Eisteddfod – Things To Do In Pontypridd

For a week in August the National Eisteddfod comes to Pontypridd and RCT.  Check out our ‘must-do’ list for the town.

If you’re intending to visit the town why not check out our online resources below so you get a real feel for the area before your visit:

• Official Ponty Town Online website & message board (over 22,000 members)
  Started in 1998 this website used to be the go-to place online but although somewhat redundant since Facebook ruined everything it still has a lot of local information all in one place so is a great place to start your discovery of all things ‘Ponty’.

• The Welsh Man
  Grab yourself a copy of this gritty, urban novel. Based in and around Pontypridd, RCT and the valleys of south Wales and written by local Cilfynydd author Dave Lewis. If you want to discover what the ‘real’ Wales is like then this novel is a must-read.
  
  Review: “A truly great Welsh thriller. The author has an eye that describes modern Wales and the damaged lives of the characters who inhabit its green and flourishing post industrial landscape perfectly.” – Katherine John

• History
  Check out the town’s illustrious past here. Once described as the ‘Wild West‘, Pontypridd has had a turbulent past. A small, market town, run down after years of under funding and mismanagement by the local and regional councils, situated 12 miles north of Cardiff along the A470, ‘Ponty’ is the gateway to the famous south Wales valleys and has a rich cultural and historic past: The Welsh National Anthem, the Old Bridge and Brown Lenox for example. And the number of ‘notable people’ that hail from this small town or nearby is simply staggering: Tom Jones, Sir Geraint Evans, Russell Robins, Freddie Welsh, Catrin Collier, Glyn Davies, Robert Bye, Neil Jenkins, Jenny James, William Price, Phil Campbell, Dr David Kelly, Merlyn Rees, Richard Parks, Elaine Morgan, Beverley Humphries and Stuart Burrows all come from Ponty or close by.

• Pub Guide
  Recently updated, new photos coming soon… the infamous Ponty Pub Guide, from 1998 has been updated quite a bit over the years as pubs closed and new bars opened. In addition to the traditional pubs the town also has YMa, the Muni and numerous coffee shops on offer.

• The Voice
  Daniel Davies, Ponty boy, wins ‘The Voice Kids UK 2018’ – you have to listen to this lad!

• Heritage Trail
  If you fancy a short walk with some great history, fine views, shops and some pubs then look no further.

• Owain Glyndŵr
  Famous Pontypridd author Catrin Collier has just finished her 4th installment of her historical fiction series on the life of Welsh legend Owain Glyndŵr. Available in paperback and kindle – another must read!Review: “Catrin Collier’s writing is always exciting, descriptive and emotive. Obviously an experienced and longstanding author, she knows how to keep the pages turning and continues to do it so well here.” – alhaze

• Ponty Circular Walk
  Not for the weak and feeble, this is a fab walk around the town where you get to see the area from every angle. A tough 12 mile stroll.

• National Lido Wales
  The old swimming baths in Ynsyangharad War Memorial Park have recently been restored to their former glory and the town is now home to the National Lido of Wales. A must-see venue (if you can get a ticket).

• T-shirt Shop
  Plenty of Welsh-themed clothes at this Ponty-based online shop. Home of the original ‘A470’ design.

• Pontypridd Museum
  Opened in 1986 in the former Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Chapel, Pontypridd Museum tells the story of an area transformed, from a quiet Valleys community to a thriving industrial town at the heart of the South Wales coalfield.

• Mill Street Quarter
  Great shops and cafes. Check out Martha’s Homestore, Storyville Books and Zucco’s.

• Tom Jones
  Another Ponty boy who can sing a bit. And don’t forget to rub his crotch when you visit the bathroom in Gattos Lounge.

• Welsh Writers
  Although only a small country, Wales is home to many great writers. Check them out here.

• Ponty Market
  Used to be one of the biggest and best markets in the country during the 60s and 70s. And at the Copper Kettle you can still get the legendary faggot & peas.

• Ynysangharad War Memorial Park
  If you’re coming to the Eisteddfod then you will be attending events at the beautiful park, home of the National Lido for Wales.