Rhondda Cynon TafGroup Travel Guide

Blaenau Gwent

Bridgend

Caerphilly

Monmouthshire

Newport

www.visitsouthernwales.org Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhondda Cynon Taf 3

Mae Parc Treftadaeth Cwm Rhondda yn darparutystiolaeth fyw o gymunedau glofaol byd enwogCymoedd y Rhondda drwy gynnig cipolwg diddorolar y diwylliant cyfoethog a chymeriad Cymoedd DeCymru. Bydd cyn-lowyr gyda'ch ymwelwyr ar daithdanddaearol 40 munud cyn archwilio stryd pentrefhanesyddol, dan do sy'n dangos bywyd domestig amasnachol o'r Cymoedd. Mae cyfleusterauychwanegol yn cynnwys canolfan i ymwelwyr, orielgelf a chaffi. Digonedd o le i barcio bysiau ar ysafle. Prisiau gostyngol ar gael ar gyfer grwpiau.

Cynnig Grwp:• Amrywiaeth o amseroedd taith i weddu eich amserlen• Disgownt grwp• Mynediad am ddim ar gyfer gyrrwr bws ac arweinydd y grwp• Lluniaeth am ddim ar gyfer gyrrwr bws ac arweinydd y gr p

(drwy drefnu ymlaen llaw)• Digon o le i barcio bysiau gyda mynediad hawdd o'r A4058

reception@rhonddaheritagepark.com 01443 682036

A living testament to the mining communities ofthe world famous Rhondda Valleys, RhonddaHeritage Park offers you a fascinating insight intothe rich culture and character of the South WalesValleys. Ex miners accompany your visitors on a40 minute underground tour before exploringthe indoor period village street that displays thedomestic and commercial life of the Valleys.Additional facilities include a visitor centre, artgallery and café. Ample coach parking isavailable on site. Group discounts offered.

Group Offer:• A variety of tour times to suit schedule• Group discount• Free entry for Coach Driver and Group leader• Free refreshment for Coach Driver and Group Leader (by prior

arrangement)• Ample Coach Parking with easy access from A4058

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Contents

Attractions

06

Coach Parking

17

Accommodation

10

Activities

08 12

Refreshment Stops

Maps & Travel Information

18

Tour Guides

16

Explore Rhondda Cynon Taf

13

Regional Overview

04

Event Highlights

15

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Welcome (or Croeso as we prefer to say) to Southern Wales

You may already have an idea what to expect from a trip to Southern Wales.

We are split into six distinctive areas, each with their own character and charm. The areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf are well known for their history and heritage, whilst nearby Monmouthshire is more rural and famed for its fabulous food and drink. Newport is a thriving city with some world class attractions whilst Bridgend is a mix of coastal resorts, market towns and fabulous countryside.

We also have plenty of castles and museums but we also have a National Park, the start of the Wales Coast Path and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We also have some things you may not associate with us. There are the remains of a Roman amphitheatre and barracks, vineyards producing award winning wine and a great big sculpture, soaring 20 metres into the sky and standing guard over the Valleys below.

Each of our areas has its own guide. So have a flick through this one and then take a look at the companion brochures and before long you’ll be planning your trip to Southern Wales.

Hello… Shwd Mae…. Bonjour…..

Guten Tag…. Hallo… Dia duit

For more information visit our website www.visitsouthernwales.org

or contact the tourism team:tel - +44 (0)1443 424052 email - tourismbusiness@rctcbc.gov.uk

To order group travel brochures for other areas of Southern Wales please contact +44 (0)1656 815336 or e-mail brochure@southernwales.com

Probably the most famous valley in the world – the Rhondda once powered the world.

Those days are long gone, although the history and legacy are preserved, not least at the excellent Rhondda Heritage Park. Here, in the company of an ex-miner, you’ll hear the tales of how the men (and boys) lived and worked in the coal industry.

It’s not all about the past. There are plenty of attractions that are looking to the future. The Penderyn Distillery, in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons has just unveiled their new, extended tours. It now means that visitors get an even greater look at how Wales’ only distillery produces its famed Penderyn Single Malt.

Lido Ponty will reopen Summer 2015 and will be Wales’ premier outdoor water attraction. Enjoy three heated

pools, café and explore the new adventure play area.

