Visitor Guide pdf download (12.9mb) - Rhondda Cynon Taf
Visitor Guide pdf download (12.9mb) - Rhondda Cynon Taf
Visitor Guide pdf download (12.9mb) - Rhondda Cynon Taf
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong><br />
<strong>Visitor</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Things to see Things to do Places to stay Food heaven
Welcome!<br />
We couldn’t be more Welsh<br />
here in <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong><br />
if we tried!
Welcome to the birthplace of the<br />
Welsh National Anthem, Sir Tom<br />
Jones and his green, green grass of<br />
home, the world-famous mining<br />
industry and THAT Valleys welcome!<br />
Our scenery is stunning, our outdoor<br />
activities are exhilarating, our male<br />
voice choirs and brass bands are<br />
among the best in the world and our<br />
rugby players are sporting legends.<br />
Nestled between Cardiff, the Brecon<br />
Beacons and the south Wales coast,<br />
with easy access to all three,<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> is Wales’<br />
second-largest County Borough.<br />
Here you can walk, cycle or horseride<br />
your way through breathtaking<br />
vistas and stunning countryside<br />
before “cwtching” up in warm and<br />
cosy restaurants, bars and cafes.<br />
Meander through fascinating and<br />
historic town centres that have an<br />
inviting mix of boutiques, high street<br />
names and great places to relax.<br />
Dig into rich history and heritage<br />
including captured kings, sporting<br />
triumphs, Hollywood stars and, of<br />
course, our world-famous mining,<br />
before diving into a trendy 21st<br />
Century arts and culture scene.<br />
Above all, enjoy the one thing we<br />
are most renowned for – our<br />
inimitable Valleys welcome.
history and heritage<br />
Lose yourself in our long, interesting<br />
and often unusual history
The Old Bridge, Pontypridd<br />
The bridge was completed in 1756, after three failed<br />
attempts. Its builder, William Edwards, first constructed a<br />
three-arched bridge, but this was swept away by a flood.<br />
He next attempted a single-span bridge, but the timber<br />
supports used during construction were also swept away by<br />
the river in flood. His third attempt collapsed under its own<br />
weight. His fourth, the present bridge, has three cylindrical<br />
holes each side to reduce the weight of the stonework. With<br />
a span of 140 feet Edwards’ bridge was hailed as the first<br />
in Europe to exceed the span of the Rialto in Venice.
6<br />
History and Heritage<br />
Industry and politics were changed<br />
by decades of coal mining that have<br />
left their permanent, dramaticallybeautiful<br />
mark on our landscapes<br />
and made us famous the world over.<br />
The Welsh National Anthem and<br />
Cwm <strong>Rhondda</strong>, which bring men to<br />
tears as they clutch their chests and<br />
belt them out in stadiums, concert<br />
halls and even bars, were written<br />
here.<br />
We boast staggering Bronze Age<br />
finds and you can walk in the<br />
footsteps of dinosaurs or pound<br />
cobbled streets once filled with<br />
victorious longbow men returning<br />
from Medieval battles, where they<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
overwhelmed knights on horseback<br />
to become warfare’s most feared.<br />
Our past is dotted with wonderful<br />
tales of industry and enterprise.<br />
Pontypridd is home to what was once<br />
the world’s longest train station<br />
platform and the majestic singlespan<br />
William Edwards Bridge which<br />
exceeded Venice’s Rialto when it<br />
opened over 250 years ago.<br />
The first steam engine journey<br />
arrived here and our former<br />
residents have cycled, boxed and run<br />
their way into sporting legends. Our<br />
very own Dr William Price is<br />
becoming the pioneer of cremation.
We have Heritage and Blue<br />
Plaque Trails that bring this<br />
wonderful history to life,<br />
allowing you to visit the<br />
homes, inspirations and<br />
communities of these icons.<br />
You can walk our trails,<br />
drive our trails and select<br />
audio commentary, internet<br />
<strong>download</strong>s or leaflets to<br />
accompany them and add<br />
fascinating detail.<br />
Our museums are packed<br />
with fascinating displays<br />
and “ooh I never knew that”<br />
moments while our town<br />
centres have information<br />
boards.<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park is<br />
on the site of the former<br />
Lewis Merthyr Colliery and<br />
allows visitors to experience,<br />
first-hand, what life in the<br />
dangerous pits was like,<br />
accompanied by former<br />
miners who offer moving<br />
and personal commentary.<br />
The nearby Pit Pony<br />
Sanctuary allows you to<br />
meet and find out more<br />
about the horses who<br />
worked in the pits.<br />
Images Clockwise<br />
St Peters Church, Pentre<br />
Statue of Caradog, Aberdare<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park<br />
Rocking Stones, Pontypridd<br />
Miners Statue, Tonypandy<br />
Treorchy Male Voice Choir<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
?<br />
William Evans,<br />
founder of the<br />
corona pop factory,<br />
lived in Bronwydd<br />
House, Porth, which<br />
is adjacent to<br />
Bronwydd Park.<br />
“The stories on the<br />
Hirwaun audio trail<br />
vividly brought to<br />
life the history of<br />
the village<br />
wonderfully well - I<br />
can still picture the<br />
workers drinking<br />
the beer from the<br />
suspended barrel!"<br />
Mr D Llewellyn<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 7
outdoor spaces<br />
One thing we are not short of is<br />
open spaces and places….
