Have a family adventure in Rhondda Cynon Taf
It’s time for a family summer adventure! We are home to days out and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Wales. Located directly off the M4, between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons, we have everything you need for a fun-filled break.
Dare Valley Country Park
Dare Valley Country Park is home to Gravity, the UK’s first purpose-built family bike park. Take the uplift service to the mountain-top and ride down the trails. Make a stop at the pump tracks. There’s even a colourful balance bike course for little ones. Bring your own bikes or hire one of ours.
Dare Valley Country Park is huge, with an adventure playground, walks, lakeside adventures and plenty of space for scooter rides, picnics, football and more.
Caffi Cwtsh serves everything from tea and cake to Sunday roasts.
There is new caravan/camper van/motorhome site with modern facilities and electrical hook-ups. Dare Valley is a Dark Sky site, meaning it has crystal-clear night skies you can stay under.
The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty
With three outdoor heated pools, inflatable obstacle course and a splash pool with fountain for little ones, Lido Ponty is a winner for all the family.
Laze on the poolside loungers or grab a coffee from the Waffle House and relax on the terrace. Find out more about Lido Ponty, book your visit here.
Take time after your swim to explore Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and lovely Pontypridd.
Lido Play is free to enter and has loads to entertain the kids. Explore the park, find the statue celebrating Evan and James James, who composed the iconic Welsh National Anthem.
Pop into town, over the historic old bridge, for some shopping. Grab lunch in one of in the many cafés, or head into the Market Quarter, which sells everything from Welsh Cakes to vegan meals.
Zip World Tower
Zoom from the top of Rhigos Mountain on Phoenix, the fastest seated zip line in the world.
Smaller children will love the Tower Flyer.
Ride Tower Coaster, the only one of its kind in Europe, and look out for Tower Climber, an elevated obstacle course.
Zip World Tower, which is built on the site of the former Tower Colliery, also has the Cegin Glo restaurant and bar, which is dog-friendly and you can admire the view as you dine.
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience
Families love meeting our tour guides at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience – all of whom worked as coal miners when they were boys.
Coal from our valleys helped power the world and sparked the Industrial Revolution. It’s an epic tale we’re proud to tell. Mining shaped our landscape and our communities and fuelled our love of family, music and singing.
Visit us to be fitted with your miner’ helmet to journey underground and back in time. Ride DRAM! and explore original mine workings and other artefacts in the courtyard.
The Royal Mint Experience
“Money talks”– and there’s a definite story to be enjoyed at The Royal Mint Experience. Go behind the scenes at this 1,000-year-old institution that moved to Wales from the Tower of London. Find out how coins are made, strike your own coin and marvel at the statues made from 1p coins. The gift shop is perfect for coin collectors.
Historic Llantrisant
Step back to the days of Victorian eccentrics, captured kings and fearless warriors in historic hilltop town Llantrisant.
For a place so small, it packs a mighty punch, with lots to do. Visit the Castle ruins – try out the stocks!
The Guildhall brings history to life and kids will love the interactive experiences. Walk on the common, meet the ponies and follow the Bunny Walks to the mysterious hill-top Billy Wynt.
What's on the menu?
There’s lots on the menu in Rhondda Cynon Taf. From high street names and familiar pub grub to something special.
Grab a takeaway from the award-winning Penaluna’s Famous Fish and Chips in Hirwaun and dine al-fresco on top of Rhigos Mountain. Try to choose from over 60 flavours of ice cream at the super cool Sub Zero Ice Cream in Penrhiwfer - or find more places for sweet treats here or enjoy tapas, pizza or more in the Cardiff Arms Bistro Hotel in our award-winning town, Treorchy.
