Merthyr Tydfil is midway between the capital city of Cardiff and the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, and the transport network is impressive.
The town is ideally situated at the crossroads of Wales’s major transport roads – the A470 South to North Wales trunk road and the A465, the main artery that links Swansea to the Midlands. Merthyr Tydfil is a perfect base for exploring the South Wales valleys, Brecon Beacons National Park, Cardiff, Swansea and the beautiful Gower peninsular. Furthermore, the town is less than two hours from Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford and Swindon.
Built in 1824-25, Cyfarthfa Castle was constructed for ‘The Ironmaster’ William Crawshay II, who was one of the most influential men in Wales at the time. It is now home to a popular Museum and Art Gallery which is open to the public throughout the year. This grand, castellated mansion overlooked his immensely successful ironworks and is known for being “the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales”
For intermediate mountain bikers through to seasoned downhill pro’s, BikePark Wales will offer you an incredible biking experience unlike anything you have experienced in the UK before. The park offers a mini bus service to take you and your bike to the top of the hill in between rides .Giving you a deserved rest before heading downhill again
The line runs from Pant, 3 miles North of Merthyr Tydfil, to Torpantau following part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway which closed in 1964. The journey takes you into the Brecon Beacons National Park, through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservior before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons and the summit of the original line. On your return to Pant you can visit the workshop where they repair the old steam locomotives and there is a panic site with beautiful panoramic views of the stunning welsh valley.
Pen y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales, situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. At 886 metres above sea-level, it is also the highest British peak south of Cadair Idris in Snowdonia
Number 4 Chapel Row is the birthplace of Dr Joseph Parry, one of Wales’ best known musicians and composers, who achieved fame through his hymns and operas as well as his most famous song “Myfanwy”. The cottage has been beautifully preserved and is a treat for visitors who would like to experience a traditional home of a 19th Century Ironworker.
Hammerson developed Cyfarthfa Retail Park in 2005. The 29,700m2 part Open A1 scheme comprises 20 retail units and four food outlets, let to KFC, McDonald’s, Costa and Pizza Hut. Cyfarthfa is home to the award-winning B&Q low-carbon ‘eco learning’ store. The scheme, which is one of the most successful in South Wales, includes a DW Sports health club, Boots, Debenhams, a refurbished terrace which is let to M&S, Next, River Island and H&M, and over 1,000 car parking spaces.
Trago Merthyr Tydfil is located just off the A470 (Swansea Road) and opposite Cyfarthfa Retail Park in Merthyr Tydfil. Inside you will find 200,000 square feet of retail therapy.
The centerpiece of the complex is the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre. This state of the art facility offers the opportunity for a wide range of activities. The competition-sized swimming pool is partially landed for those serious about their aquatics and complemented by a learner pool and flume slide for those with splash-based fun on their mind.
Outside the Leisure Centre the eight-screen Vue Cinema is the best place to experience the latest blockbusters as each auditorium benefits from the latest digital projectors, Dolby Digital Surround Sound and truly immersive Digital 3D capabilities.