Meanwhile, the Royal Mint at Llantrisant will shortly be opening their doors to the public. Visitors will see how the money in their pockets is made, as well as get the chance to strike their own coin.

Elsewhere, enjoy the serenity of the Dare Valley Country Park or the charming hillside town of Llantrisant.

5Rhondda Cynon Taf

Discover Rhondda Cynon Taf

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AttractionsEnjoy the best of what this area has to offer, including a top whisky distillery, beautiful countryside and an experience of what life was like underground.

500 acres of breath taking countryside near Aberdare. Explore our network of Countryside trails, take in the spectacular views and enjoy the play areas or even a game of laser tag at combat zone. On site café and visitor centre.

Dare Valley Country Park

tel: +44 (0)1685 874672 email: darevalleycountrypark@rctcbc.gov.uk web: www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk

Pontypridd’s new and exciting premier outdoor water attraction and adventure park situated in the picturesque setting of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. Lido Ponty will comprise three heated swimming pools. Café and a dry play area.

Lido Ponty

tel: +44 (0)1443 495187email: pontypridd@rctcbc.gov.ukweb: www.lidoponty.co.uk

The distillery is the only one in Wales and the first to legally distil whisky spirit in the country for more than 100 years. Enjoy a tour through the history of whisky making in Wales, and understand the distilling process at first hand.

Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre

tel: +44 (0)1685 810651email: visitorcentre@welsh-whisky.co.uk web: www.welsh-whisky.co.uk

Don your safety helmet, ride ‘the cage’ to ‘pit bottom’ where you will ‘live the experience’ of life as a miner and hear from your guide about the hazards and tasks miners endured as part of their daily work. On-site cafe and visitor centre.

Rhondda Heritage Park

tel: +44 (0)1443 682036email: reception@rhonddaheritagepark.comweb: www.rhonddaheritagepark.com

Take a look behind the scenes at Britain’s oldest manufacturing organisation. See for yourself the people and processes that put the pounds and pennies in your pockets. Coming soon.

The Royal Mint

tel: +44 (0)1443 222111web: www.royalmint.com

The museum depicts the industrial, social and cultural history of Pontypridd, emphasizing the distinctive history of the town. Historic bridge nearby was built in 1756 and became famous as the first in Europe to exceed the span of the Rialto in Venice.

Pontypridd Museum

tel: +44 (0)1443 490748web: www.pontypriddmuseum.org.uk

The Ty Newydd Country Hotelis set at the end of a lengthydrive off the A4059 on the edgeof the Brecon Beacons NationalPark and has everything youhave been looking for;tranquillity, comfort andexcellent food.

With the Brecon BeaconsNational Park, Valleys, Castlesand Historic centres as ourneighbours, we are ideallylocated to explore, arguably, themost beautiful part of Wales.

TY NEWYDD———— ♦♦♦ ————C O U N T R Y H O T E L

Ty Newydd Country HotelPenderyn Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare,Mid Glamorgan CF44 9SXTel: 01685 813433 | Fax: 01685 813139Web: www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.ukEmail: relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk

Open All Year28 En-suite Bedrooms

Free Car/Coach ParkingDinner, Bed & Breakfast

Group RatesLunch Stops

Morning CoffeeAfternoon Teas

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Combat Zone Live is the most realistic combat simulation you can find, short of joining the military. Use your skill and judgement to outwit your opponents. Weapons have no projectiles and use an infrared beam of light.

Combat Zone Live

tel: +44 (0)7859 898222email: info@combatzonelive.co.ukweb: www.combatzonelive.co.uk

Specialists in Quad Biking, Archery, Clay Shooting & Gorge Walking. Excellent quad trekking with 360 acres of wild farmland to explore as well as archery & shooting.

Wales Activity Breaks

tel: +44 (0)2920 831658 email: info@walesactivitybreaks.co.ukweb: www.walesactivitybreaks.co.uk

Activities

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Get an adrenaline boost by taking to the great outdoors. Enjoy some heart racing action in some of the most picturesque settings Southern Wales has to offer.

Activity Centre specialising in Quad Bike treks through the countryside on our 360 acre working hill farm. Try taster sessions in Archery, Clay Pigeon shooting and many more.

