Matthew’s guidebook
Sightseeing
I've been visiting Garwnant since I was a kid. The visitor center is a base for some excellent short walks. Many of the paths are very well maintained and take in some beautiful sights, including sections of dense forest. A nice afternoon out for solo travelers, families and couples.
22 locals recommend
Garwnant
I've been visiting Garwnant since I was a kid. The visitor center is a base for some excellent short walks. Many of the paths are very well maintained and take in some beautiful sights, including sections of dense forest. A nice afternoon out for solo travelers, families and couples.
A 2-3 hour circular walk around Pontsticill reservoir takes in some beautiful sights. The walk can be altered to suit all ages.
18 locals recommend
Pontsticill Reservoir
A 2-3 hour circular walk around Pontsticill reservoir takes in some beautiful sights. The walk can be altered to suit all ages.
Parc Taf Bargoed spans over 140 ha of what had been three collieries - Deep Navigation, Taf Merthyr and Trelewis Drift Mines. When these mines closed, the site was transformed into a country park.
Now it is home to a variety of flora and wildlife. It has transformed from coal to nature.
The park offers some beautiful walks, suitable for all ages.
Parc Taf Bargoed Visitor Centre
Parc Taf Bargoed spans over 140 ha of what had been three collieries - Deep Navigation, Taf Merthyr and Trelewis Drift Mines. When these mines closed, the site was transformed into a country park.
Now it is home to a variety of flora and wildlife. It has transformed from coal to nature.
The park offers some beautiful walks, suitable for all ages.
It may be southern Britain's highest peak, but it's very accessible and offers some stunning views from the summit. Paths up the mountain are very well maintained, although the routes up can be quite busy during the summer months.
225 locals recommend
Pen-y-Fan
It may be southern Britain's highest peak, but it's very accessible and offers some stunning views from the summit. Paths up the mountain are very well maintained, although the routes up can be quite busy during the summer months.
Carved from a former coal tip, the park offers lots of short, taking in woodland and ponds which are full of wildlife.
13 locals recommend
Parc Penallta
Penallta RoadCarved from a former coal tip, the park offers lots of short, taking in woodland and ponds which are full of wildlife.
A great way to explore the River Wye and surrounding countryside!
49 locals recommend
Wye Valley Canoes
A great way to explore the River Wye and surrounding countryside!
Take a two hour stroll around Usk reservoir, taking in some beautiful Welsh countryside. Perfect for families!
17 locals recommend
Usk Reservoir
Take a two hour stroll around Usk reservoir, taking in some beautiful Welsh countryside. Perfect for families!
The second largest castle in Britain, spend a few hours exploring the exhibits inside this medieval fortification, before exploring the town of Caerphilly, which is home to many pubs, restaurants and cafes.
117 locals recommend
Caerphilly Castle
Castle StreetThe second largest castle in Britain, spend a few hours exploring the exhibits inside this medieval fortification, before exploring the town of Caerphilly, which is home to many pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Cyfarthfa Castle is situated in 160 acres of parkland with formal gardens, a lake, children’s play area and a model railway. The castle was built in 1824 during the industrial revolution, and in 1910 opened its doors to the public, hosting a museum and art gallery. Visitors can see a range of art displays and eclectic collections from the ancient world, including Egyptian grave goods, Greek and Roman artefacts and Far Eastern decorative arts.
41 locals recommend
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Brecon RoadCyfarthfa Castle is situated in 160 acres of parkland with formal gardens, a lake, children’s play area and a model railway. The castle was built in 1824 during the industrial revolution, and in 1910 opened its doors to the public, hosting a museum and art gallery. Visitors can see a range of art displays and eclectic collections from the ancient world, including Egyptian grave goods, Greek and Roman artefacts and Far Eastern decorative arts.
St Fagans National Museum of History, commonly referred to as St Fagans after the village where it is located, is an open-air museum in Cardiff chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people.
Take a walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day.
328 locals recommend
St Fagans National Museum of History
St Fagans National Museum of History, commonly referred to as St Fagans after the village where it is located, is an open-air museum in Cardiff chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people.
Take a walk around Wales – from Celtic times to the present day.
Excellent museum with some fascinating exhibits. Has a large section dedicated to natural history and dinosaurs, so equally entertaining for kids!
221 locals recommend
National Museum Cardiff
Excellent museum with some fascinating exhibits. Has a large section dedicated to natural history and dinosaurs, so equally entertaining for kids!
Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, the Gower peninsula is so loved by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers.
115 locals recommend
Gower
Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, the Gower peninsula is so loved by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers.
Food scene
Delicious Portuguese restaurant in the center of Merthyr Tydfil. Eat in or takeout, one of the best places to eat in Merthyr!
18 locals recommend
The New Crown
28 High StDelicious Portuguese restaurant in the center of Merthyr Tydfil. Eat in or takeout, one of the best places to eat in Merthyr!
Newly refurbished, The Railway Inn is an excellent gastro-pub, offering a range of fish dishes, steaks and classic pub food. Staff are friendly and prices are reasonable!
The Railway Inn
Newly refurbished, The Railway Inn is an excellent gastro-pub, offering a range of fish dishes, steaks and classic pub food. Staff are friendly and prices are reasonable!
Pentrebach House Table Table
Pub chain with a nice beer garden and offers affordable pub food.
City/town information
Nestled beside the River Wye, Hay-on-Wye is a beautiful little town filled with bookshops and cosy pubs, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
286 locals recommend
Hay-on-Wye
Nestled beside the River Wye, Hay-on-Wye is a beautiful little town filled with bookshops and cosy pubs, and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Activities
A home for mountain bikers from novice to professional, BikePark Wales has the UK's greatest and most diverse selection of all-weather mountain bike trails.
128 locals recommend
Bike Park Wales
A home for mountain bikers from novice to professional, BikePark Wales has the UK's greatest and most diverse selection of all-weather mountain bike trails.
Bar, restaurant & high-speed zip wires with views across a former open-cast coal mine!
105 locals recommend
Zip World Tower
Bar, restaurant & high-speed zip wires with views across a former open-cast coal mine!