Things to do in The Rhondda Valleys | Guest post

How many of us opt to go aboard rather than explore our own country? Personally I love a staycation, they’re perfect for a weekend away (especially around a bank holiday!) and usually a lot easier, and cheaper to travel to.

Over the next few weeks I’m teaming up with bloggers to talk about their local area and hopefully give you a few new staycation or day trip ideas. 😊🚘🛣🚌🚂🛤

First up is Katie, a mum to a daughter and son from the South Wales Valleys. Katie mainly blogs about general life as well as local attractions!

You can catch up with Kate on Twitter: @katie4_16 or Instagram: Mummysdiary.

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The Rhondda Valleys

Guest post by Katie.

The Rhondda Valleys are set in the picturesque valleys of South Wales, in the United Kingdom. It just so happens to be where I am now living. I never imagined myself living in the valleys as I had always lived in the city, Cardiff, but it is only a half hour drive away so not too far to travel. Even though the journey is short there are stark differences between these two places. Obviously Cardiff is a bustling city and the Rhondda Valleys are more a collection of small villages set in valleys.

I have heard a few people suggest that there isn’t anything up here but you’d be surprised. So here are my top five places to visit in the Rhondda Valleys.

The Rhondda Heritage Park

The Rhondda Heritage Park is a mining museum based at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery. It has been voted as one of the top heritage and cultural visitor attractions in South Wales. It is a great day out for all the family, for all ages. Entry to the park is free but if you wish to take the Black Gold experience tour there is an additional charge. The Black Gold Experience is a cinematic experience which forms part of the underground tour.

As well as the tour the museum offers visitors a look into the past. At what life was like in the mining times; with displays showing the commercial and domestic lives of the valleys. There are also exhibitions on the first floor, as well as a café and a large children’s park to the rear.

Barry Sidings Country Park

Barry Sidings Country Park is located just a short drive from the Heritage Park. The park is packed with trails to explore as well as bike tracks and it boasts a wonderful children’s playground. With the addition of the Barry Sidings Café which serves burgers and ice creams, as well as the large lake you can see the ducks or fishing pond.

The park has picnic and barbeque areas and the paths lead to the shaded surrounding forestry, perfect for dog walkers, hikers and bikers. We have spent many an afternoon here with a picnic and friends. It is the perfect outing on a sunny summers day.

Taff Valley Quad Bike and Adventure Centre

For those who are a little more adventurous, you can discover a range of activities here including quad biking, archery, clay pigeon shooting and even an assault course.

Taff Valley is aimed at adults and children, so no one is left out of the fun! They are open all year round, rain or shine.

Lido Pool and Park Pontypridd

Pontypridd Lido is a fabulous outdoor swimming pool. It was originally built in 1927 but had fallen into great disrepair in more recent years. It was finally restored and is now the only one of its kind in Wales. It features three heated outdoor swimming pools, including one suited for younger children.

As well as the pool there is also a pretty awesome adventure playground with Teletubby style hills and a zip wire. It is located in the centre of Pontypridd so you can even do a spot of shopping while you’re there.

Waterfall Country

Whilst I have never actually visited Waterfall Country, it is at the top of my wish list of places to visit. It is located within Fforest Fawr massif, just west of Merthyr Tydfil and is one of the most beautiful and popular parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Sgwd-y-Eira is the most popular and well known waterfall, also known as the snow waterfall it features natural paths that lead visitors right behind the waterfall.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my post and hopefully one day you are able to visit one of these fantastic places!