Posted: 21/06/2022
Have a summer family adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf
It’s time for a family summer adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.
We are home to days out and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Wales.
Located directly off the M4, between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons, we have everything you need for a fun-filled break.
Discover somewhere different this Summer. Here are some of our top picks of things to do in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.
You can also find out more about places to stay and where to eat.
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Dare Valley Country Park and Gravity Family Bike Park
Dare Valley Country Park is home to Gravity, the UK’s first purpose-built family bike park. Take the uplift service to the mountain-top and ride down the trails. Make a stop at the pump tracks. There’s even a colourful balance bike course for little ones. Bring your own bikes or hire one of ours.
Dare Valley Country Park is huge, with an adventure playground, walks, lakeside adventures and plenty of space for scooter rides, picnics, football and more.
Black Rock Café serves everything from tea and cake to Sunday roasts.
There is new caravan/campervan/motorhome site with modern facilities and electrical hook-ups. Dare Valley is a Dark Sky site, meaning it has crystal-clear night skies you can stay under.
Find out more about Dare Valley Country Park, Gravity Family Bike Park and the caravan site.
The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, Pontypridd
With three outdoor heated pools, inflatable obstacle course and a splash pool with fountain for little ones, Lido Ponty is a winner for all the family.
Laze on the poolside loungers or grab a coffee from Caffi Lido and relax on the terrace. Find out more about Lido Ponty, book your visit online.
Take time after your swim to explore Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and lovely Pontypridd.
Lido Play is free to enter and has loads to entertain the kids. Explore the park, find the statue celebrating Evan and James James, who composed the iconic Welsh National Anthem.
Pop into town, over the historic old bridge, for some shopping. Grab lunch in one of in the many cafes, or head into the Market Quarter, which sells everything from Welsh Cakes to vegan meals.
Zip World Tower, Hirwaun
Zoom from the top of Rhigos Mountain on Phoenix, the fastest seated zip line in the world. Smaller children will love the Tower Flyer. Ride Tower Coaster, the only one of its kind in Europe, and look out for Tower Climber, an elevated obstacle course that opens soon. Zip World Tower, which is built on the site of the former Tower Colliery, also has the Cegin Glo restaurant, where you can admire the view as you dine.
Find out more and book online
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, Trehafod
Families love meeting our tour guides – all of whom worked as coal miners when they were boys.
Coal from our valleys helped power the world and sparked the Industrial Revolution. It’s an epic tale we’re proud to tell. Mining shaped our landscape and our communities and fuelled our love of family, music and singing.
Visit us to be fitted with your miner’ helmet to journey underground and back in time. Ride DRAM! and explore original mine workings and other artefacts in the courtyard.
Find out more and book online now
The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant
“Money talks”– and there’s a definite story to be enjoyed at the Royal Mint Experience. Go behind the scenes at this 1,000-year-old institution that moved to Wales from the Tower of London. Find out how coins are made, strike your own coin and marvel at the statues made from 1p coins. The gift shop is perfect for coin collectors.
Find out more and book your visit online
Historic Llantrisant
Step back to the days of Victorian eccentrics, captured kings and fearless warriors in historic hilltop town Llantrisant.
For a place so small, it packs a mighty punch, with lots to do. Visit the Castle ruins – try out the stocks! The Guildhall brings history to life and kids will love the interactive experiences. Walk on the common, meet the ponies and follow the Bunny Walks to the mysterious hill-top Billy Wynt.
Find out more about Llantrisant
Barry Sidings Countryside Park
Run, jump and stretch to your hearts’ desires in this beautiful corner of Rhondda Cynon Taf. It has a lake, adventure playground, bike pump track and an incredible café serving burgers, milkshakes or more.
Take a gentle stroll through the park or trek up high into the surrounding mountains – the choice is yours!
Find out more.
Paradise for nature-lovers
Escape from it all and enjoy fresh air, peace and quiet at Clydach Vale Countryside Park. Here you will find two lakes – one which is busier and has ducks and geese to feed and a lakeside café. Walk a little further up to the serene “top lake” where you may spot the resident heron.
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Chase Waterfalls
Discover “secret” waterfalls and crystal clear dipping ponds. The Penpych walk takes you through ancient forestry, past a waterfall and pool and then up to one of the best views in the region.
See walking routes
Llanwonno Forestry is a family-friendly walk where you can discover the hidden reservoir and the beautiful Pistyll Goleu waterfall. Make a stop at St Gwynno’s Church to see the final resting place of Guto Nyth Bran, once the fastest man in the world. The Nos Galan Road Races are held in Mountain Ash every year in his honour.
Get the route
Stay
We have an incredible range of places for the family to stay. The Fernhill Farm glamping pods are comfy and cosy, while the 266 Heart of the Valleys Guest house has a play area and hot tub in the back garden.
You can also rent the enormous Hafod Ganol Farm, or the brand new Forest View in Llantrisant.
See all places to stay in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Eat
There’s lots on the menu in Rhondda Cynon Taf. From high street names and familiar pub grub to something special.
Grab a takeaway from the award-winning Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips in Hirwaun and dine al-fresco on top of Rhigos Mountain. Try to choose from over 60 flavours of ice cream at the super cool Sub Zero Ice Cream in Penrhiwfer or enjoy tapas, pizza or more in the Cardiff Arms Bistro Hotel in our award-winning town, Treorchy.
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