tourism brochure 2011_Layout 1 - Destination RCT - Rhondda ...

Surprises in StoreThe historic towns and markets of Rhondda Cynon Taf are the perfect places to find that specialsomething. Whether you are looking for gifts, handmade luxuries or an original keepsake toremind you of your visit, our shops and galleries promise treasures for all tastes and budgets.Pontypridd and Aberdare are bustling town centres, their renowned markets sitting comfortablyalongside familiar high street names. Treorchy, Mountain Ash and Porth have their own distinctstyles and a range of traditional shops, while in historic Llantrisant a cluster of galleries, coffeeshops and boutiques brim with jewellery, accessories, designer clothes and homeware.Llantrisant GalleryThe Bull Ring, Llantrisant, CF72 8EP01443 238884www.llantrisantgallery.comThe Model House art and design centre is afirm favourite amongst locals and visitors forits original art and beautiful, handmadecrafts. Originally a formidable 19th centuryworkhouse, Model House overlooksLlantrisant’s landmark Bull Ring square andhouses a medley of studios from glassworksto pottery. Visitors can walk into each studioto watch the artists and craftspeople at workand buy pieces directly from them.The ground floor of Model House isdedicated to the Llantrisant Gallery, wherecarefully selected gifts, cards, accessories andartwork are on sale. Among the items areglass and ceramics, jewellery, felt andscarves, all handmade by Welsh craftsmenand women.Gallery opening times:Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pmSunday, 11am-4pmThe Grogg Shop and MuseumTrefforest, Pontypridd, CF37 1BH01443 405001www.groggs.co.ukThe World of Groggs is a unique, family-runcraft shop selling hand-sculpted and paintedfigurines based on personalities from theworlds of sport, rock and pop, cinema andpopular culture.Figures from the history of Welsh coal miningalso feature heavily, while other favouritesinclude humorous dragons and sheep – all ofwhich can be seen being made at theGroggshop studio.Trading in Pontypridd for more than 40 years,the Grogg Shop has become an Aladdin’scave of memorabilia, beloved by visitors fromall over the world. The shop now boasts itsown small museum, outlining thedevelopment of the Grogg from its humblecoal shed origins to its world-renownedstatus today.31