View of the <strong>Rhondda</strong> Fach Valley (little <strong>Rhondda</strong>) which has been<br />
taken from the iconic cone Old Smokey in Tylorstown.<br />
Looking towards the <strong>Rhondda</strong> Fach (west). You can see<br />
Pontygwaith in the top right corner and the rise going up Penrhys.
10<br />
Outdoor Spaces<br />
Our mountain-top vistas will take<br />
your breath away as you enjoy<br />
unbroken views of open countryside<br />
or the beautiful Valleys terraces in<br />
rainbow colours that cling to the<br />
hillsides.<br />
Enjoy lakeside country parks, river<br />
bank trails and magical routes<br />
taking you to waterfalls, historic sites<br />
and wonderful wildlife locations.<br />
Tour through atmospheric towns and<br />
villages with history at the end of<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
every street and soak up the peace<br />
and quiet in parks.<br />
There are numerous maps, guides<br />
and trails to show you the way and<br />
you can walk, cycle or even horseride.<br />
For the more adventurous,<br />
there is also trekking, mountainclimbing,<br />
gorge-walking and more.<br />
Many of our leisure centres and<br />
country parks offer bike hire.<br />
Dare Valley Country Park overlooks<br />
Aberdare and the Brecon Beacons
and is a nature-lover’s<br />
paradise, offering<br />
walks and trails,<br />
including a children’s<br />
treasure hunt. It has<br />
an adventure<br />
playground, cosy café,<br />
accommodation and<br />
camping and<br />
caravanning facilities.<br />
Barry Sidings and<br />
Clydach Countryside<br />
Park to the south of<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong><br />
also offer<br />
breathtaking views<br />
and walks; wildlife,<br />
fun for the kids and<br />
places to eat and<br />
relax.<br />
Images Clockwise<br />
Gorge Walking at<br />
Dare Valley Country Park<br />
Craig y Llyn Viewpoint<br />
Clydach Lake<br />
Horse Riding at<br />
Dare Valley Country Park<br />
Cycling on the National<br />
Cycling Route<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
Countryside Walk<br />
?<br />
Griffith Morgan aka<br />
Guto Nyth Bran ran to<br />
Pontypridd and back<br />
a distance of seven<br />
miles in the time it<br />
took to boil a kettle.<br />
www.nosgalan.co.uk<br />
for more info.<br />
“We recently went quad<br />
biking, it was our first time.<br />
We had so much fun, got to<br />
experience different things<br />
around the track. The only<br />
downfall was it only went for<br />
an hour. could have spent all<br />
day riding around...”<br />
<strong>Taf</strong>f Quad Bike & activity Centre –<br />
Quote from Trip Advisor<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 11
arts and culture<br />
Welsh arts and culture is taking<br />
the globe by storm!<br />
birds eye view
Ponty’s Big Weekend<br />
Ponty’s Big Weekend has become a highlight of the UK<br />
music calendar as <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> continues to play host<br />
to some of the country’s biggest and best acts.<br />
Phenomenal summer concerts at the beautiful Ynysangharad<br />
War Memorial Park have become a trademark of success for<br />
the annual world-class performances that continually take<br />
the thousands of spectators by storm.
