History and Heritage
Our landscape was shaped by Ice Age glaciers, the Industrial Revolution and everything in between. Woven through each view is a rich, waiting to be explored. Our walks, heritage trails, attractions and communities will take you back in time time.
A precious haul
The first phase of the Iron Age is named the “Llyn Fawr” period in honour of a stunning collection of weapons and tools discovered at the Llyn Fawr Reservoir, Rhigos.
Between 1911 and 1913, an existing lake was being drained to create the reservoir and the perfectly perfectly-preserved haul was found.
Read more about this fascinating story
These days, soar over the reservoir on Phoenix, the world’s fastest seated zip-line, at Zip World Tower.
It’s the only the only attraction of its kind in mid and south Wales. Tower Flyer is great for smaller riders, while Tower Coaster sends you twisting and turning along the course. Tower Climber is a huge three-storey activity course for all ages.
Don’t forget the dog friendly Cegin Glo café too.
Those who prefer a gentler pace can relax on top of Rhigos Mountain with fish and chips from Penalunas, or a picnic, and watch sunset over the reservoir.
Llantrisant Castle
This 13th Century castle was no doubt built in Llantrisant due to the town’s hilltop location and views for miles.
You can see the tower remains and you meet the resident goats, in place to nibble away the vegetation!
The Guildhall has stood alongside the castle for over 700 years and is now a modern and interactive attraction for all ages. It re-tells the story of the fearless Freemen of Llantrisant and their victory under the Black Prince at the Battle of Crecy.
An exhibition celebrates Dr William Price, an eccentric, druid and pioneer of modern-day cremation.
Discover ghosts and legends, bloodthirsty battles and captured Kings. Enjoy interactive displays, children’s activities and treasure hunts.
Discover Llantrisant with the heritage walks, combine them with the Llantrisant Common walk to enjoy nature. Make sure you visit the Butcher’s Arms Coffee Shop and Gallery for tea and cakes.
An Ancient Castle
A Blue Plaque marks the spot where Castell Nos stood. The castle was built by descendants of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh King of Glamorgan, and stood proud over the Rhondda as it remained in Welsh control long after the Normans had conquered the south.
While there is little remaining of the castle to see, its surroundings are stunning and steeped in history.
Maerdy Res. Picture by Gary Pain
Explore the footprint of Maerdy Colliery, which operated for over 100 years from 1875. See the old tram tracks and tiled of lamp rooms and showers.
Maerdy Colliery attracted the left wing and the activists – it was called Little Moscow - and, famously, needed few picket lines in the 1984-85 strikes as not one collier broke the strike.
Follow paths through beautiful scenery to Maerdy Reservoir, a favourite picnic and wild swimming spot. See the walking route here.
Follow paths through beautiful scenery to Maerdy Reservoir, a favourite picnic and wild swimming spot. See the walking route here.
Bridge over water
The struggle, engineering genius and dedication of William Edwards as he built a single-span bridge over the River Taff in Pontypridd have gone down in history.
Try, try and try again he did, before unveiling his magnificent bridge in 1756.
Walk over the bridge – it’s right outside the park gates and it leads to fascinating Pontypridd Museum.
Explore Pontypridd via the heritage trail and the audio heritage trail. Combine with the Pontypridd Common walk to explore the Rocking Stone and Gorsedd circle.
Walk over the bridge – it’s right outside the park gates and it leads to fascinating Pontypridd Museum.
Explore Pontypridd via the heritage trail and the audio heritage trail. Combine with the Pontypridd Common walk to explore the Rocking Stone and Gorsedd circle.
Eisteddfod forefather
Pontypridd Common, the Rocking Stone and a Gorsedd Circle, crafted by local clockmaker Evan Davies (see one of his ornate grandfather clocks in Pontypridd Museum) overlook the Maes.
It has long been a place where bards would gather and, in 1814, Iolo Morgannwg held the first Gorsedd Ceremony there.
Follow in the footsteps of the forefather of the Eisteddfod via the Pontypridd Common walk. Combine with the Pontypridd heritage and audio trail for more information.
Land of Song
A statue in the centre of historic Aberdare celebrates Griffiths Rhys Jones - Caradog.
He was one of the most prominent Eisteddfodau conductors, but it was his success in choral competitions in London where he made his mark, showcasing the passion and beauty of Welsh singing, language and music -earning Wales the moniker – “The Land of Song”.
Discover Caradog's story at Cynon Valley Museum, which is free to enter and has displays, artefacts and memories on show, telling the story of a that hosted the first modern-day Eisteddfod - and the last Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod.
Learn more about Aberdare on the audio trail walk and the heritage trail walk
A little anthem
Evan and James James were inspired to write and compose Hen Flad Fy Nhadau while walking in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Pontypridd is proud to be birthplace of the Welsh National Anthem, which was presented– not in its final form - at the first modern-day Eisteddfod in Aberdare in 1861.
