takes you through beautiful scenery into the Brecon Beacons National Park alongthe full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-y-Gaer. At Pontsticill you can visit the cafe, admire the view across the water to the peaks of the Brecon Beacons and go for a ramble alongside the reservoir. There is also a play area here for children. On your return to Pant, visit the workshop where old steam locomotives are repaired or follow the new footpath to a picnic site which has an amazing panoramic view of the valley. For more information please click here

 

Bike Park Wales

Bike Park Wales is much closer in concept to that of a ski hill than your average trail centre.  Built in the Gethin woods, Mountain Bike Wales offers mountain bike trails for all abilities from family to pro lines.  The park offers a mini bus service which transports you and your bike up to the top in between rides, providing your legs with a little rest before your next run down. For more information please click here 

 
Taff Tail

The Taff Trail is one of the most beautifully scenic cycling and walking routes that Wales has to offer.

Follow the historic Taff Trail from Brecon to Cardiff. The 52 mile (84km) route takes you along some of the most picturesque views of the Welsh valleys and villages along former railway lines, canal paths, tram roads, stunning reservoirs and viaducts. 

The Trail runs through the centre of Merthyr Tydfil following the path of the River Taff, to reach the trail from Queen Bee & B, is a 10 min walk, or quick cycle! For more information please click here

 

Pen Y Fan

Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales, situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. At 886 metres above sea-level, it is also the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia. For walking routes please click here

 

Joseph Parry's Cottage

Joseph Parry, a famous son of Merthyr Tydfil. Born on the 21st May 1841, he composed over 400 Hymn tunes, three hundred songs, and 300 anthems, chorales and other orchestral pieces. His operas Blodwen and Arianwen gained widespread popular acclaim. His birthplace, Chapel Row, Cyfarthfa, Merthyr Tydfil is beautifully preserved today, and is a treat for visitors who would like to see the home of an ironworker. Joseph was sent to work in the Cyfarthfa Mills when only 9 years of age. in the 1850's the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Danville in Pennsylvania, and his story is immortalised in the novel by Jack Jones, "Off to Philadelphia in the morning", which was also televised. 

Joseph Parry died on the 17th February 1903. For more information please click here 

 

Rock UK Summit Centre

Formerly the Welsh International Climbing Centre, it is built on the site of the former Trelewis drift mine which closed in 1989. The Taff Bargoed Development Trust then redeveloped the site into a climbing centre in 1997 turning it into an international climbing centre. The climbing walls are up to 18 metres high with over 180 climbing routes in the main climbing centre plus an additional bouldering area. The centre also has a world class man-made caving system with a waterfall inside it. For more information please click here.

 

 

Parc Taf Bargoed

Parc Taf Bargoed is the hidden gem of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough. It is situated in the Taff Bargoed Valley between Trelewis, Treharris and Bedlinog. The former colliery site has been regenerated as a haven for wildlife and a centre for community activities.

Parc Taf Bargoed is a Green Flag Park, and also a Valleys Regional Park Embassy.

The park has facilities for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and is the home of Aberfan Canoe Club and Parc Taff Bargoed Anglers Club.

Rock UK also run canoeing, kayaking and raft building sessions in the Park.

The extended pavilion, at the entrance to the park, is the base for the Wardens and acts as an Environment and Heritage Centre, providing visitors with a wealth of information on the nature and history of the park. The building also provides space for community meetings and events. For more information please click here

 

 

Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre

Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre boasts 3 superb Swimming Pools for Fun and Fitness, 25mx13m Competition size rectangular deck level pool, 13mx9m Rectangular deck level Learner Pool and a Free form deck level Leisure Pool with flume , spa bath, & water features. For more information please click here

 

Vue Cinema Merthyr Tydfil

The 8-screen Vue Cinema in Merthyr Tydfil brings together cutting-edge Sony 4K Digital screens, Dolby 'Profound Sound' and SuperVue seating to provide an outstanding experience for film fans of all ages. Those who want to watch the newest 3D releases can relax at one of two Digital 3D Screens, while regular Over 18s screenings and Kids AM mean there’s something special for every cinema lover. And don’t forget to check out their range of impressive savings, from discount Family Tickets to 2-for-1 offers. For more information please click here

 

 BOOK TODAY  - 07535 309235

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