Visitors have loved Ynysangharad War Memorial Park for nearly 100 years - and it's easy to see why.
Things to do at the park:
It's home to the stunningly-restored The National Lido of Wales, Ponty Lido, which has three heated outdoor pools, inflatable slides and games, lane swimming and a splash pool for the little ones.
The Lido Ponty Visitor Centre is worth a visit. It takes you back to the days of the original Lido, where Jenny Jones, the first woman to swim the English Channel, trained and Sir Tom Jones strutted his stuff in the sunshine.
The neighbouring Lido Play is one of the best playgrounds in the area and has themed play equipment to celebrate the industrial success of Pontypridd.
Visit the Waterside Cafe for a great selection of delicious homemade meals and cakes, hot coffees and ice creams, slushies and more! The cafe overlooks both The Lido pool and the Lido Play area.
Pontypridd town centre is just a few minutes' walk if you want to explore a wider selection of places to eat and drink.
The park also has tennis courts, a cricket pitch and acres of open space to explore -it has secured the prestigious Green Flag Award every year for 12 consecutive years!
The park often hosts family attractions, such as fun days, fairs, and parades.
The park is bordered on one side by the Taff Trail, so you can cycle to it from Cardiff or Merthyr Tydfil. It's also walking distance from the train station and there are plenty of car parks in Pontypridd.
Plants, flowers and wildlife at the park:
Plants, flowers and wildlife
View more about the exquisite flower gardens, plants, trees, insects and birds at Ynysangharad Park.
The history of the park:
The History of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park
Find out more about the rich history of the Park.
Evan James and James James Statue
In July 1930, the memorial to Evan James (1809-1878) and James James (1833-1902), the Pontypridd father and son who composed the iconic Welsh National Anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (‘Land of My Fathers’) was revealed. The two statues are made of bronze and depict two figures in Celtic robes – a man holding a harp representing music, and a woman representing poetry.
The Bandstand
Added in 1926, the bandstand – with a conical red tiled roof and iron piers and railings, is the focus of the park. Surrounded by seasonal flower beds it reflects the more traditional Victorian view that the type of recreation on offer should be more focused on culture and be more rational than physical. Over time, the bandstand became a focal point in the park especially in 1953 during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation tour.