Taff Valley Quad Bike Centre

tel: +44 (0)2920 831658 email: hopkinsmith@btconnect.com web: www.adventurewales.co.uk

Mountain View Ranch offers over 100 acres of Trails, Meadows and Woodlands to explore, all crammed with wildlife and stunning views. Activities include a High Ropes Course and Segway Trekking.

Mountain View Ranch

tel: +44 (0)2920 886666 email: info@mountainviewranch.co.ukweb: www.mountainviewranch.co.uk

Mae Rhondda Cynon Taf, sy'n gorweddyn dwt rhwng Caerdydd a PharcCenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog ynlleoliad perffaith i gael gêm o golff. Maegan ein cymoedd syfrdanol 5 clwb golffmewn lleoliadau amrywiol. Mae cyrsiaugolff uchaf ynysoedd Prydain yma, fellymae digon o gyfleoedd i wylio adar wrthichi gerdded y cwrs. Yn ystod yr wythnosdiwethaf, rydyn ni wedi gweld sawl byrdi,un eryr ac un albatros.

Ac mae'r golff yn well na'r safonhefyd!

Chwiliwch am eich diwrnod arbennig o golff:www.visitrct.co.uk/birdie

Rhondda Cynon Taf, nestled betweenCardiff and the Brecon BeaconsNational Park, is the perfect setting for agame of golf. Our breathtaking valleyshave five golf clubs in various settings.We have the highest altitude golfcourses in the British Isles, so there areplenty of opportunities for bird watchingwhile on the fairway. In the last week,we’ve seen several “birdies”, an “eagle”and an “albatross”.

Oh, and our golf is above par too.

Find your great golfing day out at:www.visitrct.co.uk/birdie

RHONDDA CYNON TAF

Diwrnodau i’w

Great Days

Gwyliwch y byrdiWatch the birdie

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Accommodation

10 www.visitsouthernwales.org

Grand country houses, cosy rural retreats and high quality independent hotels mean that there is plenty of choice for you.

Llechwen Hall Hotel is a privately owned historic country house hotel with magnificent views, exceptional food and stylish surroundings.

Llewchwen Hall Hotel

tel: +44 (0)1443 742050email: enquiries@llechwenhall.co.uk web: www.llechwen.co.uk

Miskin Manor

Miskin Manor Hotel is a Grade II listed hotel set in 25 acres of incredible gardens. The manor is one of the most beautiful, decadent country house hotels in Wales, providing guests with a beautifully warm & friendly welcome.

tel: +44 (0)1443 224204email: reservations@miskin-manor.co.uk web: www.miskin-manor.co.uk

Walking, waterfalls and whisky... The Premier Inn Hotel Aberdare has all the ingredients for a fabulous getaway. Just minutes from Brecon Beacons National Park or an easy 35 minutes from central Cardiff.

Premier Inn Aberdare

tel: +44 (0)871 5278002web: www.premierinn.com

Premier Inn Llantrisant

There’s so much to see and do nearby. You’ll be less than half an hour from central Cardiff, a short drive from some top-notch golf clubs and near enough to the seaside to nip for an ice-cream.

tel: +44 (0)0871 5278640web: www.premierinn.com

Located adjacent to the Rhondda Heritage Park, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore South Wales. The Brecon Beacons National Park and Cardiff, are only twenty minutes by car.

Rhondda Heritage Park Hotel

tel: +44 (0)1443 687057email: reservations@heritageparkhotel.co.uk web: www.heritageparkhotel.co.uk

Ty Newydd Country Hotel

Tranquillity, comfort, excellent food - and some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales right on our doorstep. The grounds extend to over three acres and provide ample parking for coaches.

tel: +44 (0)1685 813433email: relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk web: www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk

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Refreshment stops Explore Rhondda Cynon Taf1 day Itinerary

Whether it’s outdoor activities, relaxing places, inspiring views or historic treasures, Rhondda Cynon Taf has something for everyone.

