The Best Things to do in Pontypridd

Make a splash at the Lido

If you enjoy the water, why not take a splash in Pontypridd’s very own Lido? Featuring three swimming pools – a main pool, activity pool, and splash pool – along with inflatables, Aqua Scooterz and Peddlers and Water Walkers, the Lido is fantastic for people of all ages and physical abilities.

The Lido is a unique, one-of-a-kind swimming experience, so keep an eye out on their website for opening times and prices.

Explore this historic town and what it has to offer

Make sure you visit Taff Street during your time in Pontypridd to see the variety of shops the town has to offer. The street includes an entrance to Ynysangharad Park and places to eat, as well as a variety of shopping selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes and video games.

Taff Street is a long road leading through Pontypridd which will take you past the old bridge and onto the High Street.

Enjoy artistic figures at World of Groggs

Another Ponty must-visit is the World of Groggs which has been a firm favourite in Treforest since it was founded more than 50 years ago. This unique family business is famous for its hand-sculpted figurines of rugby, TV, and film legends – think vintage Funkopops.

The red-bricked Grogg shop was first founded in 1965 by John Hughes and is open Monday to Saturday. The Grogg Shop provides many visitors and residents with quirky Welsh decorations and souvenirs.

Browse the weird and wonderful items at Pontypridd Indoor Market

A visit to the town would not be complete without visiting its renowned indoor market. Pontypridd Indoor Market has a variety of unique businesses which sell everything from antique crockery and old-fashioned sweets to handbags and unusual ornaments.

You can also grab a bite to eat from one of the many food places, which include an award-winning Chinese restaurant and an iconic Welsh cake stall.

Dig into Wales's deep coal mining history at Rhondda Heritage Park

Mining is an integral part of history in Wales through the industrial revolution and up to the 1980s. The Rhondda Heritage Park will tell you the story of what life was like for the miners as they worked underground.

Based on the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery site, the heritage park has a simulated Black Gold Experience Tour as well as a virtual ride to help you re-live history in the South Wales valleys.

Enjoy the fresh air at Ynysangharad Park

If you’re looking for some time in a beautiful setting away from the traffic and university life, it’s worth visiting Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The park is home to The Lido as well as the famous statue of father and son Evan James and James who wrote Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in the town.

As well as the beautiful scenery and open spaces to enjoy park runs and dog walks, the park makes a great spot to meet up with friends to enjoy the sun and a picnic.

Go on an adventure in the beautiful countryside

Pontypridd is a fantastic area if you’re looking to enjoy nature while getting in your exercise. The famous Taff Trail runs through the town, and you can explore the Pontypridd Common – both of which will lead you to beautiful scenery which you can explore while walking, cycling, or running.

Enjoy adventuring on quad bikes or by gorge walking with the Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre or explore one of the many mountain bike trails in the area.

There’s a lot to see in the countryside around Pontypridd, including historic Rockingstones on the common which have been used for public gatherings and local bardic ceremonies since 1814.

Follow in the footsteps of a Welsh music legend

Whenever anybody thinks of Wales, singing icon Sir Tom Jones is sure to come to mind. Born and bred in Treforest, Sir Tom Jones made it to fame with hits like Delilah, Sex Bomb, It’s Not Unusual, and his rendition of the Green Grass of Home.

See the Tom Jones walk through Treforest, starting at Laura Street, to see where the Welsh celebrity was brought up and discovered his incredible singing talent.

Enjoy personal gigs from upcoming bands

In the town, which is famous for the Welsh National Anthem, Tom Jones, former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade and former Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell, it’s no surprise that the area is filled with small events.

Head to the legendary Green Rooms in Trefoest or Clwb y Bont on Taff Street for the raw, local musical talent which South Wales has to offer. There are also plenty of other small events happening in Pontypridd in the many pubs and bars.

Get cosy as you refuel in one of the delicious places to eat

Pontypridd has a great array of places to eat and drink to relax once you have finished exploring. There’s an array of different pubs to enjoy your evening as well as some different options for food.

Whether you want bistro food using Welsh ingredients at the Bunch of Grapes, a slice of delicious cake at Prince’s Café or some homemade Italian cooking at Trattoria, there’s a good amount of choice in the town. Of course, if you are fancying a grander night out, both Cardiff and Newport are easy to get to via public transport.