Things you won't believe are in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Most people will have heard of Rhondda coal mining, perhaps heard the name Pontypridd alongside Sir Tom Jones or know of Treorchy's acclaimed male voice choir.
Penpych Mountain
We are home to one of just two table-top mountains in Europe.
Penpych is amazing.
The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty
Have you seen the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty? You won't find another like it in Wales!
That’s here too, offering visitors three outdoor heated pools for lane swimming, inflatable pool fun and more.
It also has a Mediterranean terrace with sun loungers and al-fresco dining.
Zip World Tower
We are home to the only Zip World experience in South and Mid-Wales!
Plus it has the world's-fastest seated zipline, Phoenix AND is home to Tower Coaster, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Plus the new Tower Climber, an elevated obstacle course - the biggest of its kind in the UK.
Pontypridd's "Stonehenge"
Pontypridd, our county town, and home to the National Lido of Wales is pretty special too, packed with history and heritage – the Welsh National Anthem was written here – and lots to see and do.
Visit the iconic Welsh Stonehenge on Pontypridd Common.
The Royal Mint Experience
Over 1,000 years of treasure and secrets.
The Royal Mint moved from London to Llantrisant over 50 years ago and now makes all the money spent in the UK – as well as currencies for over 40 different countries.
The Royal Mint also makes winners' medals for the Olympics and Paralympics.
You can go behind the scenes at this fascinating attraction and delve into over 1,000 years of history – how coins are made, what they mean and more. You can strike your own commemorative coin.
A Bali-style spa and health retreat
Who likes a luxury spa, with indulgent treatments, relaxing pool, and ultimate get-away-from-it-all vibes?
Here’s the one at our Lanelay Hall Hotel and Spa (and yes, the rest of the hotel, its restaurant and surroundings are just as gorgeous).
Treorchy: UK Independent High Street of the Year
Or how about the winner of the Best Independent High Street of the Year Award? Treorchy High Street has an ice cream parlour, its own independent craft beer and ale shop and loads of great places to eat and drink.
Get out in nature
Like to get out and about in nature?
We can help.
Here’s Cwmparc in the Rhondda.
Country Garden dining at an historic Manor House
How do you fancy dining in the grounds of an historic manor house?
The pods at Miskin Manor are divine – scattered among the landscape amid flowers and streams.
Bwlch Mountain
Or you can try the Bwlch mountain at sunset (there are lots of walks, trails and cycling tracks to enjoy as you wait for the sun to go down)
Maerdy Reservoir
Like your nature mixed with history?
Here you will find the remains of Castell Nos, built by the Welsh Lords of Meisgyn, descendants of Iestyn ap Gwygant, the last Welsh King of Glamorgan.
The castle stood proud over the Rhondda, which remained in Welsh control long after the Normans had already conquered the richer lands to the south.
Llanwonno Forestry
Everyone loves a legend.
Llanwonno Forestry has lots of walks and you can explore the Clydach Reservoir and Pistell Golau waterfalls.
It was once the training ground of the fastest man on Earth – Guto Nyth Bran. The Nos Galan Road Races are held in Mountain Ash every New Year’s Eve to keep this runner’s legend alive.
An ancient china works.
Nantgarw is the last-surviving 19th Century china works in the UK and it is beautiful!
It’ pieces were considered some of the finest in the world and adorned the dining tables of the aristocracy including, it is rumoured, the doomed Tsar Nicholas of Russia.
As well as working to protect its legacy and continue production, Nantgarw also hosts modern artists and designers and has turned some of the shards of its original work into beautiful jewellery.