14<br />
Arts and Culture<br />
We like to mix the old with the new,<br />
which is why our up-and-coming<br />
bands, musicians and dancers share<br />
stages in our majestic venues with<br />
male voice choirs, brass bands and<br />
home-grown comedians.<br />
The imposing Park and Dare in<br />
Treorchy, the Muni in Pontypridd and<br />
the Coliseum in Aberdare are our<br />
main venues, but many smaller clubs<br />
and pubs also host wonderful<br />
entertainment, where you can get a<br />
taste of the Welsh arts and culture -<br />
and spot the global talent of the<br />
future.<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
An exciting calendar of events is held<br />
throughout the year, including the<br />
Big Welsh Bite where you can enjoy<br />
a slice of life in <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong><br />
with food, drink, arts and crafts and<br />
loads of family fun.<br />
The Wanted and JLS are among the<br />
stars who have taken to the stage at<br />
Ponty’s Big Weekend while sporting<br />
legends Linford Christie, John<br />
Hartson and Shane Williams have<br />
made it onto the roll of mystery<br />
runners who complete the<br />
spectacular Nos Galan Road Races<br />
every New Year’s Eve.
Did you know?<br />
Stereophonics are from<br />
Cwmaman, which is<br />
near Aberdare.<br />
?<br />
Evan and James James from Mill<br />
Street, Pontypridd, were the composer<br />
and wrote Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau<br />
the Welsh National Anthem.<br />
“An incredible occasion and I<br />
was honoured to be asked to<br />
come and bear the torch”<br />
Nos Galan 2011 – Mystery runner<br />
Shane Williams<br />
Images Clockwise<br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> Valley Museum and Gallery<br />
Tom Jones at Ponty Park<br />
marking his 65th Birthday<br />
The Pearl Fishers at The<br />
Coliseum Theatre<br />
Broken Peace Concert<br />
at the Parc & Dare Theatre<br />
Ya Don’t Stop - Take Part Show<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 15
Going to town<br />
Charming independent boutiques, high<br />
street names and, of course, wonderful<br />
Welsh arts, crafts and gifts can be found<br />
within close distance of each other.
Tom Jones<br />
Green, Green, Grass of Home: This Grogg of <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong>'s<br />
famous son Sir Tom Jones, courtesy of the world-famous Grogg<br />
Shop in Treforest demonstrates exactly what inspired the legendary<br />
tune! Sir Tom was born and raised in Treforest and carved his<br />
internationally-acclaimed career in the pubs and clubs of <strong>Rhondda</strong><br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong>. His heart definitely remains in the valleys and he often<br />
returns to <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> to belt out his world-famous hits<br />
Delilah, It's Not Unusual and, of course, The<br />
Green, Green Grass of Home.
18<br />
Going to town<br />
Each of our towns has its own<br />
distinct history and atmosphere.<br />
To the south, the steep, cobbled<br />
streets of Llantrisant are lined with<br />
quirky fashion boutiques and<br />
magical toy shops while, just down<br />
the road, the Talbot Green Retail<br />
Park boasts fantastic high street<br />
brand shopping.<br />
The <strong>Rhondda</strong> has many welcoming<br />
towns including Tonypandy, Porth,<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
Treorchy and Ferndale, where you<br />
can enjoy shopping and are<br />
guaranteed a warm welcome and a<br />
gossip with the locals in the<br />
traditional cafes that have been<br />
passed down through generations.<br />
Aberdare and Pontypridd boast a<br />
great range of shops, as well as<br />
traditional and modern places to eat<br />
and relax, parks, museums and<br />
theatres.
Enjoy Welsh arts, crafts<br />
and design at the<br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> Valley Museum<br />
and <strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage<br />
Park, both of which<br />
have galleries.<br />
No visit to <strong>Rhondda</strong><br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> would be<br />
complete without<br />
spending time in the<br />
wonderful Grogg<br />
Shop, which produces<br />
the world-famous<br />
ceramics that have<br />
immortalised Welsh<br />
sporting legends,<br />
entertainment heroes<br />
and national icons. A<br />
few of the pictures in<br />
this brochure contain<br />
Groggs – see if you<br />
can spot them!<br />
Images Clockwise<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park<br />
Gallery<br />
Local cafe in Pontypridd<br />
Shop Local<br />
Ynysangharad War<br />
Memorial Park<br />
Love Spoons at <strong>Cynon</strong> Valley<br />
Museum & Gallery Shop<br />
Talbot Green Shopping Park,<br />
Llantrisant<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
?<br />
John Hughes made his<br />
first Grogg in 1965 and<br />
has never looked back.<br />
Groggs are unique and<br />
capture the Welsh pride<br />
and humour.<br />
Why not visit the shop<br />
which is just outside<br />
Pontypridd Town Centre<br />
“Shopping in<br />
Llantrisant Old town<br />
is a quaint and<br />
quirky experience.<br />
Great location with<br />
unique shops which<br />
sell that special and<br />
unusual gift”<br />
Becky at Llantrisant Gallery<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 19
good food<br />
and drink<br />
We boast a wonderful cultural<br />
diversity, which is reflected in the food<br />
and drink we serve with a smile!
