The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty

You won’t find another destination in Wales like it!

The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, is in the heart of historic Pontypridd, where the Welsh National anthem was written and Sir Tom Jones began his crooning.

It’s a stunning restoration of the Art Deco Lido that first opened in the 1920s and retains many of its original features, including the outdoor changing booths and entry turnstile.

There are three outdoor pools - main pool, activity pool and splash pool with fountain – all of which are heated to a balmy 28 degrees throughout the main season.

You can choose from a range of sessions at Lido Ponty, depending on the time of year and whether it is the school holidays or not.

These include refreshing early morning lane swims and family fun sessions where the inflatable obstacle course is out and there are also water zorbs and pedal boats to enjoy.

The venue also offers Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims.

If you are not so much of a water baby, there are sun loungers on the terrace, where you can relax and watch the swimmers.

Or you can grab a coffee from the Waffle House at Caffi Lido and relax in the seating area.

Check out the on-site exhibition, which explores the history of the Lido in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

It was once the training pool for record-breaking swimmer Jenny James, who became the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways.

Many items from her past, including a swimsuit, are on display.

Lido Ponty has indoor and outdoor changing rooms and showers and is fully accessible for those who use wheelchairs, with a hoist to help get in and out of the water and a Changing Places changing room.

Make sure you spend some time in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

There are acres to explore, with tennis and badminton courts and basketball or netball hoops. Visit the secret sunken garden and the bandstand.

See the statue of Evan and James James, the Pontypridd father and son who composed the Welsh National Anthem as they strolled in the park.

Lido Play is a huge, free adventure playground next to Lido Ponty with swings, slides, sandpit and more for all ages.