Things to do in Pontypridd

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo "Pontypridd" by John Lord (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by John Lord (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Pontypridd" by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mick Lobb (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Pontypridd" by Roger Cornfoot (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Roger Cornfoot (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Pontypridd" by Jon Harries (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jon Harries (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Pontypridd" by Graham Horn (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Graham Horn (CC BY-SA)
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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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

The park is made up of 519 square miles of mountain ranges, river valleys, rolling hills, forests, lakes, waterfalls and hidden caves. In among this stunning natural beauty, you will also find some of Wales’ most colourful towns, pubs, farmers’ markets and Michelin-starred restaurants. The quaint village of Llanddewi Skirrid near Abergavenny is particularly worth a visit.
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Brecon Beacons National Park which includes a waterfall, a lake or waterhole and rainforest

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 which includes 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. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

6. 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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Principality Stadium

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
Wales Millennium Centre showing a city, modern architecture and a square or plaza

Cardiff Bay

Explore the waterfront in Cardiff with a trip to Cardiff Bay. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this relaxing area.

Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Castle which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle

Cardiff Castle

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
Barry Island Beach

Barry Island Beach

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
Cardiff University

Cardiff University

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
Utilita Arena Cardiff

Utilita Arena Cardiff

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
Wales Millennium Centre which includes street scenes, signage and modern architecture

Wales Millennium Centre

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 showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Tintern Abbey

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
Bute Park which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements

Bute Park

One of the great city parks of the world, Bute Park is a favoured haunt of both locals and visitors alike. First landscaped in the 18th Century by legendary garden designer Capability Brown, this 130 acre park is known as the ‘Green Heart’ of Cardiff and offers a leafy habitat for exercise, picnics and recreation, not to mention a wealth of seasonal attractions.

Bute Park
Cardiff showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Cardiff

Photo by Gareth Bickerton

Aberdare

Photo by Melanie Hartshorn

Pontyclun

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 neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Llantrisant Castle is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.