Cor Meibion Morlais<br />
Whether in lofty cathedrals or the warm atmosphere of<br />
local venues the Morlais always aim to deliver the highest<br />
standards of music-making, and are equally keen to let off<br />
steam afterwards, singing purely for fun, but always still in<br />
rich harmony.<br />
Why not watch a rehearsal at the Morlais Hall, Ferndale<br />
which has been recently converted into a first class concert<br />
venue (Rehearsals Tuesdays & Fridays 7.30pm – 9.00pm)<br />
www.cor-meibion-morlais.org.uk
22<br />
Good food and drink<br />
The influx of Italian immigrants<br />
generated a rise in the café culture in<br />
the Valleys, with cafes, fish and chip<br />
shops and ice-cream parlours still<br />
run by families today, offering<br />
delicious produce and a wonderful<br />
warm welcome.<br />
Our independent restaurants and<br />
pubs serving home-cooked,<br />
authentic Welsh meals with a mouthwatering<br />
twist are superb, or you can<br />
treat yourself to fine dining in our<br />
country house hotels, such as Miskin<br />
Manor and Ty Newydd.<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
There is an array of wonderful pubs<br />
that serve hearty menus and many<br />
are accredited under the national<br />
Best Bar None scheme to ensure they<br />
offer a great social experience for<br />
all.<br />
Small local breweries have made<br />
their own delicious beers, ales and<br />
ciders, while the award-winning<br />
Penderyn Distillery, nestled in the<br />
foothills of the Brecon Beacons and a<br />
visitor experience in itself, produces<br />
whisky that has won awards over its<br />
Scottish and Irish cousins!
One of the best ways to<br />
taste a slice of Welsh life<br />
is at the farmers’<br />
markets that are held<br />
regularly and food<br />
festivals such as the Big<br />
Welsh Bite. Here you<br />
can enjoy cheeses,<br />
meats including Welsh<br />
Black Beef, home-made<br />
pies, cakes, breads,<br />
ales, ciders and more.<br />
Images Clockwise<br />
Penderyn Whisky<br />
Welsh Cakes at the <strong>Rhondda</strong><br />
Heritage Park Cafe<br />
Kitchen in Alfreds Restaurant,<br />
Pontypridd<br />
Bar at the Bowlplex,<br />
Nantgarw<br />
French Market Stall<br />
Quality Local Butchers in<br />
Mountain Ash<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
?<br />
Penderyn Single Malt<br />
Whisky launched on<br />
St David’s Day, 1st<br />
March 2004. A visit<br />
to the <strong>Visitor</strong> Centre &<br />
Gift shop in Penderyn<br />
should not be missed.<br />
“Our visitors tell us that they<br />
love seeing and sampling<br />
local foods ~ we have been<br />
delighted to offer home made<br />
dishes using the freshest local<br />
produce on our menus and<br />
for visitors to take away and<br />
enjoy at home”<br />
Nicola at the <strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 23
24<br />
Map of <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> taf<br />
Highlighting thing to see and do<br />
and places to stay<br />
1<br />
Brecon<br />
Beacons<br />
3<br />
Abergavenny<br />
A470 A470 A470<br />
Penderyn Penderyn Penderyn<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
7<br />
2<br />
Merthyr Merthyr Merthyr<br />
Tydfil Tydfil Tydfil<br />
4<br />
Neath<br />
Valley<br />
A4059 A4059<br />
5<br />
Culture<br />
Hirwaun Hirwaun Hirwaun<br />
Parks<br />
A4059 A4059<br />
Attractions<br />
7<br />
Aberdare Aberdare Aberdare<br />
1<br />
4<br />
Accommodation<br />
2<br />
1<br />
4<br />
6<br />
7<br />
18<br />
Activities<br />
8<br />
A4059<br />
A4059<br />
A4233 A4233<br />
8<br />
Blaenrhondda<br />
Blaenrhondda<br />
Blaenrhondda<br />
Mountain Mountain Mountain Ash Ash Ash<br />
9<br />
Cwmanam Cwmanam Cwmaman<br />
2<br />
Treherbert Treherbert Treherbert<br />
6<br />
Blaencwm Blaencwm Blaencwm<br />
A470 A470 A470<br />
A4059 A4059<br />
Ferndale Ferndale Ferndale<br />
Treorchy Treorchy Treorchy<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Rhondda</strong><br />
