Pontypridd

Travel Guide

Photo "Pontypridd" by John Lord (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Pontypridd" by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Pontypridd" by Roger Cornfoot (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Pontypridd" by Jon Harries (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Pontypridd" by Graham Horn (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Located about 12 miles north of Cardiff, the town of Pontypridd is in a great central location if you want to explore all that South Wales has to offer. Affectionately known as ‘Ponty’ by the locals, this lush green getaway is just a short drive from the nearest airport and train station.

Expect to enjoy some local history in Pontypridd, as well as some relaxing walks in the Taff and Rhondda valleys. With family friendly activities and extreme sports on offer, as well as an annual music festival, Pontypridd has something for everyone.

The Old Bridge in Pontypridd

Pontypridd is famous for its Old Bridge. Built in 1756 by William Edwards, a local stonemason, it scales the River Taff. What makes this arched construction particularly interesting is that it is a segment of a perfect circle — at one time it was the widest single arch bridge in the world. What’s less well known is that Edwards needed four attempts to build it — the first three collapsed! Fourth time lucky, the Old Bridge is still standing nearly 250 years later and is now a grade I listed structure.

Pontypridd Museum

Cross the Old Bridge and dive into Pontypridd's past at the nearby Pontypridd Museum. Stuffed with character, this small museum is a treasure trove of fascinating local history. Learn about Pontypridd’s mining community and the factory industries that sprung up during the Industrial Revolution. And for the kids, head upstairs, where there’s a miniature model of the old Pontypridd railway station, complete with moving trains.

Quad Biking in Pontypridd

If you fancy something a little more vigorous, you’ll definitely want to head the Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre. Great fun for everyone, this family run centre prides itself on ensuring that everyone has a good time, regardless of their age. It even has a dedicated children’s course. And quad biking isn’t all — here you can try archery, clay pigeon shooting and for the real thrill-seekers, head to the cliffs in the nearby Brecon Beacons for a guided gorge walk.

Festivals in Pontypridd

To celebrate the height of the summer, Pontypridd hosts an annual music festival, Ponty’s Big Weekend. Head along for two days jam-packed with all the latest musical acts, with big British names headlining as well as some local talent in support. Popular with the younger generation, this is a great weekend to visit Wales and set your visit off to a lively start.

Pubs in Pontypridd

While you’re here it’d be a shame to turn up the opportunity to try some of the region’s exceptional local ales and ciders in one of Pontypridd’s many taverns. Some good no-frills pubs are located here and you’re certain to find somewhere for you. And, without giving too much away, you might even discover a pub with its own brewery on the premises.

Enjoy Pontypridd Today

With so much great stuff going on, don’t waste a moment — book yourself a trip to Pontypridd today.

Where to stay in Pontypridd

Treforest

Treforest is well-liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Pontypridd area, you might plan a trip to The Royal Mint Experience or Caerphilly Castle.

Treforest
Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
4 out of 5
Trehafod, Pontypridd, Wales
The price is P4,304 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P4,304
P5,165 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypridd. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (695 reviews)
"Staff where very polite... will be staying again"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Llechwen Hall Hotel
Llechwen Hall Hotel
3 out of 5
Llanfabon, Pontypridd, Wales
The price is P4,643 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
P4,643
P5,572 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypridd. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (557 reviews)
"great hotel and great service and will book again"

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2025

Llechwen Hall Hotel
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is P3,688 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
P3,688
P4,426 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,264 reviews)
"I like the Angel as its walkable for cardiff central train station, and very close to the shops. The rooms are clean and adequate. It was very disappointing that the lift wasnt working for the 2 days that we stayed. And that the shower was over a bath. But we didn't say on booking that we needed ..."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

The Angel Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (252 reviews)
Great value, central location.
"Great location. Clean and comfortable room with very easy access arrangements. Very good communication with owners."

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (184 reviews)
Sleep over
"Stay was good no clean sheets on bed so used my sleeping bag otherwise room was clean and bathroom was cleaned"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Quay Apartments Clarence House
Quay Apartments Clarence House
3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (128 reviews)
"Excellent two bed apartment, clean, modern and great value. Lovely staff and easy parking."

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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