Fall for Rhondda Cynon Taf this Autumn
Ah Autumn, the season of misty walks, nature's stunning colours and, of course, hearty home-made soups and hot chocolate. There’s spooky fun, myths and legends to explore, walks to lose yourself in and the cosiest of places to cwtch up in!
Enjoy spooky fun at a former coal mine. A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum hosts the frighteningly-good Spooktacular every October half term.
As well as this, the museum offers the Black Gold Underground Experience, the only tour of its kind led by former coal miners, who share their memories and personal stories with you.
There are interactive exhibitions and displays and a courtyard full of coal mining memorabilia, plus Caffe Bracchi selling cakes, meals and hot and cold drinks – no wonder it’s an award-winner.
Take a cold-water dip at The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. The pools, usually heated to a balmy 28 degrees for family fun sessions, are turned down to 15 degrees for sessions where you can swim, or just dip!
A hot chocolate from Fries Guys at Caffi Lido afterwards is just the thing to warm you up.
Or take a trip into Pontypridd – Lido Ponty stands in the heart of the town centre – and try one of the great places to eat and drink there.
Take in the changing colours of the seasons on a walk.
Smaelog Woods, or Llantrisant Forestry offers stunning Autumn colours. Get the route.
If you fancy just a gentle stroll, Bronwydd Park in Porth is beautiful.
Fancy an adventure in the crisp seasonal air? Take a trip to Dare Valley Country Park, which is filled with walking trails for all, adventure playgrounds, mountains you can zip down on your bike and even a fishing lake.
Caffi Cwtsh serves the heartiest of food, drinks and snacks to enjoy after.
As the weather changes, so does the wildlife you can spot. Explore Clydach Vale Country Park, take a circular walk around the “bottom” lake and enjoy a hot chocolate with a view at the café. Or venture further into the park to the top lake, where Kingfishers can be spotted.
Relax in front of a roaring fire. The Red Lion in Penderyn is one of the oldest pubs in the area and the perfect place to relax with a meal, accompanied with a glass of warming Penderyn Whisky, which is made just up the road. (visit Penderyn Whisky Distillery and enjoy a behind the scenes tour and tasting).
You can also stay at the Red Lion, in its sumptuous and inviting Cwtch Cottage.
Take a tour of the world with coffee. Is there anywhere better to be in Autumn than a coffee shop? The windows are steamed, the cold is firmly shut out and the coffee is piping hot.
Clwb Coffi in Tonypandy serves brews from all over the world and is dog friendly.
Speaking of dogs, they will love the puppachinos at Coffi HQ in Taff’s Well.
Find out more about dog-friendly places to eat in Rhondda Cynon Taf.