3<br />
Abercynon Abercynon Abercynon<br />
A4107<br />
A4107<br />
Penrhys Penrhys Penrhys<br />
16<br />
A4061 A4061 A4058<br />
A4058<br />
A4107 A4107<br />
13<br />
Ynysybwl Ynysybwl Ynysybwl
Pontyclun<br />
Pontyclun<br />
Pontyclun<br />
Talbot Green<br />
Talbot Green<br />
Talbot Green<br />
Llantrisant<br />
Llantrisant<br />
Llantrisant<br />
Cardiff<br />
Cardiff<br />
Cardiff<br />
Church<br />
Church<br />
Village<br />
Village<br />
Church<br />
Village<br />
Pontypridd<br />
Pontypridd<br />
Pontypridd<br />
Caerphilly<br />
Caerphilly<br />
Caerphilly<br />
Cardiff Bay<br />
Cardiff Bay<br />
Cardiff Bay<br />
Tonyrefail<br />
Tonyrefail<br />
Tonyrefail<br />
Tonypandy<br />
Tonypandy<br />
Tonypandy<br />
Porth<br />
Porth<br />
Porth<br />
3<br />
5<br />
4<br />
6<br />
3<br />
5<br />
4<br />
1<br />
2<br />
5<br />
6<br />
4<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
5<br />
9<br />
10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
13<br />
14<br />
15<br />
17<br />
10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
14<br />
15<br />
16<br />
17<br />
18<br />
19<br />
A470<br />
A470<br />
A470<br />
A48<br />
A48<br />
A48<br />
A4232<br />
A4232<br />
A4232<br />
A48<br />
A48<br />
A48<br />
A470<br />
A470<br />
A470<br />
35<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
M4<br />
32<br />
33<br />
34<br />
A4119<br />
A4118<br />
A4119<br />
A4233 A4233<br />
A4058<br />
A473<br />
A473<br />
A4058<br />
A4225 A4058<br />
A422<br />
A4119A4119<br />
A4232<br />
A4232<br />
A48<br />
A468<br />
A4054<br />
A4061<br />
A4093<br />
A4054<br />
A4050<br />
A470<br />
A469<br />
A4161<br />
A4234<br />
A469<br />
A469<br />
A4061<br />
A4119<br />
A4118<br />
A4119<br />
A4233 A4233<br />
A4058<br />
A473<br />
A473<br />
A4058<br />
A4225 A4058<br />
A422<br />
A4119A4119<br />
A4232<br />
A4232<br />
A48<br />
A468<br />
A4054<br />
A4061<br />
A4093<br />
A4054<br />
A4050<br />
A470<br />
A469<br />
A4161<br />
A4234<br />
A469<br />
A469<br />
A4061<br />
Bridgend & Swansea<br />
Newport<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 25
26<br />
Accommodation<br />
Maesyronnen Bed &<br />
Breakfast<br />
Ystradfellte, Aberdare,<br />
CF44 9JE<br />
01639 722343<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
Listings are correct as of 14th February 2012, for more<br />
up to date information visit www.destinationrct.co.uk<br />
1 2 3<br />
Ty Newydd Country<br />
Hotel<br />
Penderyn Rd, Hirwaun,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 9SX<br />
01685 813433<br />
tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk<br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> Valley Cottage<br />
Halt Rd, Rhigos, Aberdare,<br />
CF44 9UW. (OS. SN92507)<br />
01403 264641<br />
cyat.co.uk<br />
4 5 6<br />
Marquis Inn<br />
Bute Villa, Aberdare,<br />
CF44 0SX<br />
01685 875822<br />
Fifth Avenue Guest<br />
House<br />
Lower Halt Road, Aberdare,<br />
CF44 9UP.<br />
01685 819914<br />
fifthavenuehouse.co.uk<br />
7 8 9<br />
Heritage Park Hotel<br />
Coed Cae Road, Trehafod,<br />
Nr Pontypridd, CF37 2NP<br />
01443 687057<br />
heritageparkhotel.co.uk<br />
Premier Inn, Aberdare<br />
Riverside Retail Park, Cwmbach,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 0AH<br />
0870 850 6388<br />
premierinn.com<br />
10 11 12<br />
Ceffyl Cottage<br />
Plas y Ceffyl, Cefn Lane,<br />
Pontypridd, CF37 3AL<br />
01443 400163<br />
ceffylcottage.co.uk<br />
Beili Helyg<br />
Cwm Cadlan, Penderyn,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 0YJ<br />
01685 813609<br />
walkingwalesholidays.co.uk<br />
Dare Valley Country Park<br />
Trecynon, Aberdare, CF44 7RG<br />
01685 874672<br />
darevalleycountrypark.co.uk<br />
Falcon Inn<br />
1 Incline Row, Cwmaman,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 6LU<br />
01685 873758<br />
thefalcon.co.uk<br />
The Mount Guest House<br />
41 Lan Park Road, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 2DL<br />
