Pontypridd Travel Guide

Tourist 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 inPontypridd, 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,Pontypriddhas something for everyone.

Pontypriddis 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.

Cross the Old Bridge and dive intoPontypridd's past at the nearbyPontypridd Museum. Stuffed with character, this small museum is a treasure trove of fascinating local history. Learn aboutPontypridd’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 oldPontypriddrailway station, complete with moving trains.

If you fancy something a little more vigorous, you’ll definitely want to head theTaff 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.

To celebrate the height of the summer,Pontypriddhosts 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.

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 ofPontypridd’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.

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

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
Llechwen Hall Hotel
Llechwen Hall Hotel
3 out of 5
Llanfabon, Pontypridd, Wales
The price is £67 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£67
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypridd. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (589 reviews)
Great Hotel
"Great Hotel, great staff and clean, comfortable room. Very Happy"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Llechwen Hall Hotel
Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
4 out of 5
Trehafod, Pontypridd, Wales
The price is £66 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£66
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypridd. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (732 reviews)
"Ideal for a visit to the Heritage park next door,I was there whilst they had a wedding and a Prom night. Both had very little impact on my stay. I ate there all 6 nights I was there and enjoyed the meals which were very reaonably priced. I was particularly impressed by James, who made sure everything ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Heritage Park Pontypridd, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel
3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
The price is £72 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£72
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,468 reviews)
"Ideal location for visiting Cardiff, right opposite the castle. Walking distance for shops, eateries, bars, castle and museum. Hotel has no parking itself but there's an NCP just around the corner. Useful disabled access door and lift round the right hand side of the hotel. Sadly only one of the ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (262 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
The Old Stables
The Old Stables
3.5 out of 5
Caerllwyn Ganol Farm, Twyn Gwyn Road, Mynyddislwyn, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free parking, a garden and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Sirhowy Valley Country Park and Twmbarlwm ...
Lovely apartments in a lovely location.
"Fantastic self contained apartments in a lovely location. Immaculately kept and a big comfy bed! Staff very friendly and came to see us to make sure we'd settled in OK. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 6 Sep 2024

The Old Stables
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Pontypridd

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 13%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 38%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 6%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Went there with my daughters football team to play a couple of games over the weekend. Received a warm welcome from everyone.

1/5 - Terrible

w

Absolute shit hole

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Enjoyed my short stay and would definitely stay again

Cities near Pontypridd