Stop 1 – The Royal Mint

Take a look behind the scenes at Britain’s oldest manufacturing organisation. See for yourself the people and processes that put the pounds and pennies in your pockets. www.royalmint.com

Stop 2 – Rhondda Heritage Park

Continue on to the Rhondda Heritage Park. Here, you can don your safety helmet, ride ‘the cage’ to ‘pit bottom’ where you will ‘live the experience’ of life as a miner. You’ll hear from your guide about the hazards and difficulties the men (and boys) endured as part of their daily work. www.rhonddaheritagepark.com

Stop 3 – Dare Valley Country Park

Explore some of the 500 acres of countryside that make up the Dare Valley Country Park. There are countless walks and trails to discover and fabulous views over the Cynon Valley to enjoy. www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk

Stop 4 – Penderyn Distillery Centre

One of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. Discover the secrets of how Wales’ only whisky is produced. Take a tour of the production area before sampling some of the finished product in the bar. www.welsh-whisky.co.uk

Stop 5 – Ty Newydd Country House Hotel

Finally, it’s time to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Ty Newydd Country House Hotel. Enjoy a meal in the acclaimed Caradog’s Restaurant or indulge in a luxurious Afternoon Tea. www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk

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Take time out from your tour to enjoy a spot of lunch or a refreshing tea or coffee at one of the many cafes, pubs or restaurants throughout the region.

Café at the heart of the new Lido Ponty development at Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd. Serving a variety of light snacks and teas and coffees in this beautifully restored outdoor water attraction. Opening summer 2015.

Caffi Lido Ponty

Pontypridd, CF37 4PEwww.lidoponty.co.uk

Caradogs at Ty Newydd Country Hotel

Modern restaurant serving honest, straightforward food. Caradog’s serves the best of Welsh local produce with seasonal ingredients taken from the Brecon Beacons and Neath Valley.

Hirwaun, CF44 9SXwww.caradogs.co.uk

Y Cwtch is the café at the heart of the Dare Valley Country Park serving a selection of teas, coffees and light snacks. The park covers 500 acres of beautiful valleys scenery.

Dare Valley Country Park

Aberdare, CF44 7RGwww.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk

Heritage Park Hotel

The Loft Restaurant at the Heritage Park Hotel reflects tradition and heritage. The atmosphere is enhanced by the beamed features, with many of the timbers originating from the old wharf warehouses of Cardiff docks.

Trehafod, CF37 2NPwww.heritageparkhotel.co.uk

The Meisgyn restaurant holds 2 AA Rosettes serving incredible locally sourced Welsh produce in menus that encompasses modern cuisine. The restaurant itself is beautiful; Located in the original manor house which dates back to the 16th century.

Miskin Manor

Pontyclun, CF72 8NDwww.miskin-manor.co.uk

Rhondda Heritage Park

The Level One Cafe at Rhondda Heritage Park enjoys spectacular views of the lower Rhondda Valley. You can enjoy a wide range of Welsh food and drink, from quick snacks to full meals in our fully licensed cafe. Advanced group bookings are welcome.

Trehafod, CF37 2NPwww.rhonddaheritagepark.com

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Explore the Region - 2 Day Itinerary

What’s on in Southern Wales

Time your visit right and not only will you stay in some great accommodation, get to sample some great food and visit some top attractions, you’ll also get to enjoy some fabulous events.

We’ve highlighted some of the most popular ones here, but there are hundreds more going on throughout the year.

For a full list of events in the region, please visit www.visitsouthernwales.org

With so much to do it can be challenging to know where to start. We’ve put together a sample two day itinerary for you, giving you the opportunity to visit some of the very best attractions in the region.

Stop 1 – Tredegar House, NewportSet in 90 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Newport is this 17th century house. Now in the care of the National Trust, visitors can hear about the house’s history, eccentric former owners and view the art collection. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house

Stop 2 – National Roman Legion Museum, CaerleonThe National Roman Legion Museum tells the town’s story, whilst nearby lies the remains of the most complete amphitheatre in Britain, the fortress baths and the only Roman Legionary barracks still on view anywhere in Europe. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Day 2

Stop 3 – Shire Hall, Monmouthshire Built in 1724, the elegant building has a remarkable past. Once a centre of commerce and governance for the town, it also served as a courthouse. www.shirehallmonmouth.org.uk

Stop 4 – White Castle Vineyard, Abergavenny Visitors are warmly invited to visit White Castle Vineyard to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this rural setting. www.whitecastlevineyard.com

Stop 5 - Guardian, Six Bells Towering above the village of Six Bells is the Guardian Mining Memorial. Commemorating the 1960 Six Bells mining disaster, the monument was unveiled in 2010. www.guardianwales.info