01443 401238<br />
themountguesthouse.com
13 14 15<br />
Llechwen Hall Hotel<br />
Llanfabon, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 4HP<br />
01443 742050<br />
llechwenhall.co.uk<br />
Central Guest House<br />
Stow Hill, Treforest, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 1RZ<br />
07815 916581<br />
centralguesthouse.co.uk<br />
16 17 18<br />
Premier Inn, Llantrisant<br />
Budget Hotel<br />
Gwaun Elai, Magden Park,<br />
Llantrisant, CF72 8LL<br />
0870 111 2814<br />
premierinn.com<br />
19<br />
Miskin Manor<br />
Pendoylan Rd, Groesfaen,<br />
Llantrisant, CF72 8ND<br />
01443 224204<br />
miskin-manor.co.uk<br />
The Stables at Brook<br />
House<br />
Rhiwseason Rd, Cross Inn,<br />
Llantrisant, CF72 8NZ<br />
01443 228526<br />
thestablesllantrisant.co.uk<br />
Glamorgan Court<br />
University of Glamorgan,<br />
Treforest, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 1DL<br />
01443 482002<br />
glamorganconference<br />
services.co.uk<br />
The Countryman<br />
Trinant Fishery, Llantrisant,<br />
CF72 8DH<br />
01443 231935<br />
the-countryman-inn.co.uk<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
?<br />
The village of Cilfynydd north of<br />
Pontypridd has produced not<br />
one, but two world famous opera<br />
singers. Sir Geraint Evans was a<br />
bass, and Stuart Burrows a tenor,<br />
the finest light tenor of his time.<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 27
28<br />
Attractions<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park<br />
Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Coed<br />
Cae Rd, Trehafod, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 2NP<br />
01443 682036<br />
www.rhonddaheritagepark.com<br />
1 2<br />
3 4<br />
The Grogg Shop &<br />
Museum<br />
Broadway, Treforest, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 1BH<br />
01443 405001<br />
www.groggs.co.uk<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
Pontypridd Museum<br />
Bridge Street, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 4PE<br />
01443 490748<br />
Pit Pony Sanctuary<br />
Forest Uchaf Farm, Maendy Rd,<br />
Penycoedcae, Nr Pontypridd, CF37 1PS<br />
01443 480327<br />
www.visitpitponies.co.uk
Nantgarw China<br />
Works Museum<br />
Nantgarw House, Tyla<br />
Gwyn, Nantgarw, CF15 7TB<br />
01443 841703<br />
5 6<br />
7 8<br />
Penderyn Whisky<br />
Distillery <strong>Visitor</strong> Centre<br />
Penderyn, Hirwaun,<br />
CF44 0SX<br />
01685 810651<br />
www.welsh-whisky.co.uk<br />
Llantrisant Gallery<br />
The Bull Ring, Llantrisant,<br />
CF72 8EP<br />
01443 238884<br />
www.llantrisantgallery.com<br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> Valley Museum<br />
& Gallery<br />
Depot Rd, Gadlys,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 8DL<br />
01685 886729<br />
www.cvmg.co.uk<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 29
30<br />
Activities<br />
1 2 3<br />
<strong>Taf</strong>f Valley Quad Bike<br />
& Activity Centre<br />
Cwrt y Celyn Farm, Upperboat,<br />
Pontypridd, CF37 5BJ<br />
029 20 831 658<br />
www.adventurewales.co.uk<br />
Greenmeadow Farm<br />
Dare Valley Country Park,<br />
Trecynon, Aberdare, CF44 7DT<br />
01685 874961<br />
www.netupandgo.com/<br />
greenmeadow<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
Milestone Activities<br />
47 Hillcrest, Brynna, Pontyclun,<br />
CF72 9SJ<br />
01443 224117<br />
www.milestoneactivities.co.uk<br />
4 5 6<br />
Aberdare Golf Club<br />
Abernant, Aberdare,<br />
CF44 0RY<br />
01685 871188<br />
www.aberdaregolfclub.co.uk<br />
Rockwood Riding Centre<br />
Craig yr Allt, Caerphilly,<br />
CF83 1NF<br />
029 20 866 281<br />
7 8 9<br />
Pontypridd Golf Club<br />
Ty Gwyn Rd, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 4AA<br />
01443 409904<br />
www.pontypriddgolfclub.co.uk<br />
Mountain Ash Golf Club<br />
The Avenue, Cefn Pennar,<br />
Mountain Ash, CF45 4DT<br />
10 11 12<br />
Llantrisant &<br />
Pontyclun Golf Club<br />
