Take the plunge in Pontypridd

Weekend cold water swims are back at the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty – and it’s the perfect chance to explore this historic part of South Wales.

If you are visiting Pontypridd to enjoy a bracing dip in the outdoor pools (cooled to 15 degrees for the cold water sessions) then why not take the opportunity to stay a while and explore?

Warm up after your dip at Lido Ponty – a stunning restoration of the original 1927 Art Deco Lido – in the heated indoor showers and changing rooms and then make more of a day of it!

The Waffle House at Caffi Lido is right next to the pools and sells a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Refuel and then explore Lido Ponty’s exhibition, where you can see the history of this historic venue and the famous faces that used to visit, including Sir Tom Jones and Jenny James, the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways! Her swimming costume is among the exhibitions.

Beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is a great place to spend time, see the Bandstand, the sunken garden and the statue celebrating Evan and James James, the father and son who wrote the iconic Welsh National Anthem as they relaxed in the park.

Canolfan Calon Taf often has events and workshops taking place, you can find out more on their facebook page.

There is a huge adventure playground with swings, roundabouts, accessible play equipment and even a sandpit, as well as tennis and basketball courts.

Exit the park at the north onto Bridge Street to see the incredible William Edwards Bridge, which became the first single-span bridge in Europe to exceed the span of the Rialto in Venice.

Pontypridd Museum is filled with treasures from the town, including personal items from Evan and James James.

Head into town where you will be spoiled for choice for places to eat and drink.

The iconic Princes Restaurant is an example of the Bracchis, coffee shops and ice cream parlours, opened by Italian migrants to the area. It still has many of its Art Deco features and serves a sumptuous range of savouries and cakes.

Café Royale has been open for more than 100 years and serves a huge range of breakfast, lunch and meal options.

The Market Quarter has been given a fresh new look and vibe and now boasts a range of places to shop, eat and drink.

These include

The Veggie Hut, serving vegan and vegetarian drinks and meals, as well as essentials for you to take home.

The Thai Café, serving authentic meals to eat in and take away.

Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese and Korean started in the Market Quarter and has now moved to nearby Church Street, continuing to sell its range of delicious dishes that have secured the venue numerous awards, such as best Street Food in the UK and more.

The Mill Street Quarter is also a lovely place to visit, for a refreshing smoothie filled with goodness from Zucco Juice Bar or a delicious coffee in Café Fresco

Martha’s homestore always has the best window displays and sells a range of vintage homewares and local arts and crafts.

Storyville Books is an incredible independent bookstore where you can buy the new-release bestsellers and delightful Welsh language and local history books, as well as gifts.

Find out more about Pontypridd, shops and restaurants and what’s on at Your Pontypridd.