Stop 6 - Bedwellty House, Tredegar Bedwellty House is a listed Regency villa in the town of Tredegar in South Wales. It is surrounded by a historic garden that was established in the early 19th century for the Master of Tredegar Iron Works,Mr Samuel Homfray of the famous Homfray Ironmaster Dynasty. www.bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk

Day 2 (Continued)

The Big Cheese, Caerphilly

Abergavenny Food FestivalNôs Galan Road Races, Mountain Ash

Wales Valleys Walking Festival, Valleys

Porthcawl Elvis Festival

The Big Splash, Newport

Stop 1 – Caerphilly Castle, CaerphillyDominating the town of Caerphilly is one of the UK’s largest castles. The south-east tower, damaged during a 17th century siege, leans at a greater angle than its more famous counterpart in Pisa. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Stop 2 – Llancaiach Fawr Manor, CaerphillyLlancaiach Fawr Manor near Caerphilly is a 17th century manor house. Take a tour of the house and meet the servants who will tell you tales of what life was like for them back in 1645. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk

Stop 3 – Penderyn Whisky Distillery, Rhondda Cynon Taf Take a journey through the history of Penderyn and a tour of the distillery, appreciating how it differs from any other in the world. www.welsh-whisky.co.uk

Stop 4 – The Royal Mint, Rhondda Cynon Taf Take a look behind the scenes at Britain’s oldest manufacturing organisation. See for yourself the people and processes that put the pounds and pennies in your pockets. www.royalmint.com

Stop 5 - McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Bridgend Situated right on junction 36 of the M4 Motorway, the undercover mall has over 90 shops selling high street and designer brand names at discounted prices. www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/bridgend-designer-outlet

Stop 6 - Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl Built in 1932, the Grand Pavilion is an Art-Deco multipurpose venue offering live shows, conference and wedding facilities and private parties. The Theatre is situated on the seafront with panoramic views of the Heritage Coast. www.grandpavilion.co.uk

Day 1

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Coach Parking

AberdareGateway to the valleys with notable attractions being the Cynon Valley Museum and the Dare Valley Country Park.

Coach Drop Off and Parking The Ynys Car Park, CF44 7RP

PontypriddTraditional market town with a bustling centre, historic bridge and peaceful park.

Coach Drop Off Ynysangharad Park, Bridge Street, CF37 4PE

Coach Parking Sardis Road Car Park, Sardis Road CF37 1HA

Find out where to drop off your passengers or park your coach in some of our main towns and attractions.

Tour GuidesMake sure you get the most out of your visit to the region by hiring the services of a tour guide. Members of The Wales Official Tour Guide Association are the only guides officially recognised to be able to guide in Wales. They can provide highly trained, professional and experienced Blue Badge Guides, who will help bring your journey to life.

There are dozens of guides, each with their own specialisms, interests and language skills. Blue Badge Guides can take you all over the region, whilst Green Badge Guides offer a more specialist and localised expertise.

To find a guide to suit your needs please visit www.walesbestguides.com

18 www.visitsouthernwales.org

Maps and Travel InformationEasy to get toWe’re a different country with our own language and culture, yet we’re surprisingly easy to get to. We’re only around two hours down the M4 from London whilst Birmingham and the West Midlands are only an hour or so from our borders.

So in next to no time you could be here, immersing yourself in our culture and traditions and who knows maybe even trying to get your tongue around our language. Croeso - or welcome in English.

We’re not very big, but we certainly fit a lot in – and getting around the region couldn’t be easier. A comprehensive road system links all the major towns, while many towns and villages are well served by the local train network which connects with the mainline stations.

WalesEngland

Scotland

London

Birmingham

Manchester

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Southern Wales Tourism cannot accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with or arising out of the publication of the information contained within this brochure. The brochure may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the prior consent of the publisher.

Published by: Southern Wales Tourism

Photographs: Southern Wales Tourism would like to thank Mike Chapman, Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, Visit Britain and © Crown Copyright Visit Wales for the use of their images in the publication. Map © Collins Bartholomew Ltd

Design: Mediadesign

www.destinationrct.co.uk

PARC COFFA YNYSANGHARAD WAR MEMORIAL PARK

www.lidoponty.co.uk

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