Lanelay Rd, Talbot Green,<br />
Llantrisant, CF72 8AP<br />
01443 224601<br />
www.llantrisantgolfclub.co.uk<br />
Talygarn Equestrian<br />
Centre<br />
Talygarn, Pontyclun, CF72 9JZ<br />
01443 225107<br />
www.talygarnec.co.uk<br />
Ty Draw Farm Riding<br />
Stables<br />
Ty Draw Farm, Balencwm,<br />
Treorchy, CF42 5DW<br />
01443 778028<br />
www.tydrawfarm.com<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Golf Club<br />
Golf House, Pontygwaith,<br />
Ferndale, CF43 3PW<br />
01443 441384<br />
www.rhonddagolf.co.uk<br />
Bowlplex<br />
Parc Nantgarw Nantgarw,<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> CF15 7QX<br />
01443 844944<br />
www.bowlplex.co.uk
13 14<br />
Pirate Island Indoor<br />
Playcentre<br />
<strong>Taf</strong>f Business Centre, Treforest<br />
Ind. Estate, CF37 5UA<br />
01443 844700<br />
16 17<br />
Eskimo Joe’s<br />
Unit 46 Gelli Industrial Est.<br />
Gelli, RCT, CF41 7UW<br />
01443 441514<br />
Culture<br />
1 2<br />
The Coliseum Theatre<br />
Mount Pleasant Street,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 8NG<br />
08000 147 111<br />
www.rct-arts.co.uk<br />
4 5<br />
Muni Arts Centre<br />
Gelliwastad Rd, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 2DP<br />
08000 147 111<br />
www.rct-arts.co.uk<br />
Rumble in the Jungle<br />
Unit 5, Cambrian Industrial<br />
Park, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy,<br />
CF40 2XX<br />
01443 433033<br />
Tiny Tumblers<br />
Main Road, Church Village,<br />
CF38 1RL<br />
01443 208000<br />
www.tinytumblers.co.uk<br />
Cwmaman Institute<br />
Alice Place, Cwmaman,<br />
Aberdare, CF44 6NY<br />
01685 876003<br />
cwmamaninstitute.com<br />
Showcase Cinema<br />
Heol yr Odyn, Parc<br />
Nantgarw, CF15 7GX<br />
0871 220 1000<br />
showcasecinemas.co.uk<br />
15<br />
Jolly Jesters<br />
Unit 17 Ely Valley Business Park East,<br />
Station Terrace<br />
Pontyclun, CF72 9DZ<br />
01443 228111<br />
www.jollyjestersplaycentre.co.uk<br />
18<br />
Fizzz Playcentre<br />
Fizzz Softplay, Unit 30 Aberaman<br />
Ind. Est., Aberdare, CF44 6DA.<br />
01685 268119<br />
www.fizzzsoftplay.co.uk<br />
3<br />
Park & Dare Theatre<br />
Station Rd, Treorchy,<br />
CF42 6NL<br />
08000 147 111<br />
www.rct-arts.co.uk<br />
6<br />
The Factory<br />
Welsh Hills Works, Jenkin<br />
Street, Porth, CF39 9PP<br />
01443 687080<br />
www.factoryporth.com<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk 31
32<br />
Parks<br />
1<br />
Aberdare Park<br />
Hirwaun Road, Trecynon,<br />
Aberdare<br />
4<br />
Ynysangharad War<br />
Memorial Park<br />
Bridge Street, Pontypridd,<br />
CF37 4PE<br />
01443 404699<br />
<strong>Guide</strong>s<br />
Griffin Guiding<br />
07974 678405<br />
www.griffinguiding.co.uk<br />
Trails<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
2 3<br />
Barry Sidings<br />
Countryside Park<br />
Gyfeillon Road, Trehafod,<br />
Pontypridd<br />
5<br />
Clydach Vale Countryside<br />
Park & Cambrian<br />
Lakeside Cafe<br />
Cambrian Ind. Est, Clydach Vale,<br />
CF40 2XX • 01443 442705<br />
www.cwmclydach.org<br />
Martins Walks<br />
01685 811949<br />
www.martinswalks.com<br />
Dare Valley<br />
Country Park<br />
Trecynon, Aberdare, CF44 7RG<br />
01685 874672<br />
www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk<br />
Roam Wales<br />
Sightseeing Tours<br />
of South Wales<br />
01443 209203<br />
www.roamwales.com<br />
Heritage Trails and Driving Trails<br />
Aberdare, Pontypridd & Llantrisant<br />
A series of three town centre walks which will take you on a journey<br />
through the area stopping off at historic places and Blue Plaque points. For<br />
more information please visit www.heritagetrailsrct.co.uk<br />
A driving tour of the historic places within <strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong>.<br />
Walks in Clydach Vale • Tel: 01443 420903<br />
A selection of four trails ranging from 2.4 miles to 6.8 miles. These self<br />
guided walks explore the countryside around Clydach Vale.
