Posted: 18/08/2020

Weekend explorers

If you love discovering new places and enjoy a weekend (or longer) in peaceful surroundings with just the perfect mix of shopping, dining and relaxing then welcome to Rhondda Cynon Taf!

Why not start your weekend with a stroll or a cycle through this beautiful part of Wales? The Taff Trail runs north from Cardiff through the heart of Rhondda Cynon Taf and allows you to enjoy different scenery – from a riverside amble to striking open views.

 

 

Step through the ancient forestry at Llanwonno and Treherbert to discover waterfalls and birdsong.

 

If shopping is on your agenda, visit Treorchy, the current holder of the Great British High Street of the Year award.  Here you’ll find everything from unique boutiques to cafes and restaurants – all waiting to give you a warm Valleys welcome. 

 

The tiny hilltop town of Llantrisant  has a rich and fascinating history. It is a place where old meets new.

An excellent range of independent shops, boutiques, pubs, cafes and restaurants are gathered on the cobbled streets that surround the ancient Bullring. Pick up a souvenir or enjoy an afternoon tea.

 

Just yards from the present-day luxury of Llantrisant is the chance to step back through time. Take in the Llantrisant Heritage Trail to the castle ruins, the ancient Guildhall, the town’s churches and iconic buildings as you discover a past that includes captured kings, Victorian eccentrics and gallant warriors. 

If you like to relax in style then we have a range of sumptuous hotels, each of which are exquisite restorations of historic buildings. Lanelay Hall Hotel, Miskin Manor and Llechwen Hall Hotel are fantastic examples of luxurious restoration.  

You can also book spa treatments at Lanelay Hall Hotel and Miskin Manor.

Take a tour at the nearby Royal Mint Experience, an award-winning guided tour where you can see how the UK’s coins are made and learn about the fascinating history of the Royal Mint itself in the interactive exhibition area – it’s a great trip for adults and kids of all ages.

 

The Welsh Mining Experience offers a chance to discover the dramatic history of the Rhondda Valley and the rush for coal that sparked the global industrial revolution. The men who once worked in the mines will take you on another award-winning, moving and poignant journey through life underground.

Penderyn Distillery sits in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is another option for a unique experience.  Join a tour and tasting to see how the rainwater that flows from the Valleys’ mountain-tops is used to make exquisite whisky and other spirits that have made Wales the toast of the world.

 

The distillery is within walking distance of the Red Lion pub, which has hosted visitors to the area for centuries.

 As you can see, we have lots to make your weekend stay one to remember.  All you need to do is pick a date and visit Rhondda Cynon Taf.