Posted: 16/06/2022
Picnic Week
It’s National Picnic Week from June 19, time to grab the blankets and hamper and find yourself a beautiful spot to dine al fresco.
Here’s some of the best places in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, to enjoy food with a view.
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare.
There are acres to explore and an adventure playground the children will love. You can bring your bikes and try our Gravity Family Bike Park. If you prefer, choose one of the walks that lead you around and out of the park and into the surrounding mountains. More information here.
Barry Sidings Country Park, Trehafod near Pontypridd
This place is perfect for a picnic. There is an adventure playground, lake, café, and BBQ points scattered throughout. There is loads of space, so finding your spot won’t be hard. Make sure you bring the bikes or scooters for a turn on the pump track or ramps. If you fancy a game of football, frisbee or rounders, you can do that here too. Find out more.
Clydach Vale Countryside Park, Rhondda Valley
Choose from two lakes by which you can dine in the great outdoors. The “bottom” lake has a café and is surrounded by benches where you can relax and eat. Watch out for the resident ducks and geese who may quack for your leftovers!
The more isolated top lake has fishing platforms which, when covered with a blanket, make a lovely picnic spot. You can either park at the first lake and walk to the top lake, or drive a little further into Clydach Vale, direct to the top lake. Find out more
Aberdare Park, Aberdare
We love historic Aberdare Park. It’s right by Aberdare town centre so you can get your picnic essentials before exploring. There’s a boating lake with pedal boats and ducks and geese to feed- get your food from the café.
Admire the beautiful fountain. It’s one of only two in the world and the other one is outside the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. See the Gorsedd Stones erected when the park hosted the first-ever Eisteddfodd and perhaps have a game of tennis on the courts or rounders on the land. There’s an adventure playground and the AquaDare splash pad is open seasonally and free to use. Find out more.
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd
By the bandstand or by the shores of the River Taff? Close to the huge Lido Play adventure playground or in the serene sunken garden? Decisions decisions at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, which is packed with lovely places to picnic and loads to do and explore after you have eaten! Find out more
On top of the world at Rhigos Mountain, near Brecon Beacons
With views for miles right over the Brecon Beacon, Rhigos Mountain is definitely a great spot to dine. if you don’t fancy a picnic, you can always visit award-winning Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips for a takeaway – we know they taste better eaten from the paper outside! Enjoy the breath taking views and see the riders on Zip World Tower.
