8 Things to do in Pontypridd, South Wales

Pontypridd Park

Pontypridd, a historical market town around 10 miles from Cardiff, with a direct train from the city, is seeing a resurgence in independent stores, food spots, music and arts, with the recent opening of the YMA and investment in the park, lido and local community ventures is making this town a great spot for a day out. 

So what is there to see and do in Pontypridd?

1. Ynysangharad War Memorial Park

Otherwise known as Ponty Park, this is definitely the central point of the town and has gorgeous green space with a fantastic adventure park, walks, wild gardens, dog park, bandstand, cafe and the perfect spot for a picnic. It is also home to the National Lido of Wales.

Ponty Lido

2. Lido Ponty

This historic lido is well worth a visit and is currently Wale's premier outdoor pool housed in a grade 11 listed building, having been restored to it's former glory. There are 3 heated pools, offering space for children, families, social swimmers and dedicated swimmers. Booking in advance if advised although they do have a few spaces for walk-in's.


3. Pontypridd Library

The Library is housed in a new, modern and eye-catching building just across the bridge from the park and is a great place for families to sit and page through some books in a calm space with a great children's section that provides nooks for them to sit and read. There is also plenty of space to bring your laptop of do a spot of work.

Pontypridd Museum 

4. Pontypridd Museum 

This small free museum offers fantastic insight into the town and the people who shaped it. While it could do with being updated, it's a welcoming space that's great for families and the large organ and stunning ceiling in this former Tabernacle are alone worth a visit. 

5. Pontypridd Common

The common, a short upward walk from the town offers great views across the valleys as well as an interesting heritage walk through the meadows and well-established woodland. Here you will find the iconic Rocking Stones, a stone formation made up fo a 10,000-year-old glacial boulder and surrounded by Gorsedd Stones.  

The Rockingstone on Pontypridd Common

6. Pontypridd Market

Pontypridd's indoor market has been trading since 1805 and is home to unique independent stores along with an array of fantastic foodie shops including the well-known Welsh Cake Shop. The bookstore here is also something of a wonder with books stacked up higher than any person and it's like a treasure trove. 

7. Foodie spots

Over the past few years Pontypridd has really started to make it's mark on the foodie movement here in South Wales. There is a variety of places to try from coffee shops and casual eating to more formal dining. So of my favourite places are Zucco Cafe,  Janets, The Princes, Casa Bianca and The Bunch of Grapes. 

8. Barry Sidings Country Park

Only a short drive (and within walking distance) of Pontypridd, you will find Barry Sidings Country Park which is a fantastic outdoor space for families, with plenty of walking trails, mountain bike paths, has an adventure play park, cafe and is dog friendly with free parking.