<strong>Taf</strong>f Trail Tel: 01443 400563<br />
Part of the National Cycle Network (Lon Las Cymru).<br />
This long-distance community route is a largely<br />
surfaced level path following former railways.<br />
Waymarked and in OS Explorer map 151 and 166<br />
Glamorgan Ridgeway Way Tel: 01443 400563<br />
This 27-mile route along the southern edge of the South<br />
Wales Coalfield offers panoramic views of the rugged narrow<br />
valleys and the Brecon Beacons to the north, and across the<br />
Vale to the Bristol Channel to the south, with Devon and<br />
Somerset beyond.<br />
Pontypridd Circular walk Tel: 01443 400563<br />
A 12-mile circuit in the hills around Pontypridd. The waymarked walk<br />
passes through ancient woods, open common, moorland, farmland<br />
and pasture, crossing the rivers <strong>Taf</strong>f and <strong>Rhondda</strong>. It climbs to<br />
panoramic vantage points for views across the valleys to the sea and to<br />
the Brecon Beacons.<br />
The Tramroad Walk Tel: 01443 400563<br />
1.5 miles Maesycoed Pontypridd to Trehafod. A linear walk<br />
along an historic tramroad, level surfaced path suitable for<br />
pushchairs/wheelchairs.<br />
Cwm Hafod Walk Tel: 01443 400563<br />
This waymarked, circular walk is about 1.5 miles. It starts<br />
at the <strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park and climbs steeply to view<br />
points overlooking the lower <strong>Rhondda</strong>.<br />
<strong>Cynon</strong> Trail Tel: 01443 400563<br />
NCN no. 478, Abercynon (S) to Penderyn (N). Part of the<br />
National Cycle Network. Community Route, mainly<br />
surfaced level path following former railways. Suitable for<br />
walking, cycling and disabled users.<br />
Dare Valley Country Park - Trails<br />
A series of walks which range from an easy stroll to a more<br />
strenuous route up to the top of the glacial cwm.<br />
Waymarked.<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
33
34<br />
Visiting and Getting Around<br />
Car<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> is easily accessible from the M4 motorway (Junction<br />
32, 34 & 35), and the A470 and A465 (Heads of the Valleys Road)<br />
Traffic information updates are available on www.traffic-wales.com<br />
Public Transport<br />
Cardiff Wales Airport<br />
Tel: 08712 820661<br />
www.tbicardiffairport.com<br />
Traveline Cymru<br />
For up to date information of<br />
travelling across Wales.<br />
Tel: 0871 200 2233<br />
www.traveline-cymru.info<br />
(or <strong>download</strong> the free Traveline<br />
iPhone app)<br />
Tourist Information Centres<br />
Pontypridd Tourist Information Centre<br />
Pontypridd Museum, Bridge Street<br />
Pontypridd, CF37 4PE<br />
Tel: 01443 490748<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> Heritage Park, <strong>Cynon</strong> Valley Museum & Gallery and Dare Valley<br />
Country Park have an extensive range of brochures available.<br />
Or simply visit www.destinationrct.co.uk for information on what to<br />
see and do.<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
National Rail Enquiries<br />
Tel: 0845 748 4950<br />
www.nationalrail.co.uk<br />
Arriva Trains Wales<br />
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure<br />
accuracy in this publication, the publishers can<br />
accept no liability whatsoever for any errors,<br />
inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any<br />
way connected with or arising out of the<br />
publication of the information.<br />
<strong>Rhondda</strong> <strong>Cynon</strong> <strong>Taf</strong> - Strategy, PR & Tourism<br />
The Pavilions, Cambrian Park,<br />
Clydach Vale, Tonypandy<br />
CF40 2XX<br />
Tel: 01443 424052<br />
www.destinationRCT.co.uk<br />
tourismenquiry@rctcbc.gov.uk
Change language