Merthyr Tydfil is an industrial town with a newfound passion for art, culture and food. Discover the town’s legacy as the former “Iron Capital of the World” and check out trendy districts like the High Street and Café Quarter.
Things to do in Merthyr Tydfil
Compared to most Welsh strongholds, Cyfarthfa Castle is relatively new. The castle was built by a wealthy iron magnate in the Industrial Revolution and commands sweeping views over the valley. Admire the soaring stone walls and walk around the landscaped gardens and woodlands. Get up to speed on the town’s blue-collar past in the basement museum and enjoy a scrumptious cream tea at the café.
Climb aboard the Brecon Mountain Railway and enjoy a scenic ride to Torpantau. The narrow-gauge railway once transported coal and workers between Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon. Today a nine-kilometre stretch of the track is restored and reimagined as a heritage attraction. You’ll love watching the countryside roll by from the carriage of a vintage steam train. Most services stop in Pontsticill, a pretty village with a handful of shops and cafes.
Visit Joseph Parry's Cottage and learn about the legacy of the famous Welsh musician. You’ll hear his famous “Myfanwy” ballad sung at pubs across Wales. The museum occupies the tiny ironworker’s cottage where Parry was born and inside is original 19th-century furniture and exhibits dedicated to his life and legacy.
Redhouse Cymru is the beating heart of the town’s arts and cultural scene. It’s housed in the heritage-listed Old Town Hall and features several unique spaces, including the state-of-the-art Dowlais Theatre. Enjoy everything from family-friendly pantomimes to indie concerts. The glass-roofed Plymouth Courtyard is a dazzling space for private events.
Getting around Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil is easy to get around on foot. The town centre is also cycle friendly and is easy to access using the Taff Trail. Merthyr Tydfil is a 45-minute drive from Cardiff and one hour by train. Cardiff Airport is a one-hour drive away.