Merthyr Tydfil Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Merthyr Tydfil, a small town located in the heart of Wales, offers visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, this town is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and a glimpse into Wales' rich industrial past.

One of the main attractions in Merthyr Tydfil is the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in a magnificent 19th-century mansion, this museum showcases the town's industrial heritage, with exhibits on ironworks and coal mining. Visitors can explore the castle's beautiful grounds, take a stroll through its gardens, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

For nature enthusiasts, the Taff Trail is a must-visit. This 55-mile-long trail follows the route of the River Taff, offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking, cycling, and even horseback riding. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque villages, ancient ruins, and stunning waterfalls, including the famous Pontsticill Reservoir.

History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the Brecon Mountain Railway, where they can experience a nostalgic steam train journey through the scenic Brecon Beacons. This heritage railway takes passengers on a 10-mile round trip, passing through charming countryside and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Merthyr Tydfil is also a great place to immerse yourself in Welsh culture. The town hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and food. The Redhouse, a vibrant arts venue, is a hub for creativity and provides a platform for local artists and performers.

When it comes to dining, Merthyr Tydfil offers a range of options to suit all tastes. From traditional Welsh pubs serving hearty dishes to contemporary restaurants offering international cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Welsh specialties such as cawl (a hearty soup) or Welsh rarebit (a cheese and ale toastie).

Alternative names: Population: 43.8 thous.Elevation: 597 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°44'52"N, 3°22'41"W

Location

WalesUnited Kingdom

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Merthyr Tydfil Top Attractions

Merthyr Tydfil Attractions - What to See and Explore

Merthyr Tydfil offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cyfarthfa Castle, Old Iron Bridge, Joseph Parry's Cottage, Merthyr Tydfil Town Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Museum • History museum
Cyfarthfa Castle
Cyfarthfa Castle is a castellated mansion that was the home of the Crawshay family, ironmasters of Cyfarthfa Ironworks in Park, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. The house commanded a view of the valley and the works, which ‘at night, offer a truly magnificent scene, resembling the fabled Pandemonium, but on which the eye may gaze with pleasure’.
Bridge
Old Iron Bridge
The Old Iron Bridge of 1800, originally known simply as Merthyr Bridge before 1809, in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, was a cast-iron bridge across the River Taff.
Architecture • Museum • History museum
Joseph Parry's Cottage
Joseph Parry's Cottage, also known as 4 Chapel Row, is a cottage located in Merthyr Tydfil, in South Wales. Built in the early 19th century for ironworkers, the cottage is best known as the birthplace of the famous Welsh composer Joseph Parry.

City hall
Merthyr Tydfil Town Hall
Merthyr Tydfil Town Hall is a municipal building in the High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. The town hall, which was the headquarters of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, is a Grade II* listed building.
Historical place • Ruins • Forts and castles
Morlais Castle
Morlais Castle is a 13th-century castle located above the Taff Gorge near the town of Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. Not much remains today of the castle first begun by Gilbert de Clare, 3rd Earl of Gloucester on land claimed by Humphrey de Bohun, 3rd Earl of Hereford.
Canal
Glamorganshire Canal
The Glamorganshire Canal in South Wales, UK, was begun in 1790. It ran along the valley of the River Taff from Merthyr Tydfil to the sea at Cardiff. The final section of canal was closed in 1951.
Church
Ynysgau Chapel
Ynysgau Chapel was one of the earliest chapels in Merthyr Tydfil. The cause dated back to 1749 and services were held in the Welsh language. The chapel was demolished in 1967 as part of the Merthyr Town Improvement Scheme.
Bridge
Pont-y-Cafnau
The Pont-y-Cafnau, sometimes written Pont y Cafnau or Pontycafnau, is a 14.2-metre long iron truss bridge over the River Taff in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
Church
St John's Church
St John's Church is a defunct Grade II listed church in the village of Dowlais, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. The church was built in 1827 for local ironworks manager Sir John Josiah Guest, at a cost of £3000. It was gradually completely rebuilt later in the century, in a Gothic style, finishing with the main nave and aisle in 1893/4.
Synagogue • Gothic Revival architecture
Merthyr Synagogue
The former Merthyr Synagogue is located on Bryntirion Road in the Thomastown section of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. It is a Grade II listed building and is the oldest purpose-built synagogue still standing in Wales.
51°43'48"N • 3°21'36"W
Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme
The Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme is a major opencast coaling operation to the north-east of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales.
Bridge
Pont-y-gwaith
Pont-y-gwaith is a historical bridge over the River Taff near Edwardsville, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Pont-y-gwaith was constructed in 1811 to replace the wooden bridge associated with the nearby 16th century ironworks. The bridge was repaired in 1993 by Mid Glamorgan County Council and awarded a commendation by the civic trust.
51°43'42"N • 3°21'59"W
The Hoover Factory
The Hoover Factory, situated in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, opened on 19 October 1948 in order to manufacture Hoover washing machines.
51°44'55"N • 3°22'40"W
Canolfan Soar
Canolfan Soar is a Grade II-listed community facility in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, that includes a theatre and other facilities. It was converted from the closed Grade II-listed, eighteenth-century, Zoar Chapel in the first decade of the twenty-first century.
51°44'15"N • 3°23'41"W
Cwm Glo
Cwm Glo a Glyndyrys is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales.
Universities and schools
Merthyr Tydfil College
Merthyr Tydfil College is a further education college located in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. From May 2006 to April 2013, it was a constituent college of the University of Glamorgan and thereafter, a college of the University of South Wales.
51°46'16"N • 3°23'33"W
Cwm Taf Fechan Woodlands
Cwm Taf Fechan Woodlands is a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the northern outskirts of Merthyr Tydfil, in south Wales. It has semi-natural broadleaved woodland, with a variety of plants, some of which are rare. The 60.9 hectares site under protection is dominated by oak, ash, downy birch, and hazel and hawthorn.

Day trips

Merthyr Tydfil – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Merthyr Tydfil, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Queen Street (Cardiff), National Museum Cardiff (Cardiff), St Fagans National History Museum (Cardiff).

20 milesSE
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Queen Street, Cardiff
Nestled in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Queen Street stands as a bustling shopping district that beckons locals and tourists alike with its wide array of retail offerings. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is one of the main commercial hubs in the capital of Wales...
20 milesSE
Art and Welsh history in a grand setting
National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Wales' capital city, offering a rich blend of art, history, and natural science. This esteemed institution, located in the civic centre of Cardiff, is known for its diverse collections that span across...
19 milesS
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff
St Fagans National History Museum, nestled in the outskirts of Cardiff, United Kingdom, offers a unique window into Welsh life through the ages. This open-air museum, one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, stands as a...
12 milesE
Museum, Historical place, Specialty museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Wales, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a profound journey into the country's industrial past. As a key part of Blaenavon's UNESCO World Heritage Site, this authentic coal mine provides a poignant reminder of the community...
23 milesSW
Theme park, Beach, Amusement park
Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl
Nestled along the coast of Porthcawl, Coney Beach Pleasure Park offers a traditional seaside amusement experience that has been delighting visitors for generations. This vibrant amusement park is a staple of the local community and a must-visit destination for tourists...

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Best Time To Visit Merthyr Tydfil

Learn when is the best time to travel to Merthyr Tydfil weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April, May, June and July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Merthyr Tydfil?

The top attractions to visit in Merthyr Tydfil are:

What is the best time to visit Merthyr Tydfil?

June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.