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Visit Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales - Croeso

Longer stays in Rhondda Cynon Taf

 

Dare you adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales?

Head to the tiny former mining village of Blaencwm, where you will be staying overnight in Blaencwm Cottage, with stunning views over the surrounding waterfalls and mountains.

Day 1 

Head up and over the Rhigos roundabout -which you can see from your accommodation – to Zip World Tower. The former Tower Colliery has been transformed into the only adrenaline experience of its kind in South and Mid Wales.

Soar from the top of Rhigos Mountain on Phoenix, the world’s fastest-seated zip line and ride Tower Coaster, the only one of its kind in Europe, at speeds of up to 25mph.

Catch your breath and refuel with lunch in the on-site Cegin Glo restaurant, which prides itself on using only the very best of local produce. Check out the mining memorabilia on display as a tribute to the industrial importance of the site.

Travel back over the Rhigos and spend some time in Treorchy, winner of the UK’s Independent High Street of the Year, where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts and even locally brewed craft ale.

Afternoon

It’s time to get out and about in that landscape you can see from your bedroom. Penypch is a short walk from Blaencwm Cottage and there is a challenging but rewarding walk uphill through forestry and past waterfalls. Keep exploring and you will end up at the Rhigos viewpoint, where you can see the zip wire you experienced earlier.

Evening

Head into nearby Treherbert for dinner and a few drinks in the Baglan Hotel, which is run by a chef who once worked at The Ritz and prepared food for the late Princess Diana. Enjoy the community vibes and hearty food.

Day 2

Time to travel south about half an hour to the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

Bathe in the outdoor heated pools of Lido Ponty, which is a stunning restoration of the pool that has stood in the park since 1927. Grab a coffee from Caffi Lido to enjoy on the Mediterranean-style sun patio.

After your swim, take time to explore the park. The River Taff and the Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon run right through it.

Pop into Pontypridd town – make sure you check out the gorgeous Old Bridge and spend time in the quirky indoor market which has loads of places to pick up gifts and treats – including authentic Welsh Cakes.

Stop for dinner in town – we can recommend La Trattoria or Alfred’s Bar and Grill – before heading back up through the Rhondda to your accommodation.

If you have left room after dinner, make sure you stop at Sub Zero Ice Cream parlour, where you can choose from 64 flavours of ice cream – served in cones, on waffles, in sundaes or with crepes!

The Heart of the Valleys

Your home from home for this stay is Llechwen Hall, which boasts magnificent views of the Welsh countryside and is one of the best-kept secrets in the Cynon Valley. Its recently refurbished rooms are comfortable, and the food is delicious, with locally-sourced ingredients featuring on the traditional menu.

Morning - A Welsh Coal Mining Experience (90 mins)

Black Gold Underground Guided Tour

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at the Rhondda Heritage Park is a MUST to add to your tour Itinerary, where visitors can enjoy a unique experience at an authentic coal mine in the South Wales Valleys.

A living testament to the coal-mining communities of the world-famous Rhondda Valleys, the popular family tourist attraction offers a fascinating insight into the rich culture and character of the area.

Former miners guide visitors on the Black Gold Experience, a journey around the colliery site. Nobody knows the coal industry better than our guides, and visitors will be enthralled at their tales of life underground – Black Gold Guided Tour Experience of the last remaining coal mine in the world-famous Rhondda Valley, including both the surface tour and underground experience.

Lunch – The Lion Treorchy

Head up through the Rhondda, past the former mining communities you have just learned about. See how the rows and rows of terraces cling to the landscape like necklaces. Make a stop at The Lion, which is frequented by many locals and serves delicious pub grub and has theme nights such as curry and steak

Evening - Penderyn Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting (60mins)

From Wales to the world…’ Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single malt whiskies and spirits in the foothills of the magnificent Brecon Beacons in South Wales.

During the tour you will learn about the founding of Penderyn, how the award-winning whisky is made and what makes it so unique. See their mill, mash tun, our innovative single copper-pot Penderyn stills and their latest addition – a pair of pot stills. At the end of your tour sample some of our products in our Tasting Bar. Not forgetting to pop to the shop to take a bottle or 2 home to enjoy.