Completed in 1856, the song was first performed in Maesteg by Pontypridd’s Elizabeth John and the rest, as they say, is history.
The original manuscript of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
A statue honouring Evan and James James stands in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and there are many venues throughout Pontypridd associated with them, including former pubs where James James performed as a harpist. Discover these via the Pontypridd Heritage Trail and Pontypridd audio trail.
Find out more about the anthem and the men behind it - plus the town that inspired them - at Pontypridd Museum
Eisteddfod beginnings
After Iolo Morgannwg’s Gorsedd Ceremony at the Rocking Stone, the first modern-day Eisteddfod was held in Aberdare in 1861.
Due to take place on a common north of Aberdare, the event was hastily moved to the market hall due to bad weather. A Blue Plaque marks the occasion and the hall is now a thriving market quarter with Welsh language cafe “Helo Coffi” and associated Blas Ar Gymru shop, which is filled with unique Welsh gifts and products.
The Eisteddfod returned to Aberdare in 1956, where it was held in Aberdare Park.
You can see the Gorsedd Stones in the heart of this beautiful park, which also has a Victorian boating lake with swan and dragon pedal boats, an adventure playground plus a children’s splash park.
It’s home to an elaborate fountain, gifted to the park to mark the coronation of King George V. One of just two in the world, the other stands outside the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Explore Aberdare Park and Aberdare town via the heritage trail.
The National Lido of Wales
Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to the National Lido of Wales – you won’t find another one like it.
Located in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and open exclusively to Eisteddfod ticket holders for the duration of the festival, Lido Ponty is a stunning restoration of the Art Deco pools that opened in 1927.
Lido Ponty retains many of its original features, including Mediterranean roof tiles, outdoor changing rooms and turnstile. The exhibition tells its history, including the incredible story of Jenny James, who became the first woman in the world to swim the English Channel both ways. She trained in the Lido.
Enjoy a swim in heated waters this week or soak up the atmosphere on the terrace. Caffi Lido will be open for hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks.
An epic tale
It’s our defining story, an epic tale of industry that shaped our landscapes, our communities and our culture.
We were once home to just a few hundred residents, living mostly in farms. That changed with the sinking of the first mine.
Rhondda Cynon Taf was an industrial powerhouse, building railways and canals to transport thousands of tonnes of coal - mined by our men and boys - to Cardiff and the world
We helped spark the Industrial Revolution, attracting great minds such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel and George Stephenson. It is said Rhondda Cynon Taf is the place the world’s first £1million cheque was written.
While the men and boys worked six days a week, women forged close knit communities that thrive to this day, living in the rows and rows of terraced houses that cling to our mountain sides.
The miners made their own merriment with singing, music and socialising, the roots of our world-famous choirs and bands. They contributed their own wages to create the Parc and Dare Theatre in Treorchy, home of Max Boyce.
Discover the story at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience in Trehafod.
Built in the footprint of the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, this fascinating experience has an underground experience tour, the chance to “ride” the last dram of coal to the surface, interactive exhibitions, displays and more.
Hear the memories and stories of the men who worked underground as boys. They are your tour guides now.
“Meet” Collier Joe, a child miner who worked in conditions so shocking, they inspired Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.
Black Gold Underground Experience Tours at a Welsh Coal Mining Experience are half price for the duration of the Eisteddfod.
Fastest Man in the World
Griffith Morgan (Guto Nyth Bran) was the fastest man in the world – he could catch a bird in flight.
He once sprinted from Porth to Pontypridd and back in the time it took a kettle to boil and raced competitively, supported by his manager and wife Sian o’r siop.
Guto agreed to one final race race but lost and collapsed, dying in the arms of Sian. He is buried in St Gwynno’s Church, Llanwonno.
The Nos Galan Road Races take place every New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash to keep the legend of Guto alive. A celebrity mystery runner – previous stars include Linford Christie, Jamie Phillips and Chris Coleman - carry the Nos Galan flame from Llanwonno Church into town to start the races. After elite, fun run and children’s races, there are fireworks and family fun.
Tickets for Nos Galan 2024 are on sale next month. Find out more.
Fine History
Nantgarw is the only surviving 19th Century porcelain works in the UK.
The beautiful porcelain made at Nantgarw China Works Museum has adorned the dining tables of royalty and is now considered so important, it is displayed in museums in London and further afield.
Holy Site
Penrhys was once one of the holiest sites in Europe, with pilgrims flocking to the mountain top to bathe in the healing waters of St Mary’s Well and to stand in the spot where the Virgin Mary once appeared in the skies above Rhondda. A beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary and a baby stands on the site. The 31-mile Penrhys Pilgrimage from Cardiff to Penrhys has now been re-opened, attracting visitors, modern-day pilgrims and hikers alike.
