Things to do in Pontypridd

Activities, attractions and tours

Public Library Building, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales, United Kingdom, Europe
Public Library Building, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales, United Kingdom, Europe
River taff flowing through pontypridd town centre in south wales
Railtour at Pontypridd. UK Railtours brought a pair of class 66 locomotives, Nos. 66011 and 66116, in top-and-tail formation, to South Wales on their Valley Legend railtour. The tour visited the Ebbw Vale and Tower Colliery branches, and is seen here passing through Pontypridd on its return from Tower.
Photo by Gareth James (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
Pontypridd, UK
Photo by IIya Kuzhekin (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
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Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Opened in June 1999 complete with the first fully retractable roof in the UK, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous sporting events as well as concerts featuring the biggest entertainers in show business, from Take That, One Direction and Oasis to Madonna, Rihanna and Beyoncé.
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Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Brecon Beacons National Park which includes rainforest, a lake or waterhole and a waterfall

3. Cardiff Castle

A 12-sided medieval keep offering panoramic views across the city from a platform at its top is at the castle’s heart, but the site is also full of later additions that capture the imagination. Fabulous mock-Gothic features, including an extravagant banqueting hall and clock tower, were added during the Victorian era.
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Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

4. Barry Island Beach

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.
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Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

5. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
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D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

What to do in Pontypridd

Popular places to visit

Millennium Stadium showing modern architecture and a river or creek

Principality Stadium

4.5/5(198 reviews)

The spiritual home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadiumin Cardiff is one of the most famous sporting arenas on the planet, envied the world over for its cauldron-like atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities.

Principality Stadium
Pierhead Building, a Grade One listed building of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, Wales. A Cardiff's landmark taken from Cardiff Bay.

Cardiff Bay

4.5/5(190 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theatre scene in this family-friendly area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

Cardiff Castle

4.5/5(251 reviews)

Located in the heart of the city centre, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ most important cultural attractions. A rich history spanning 2,000 years is contained within its walls and fairytale-style towers.

Cardiff Castle
Aerial panorama of Barry Island, Wales, UK

Barry Island Beach

4/5(76 reviews)

If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Barry Island Beach
D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Utilita Arena Cardiff

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Cardiff Motorpoint Arena is located on Mary Ann Street in the heart of Cardiff. It was opened in 1993 and is the largest purpose-built facility for staging exhibitions and concerts in South Wales.

Utilita Arena Cardiff
Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

Cardiff University

4/5(44 reviews)

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883 and located in the heart of the thriving Welsh capital, Cardiff University has built an international reputation for the quality of its work.

Cardiff University
Wales Millennium Centre featuring street scenes, signage and modern architecture

Wales Millennium Centre

4.5/5(210 reviews)

An architectural masterpiece, the Wales Millennium Centre is at the heart of Cardiff Bay, a wonderfully regenerated area full of striking buildings, wide open spaces and intriguing pieces of public art.

Wales Millennium Centre
Tintern Abbey featuring a castle, heritage elements and religious aspects

Tintern Abbey

4.5/5(26 reviews)

The monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey are nestled in the heart of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty and can boast 900 years of history in their walls. This was the first Cistercian abbey built in Wales and only the second in Britain, and despite now being exposed to the elements, it remains one of the most stunning surviving examples of gothic architecture in the country.

Tintern Abbey
Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay Waterfront

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Cardiff when you take a trip to Cardiff Bay Waterfront. Discover the area's fascinating museums or seek out its local tours.

Cardiff Bay Waterfront
Cardiff featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes

Cardiff

A sheep in the evening sun near Treorchy, overlooking the Ogmore Valley in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Aberdare

Frequently asked questions

Is Pontypridd worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are many interesting things to do in Pontypridd. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of cool attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Pontypridd?
Start your adventures with a visit to Castell Coch and Llantrisant Castle. Then, check out other areas of Pontypridd for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pontypridd?
You can't leave without exploring Castell Coch, ranked the top tourist attraction in Pontypridd.
Is three days enough to stay in Pontypridd?
Three days will give you time to check out the leading city attractions, like Llantrisant Castle, Falconry UK and Ogmore Castle. The average stay in Pontypridd is two days. If you have the urge to extend your getaway, Cardiff isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Pontypridd with kids?
Planning what to do in Pontypridd with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Pontypridd for adults?
From tasty dishes and cultural hotspots to outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are many great things to do in Pontypridd for adults.
Are there free things to do in Pontypridd?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Pontypridd is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Llantrisant Castle is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.