Rhondda Cynon Taf

About

Visit Rhondda Cynon Taf, home of A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum 

Nestled in the heart of South Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) is a captivating destination that blends dramatic landscapes, rich industrial heritage, and vibrant community spirit. Known as the “Home of Coal,” this region offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of Welsh coal mining while enjoying modern attractions, scenic trails, and cultural experiences.

Gateway to Adventure on the Great West Way

Located just northwest of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf is easily accessible via road and rail, making it a perfect detour from the Great West Way. The area connects seamlessly to nearby attractions such as Nantgarw China Works, A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, the Royal Mint Experience, the National Lido of Wales –Lido Ponty, Dare Valley Country Park, Zip World Tower, Penderyn Distillery and more!

A Welsh Coal Mining Experience – Rhondda Heritage Park Museum 

At the heart of RCT lies the award-winning Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, home to A Welsh Coal Mining Experience. This immersive museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore the life of miners who once worked at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery. Guided by former miners, the Black Gold Underground Tour takes you through original engine houses, lamp rooms, and a simulated coal dram ride to the surface. Interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, and reconstructed scenes bring the coal-powered past vividly to life. Learn how our miners, colliery owners and communities lived while Rhondda coal powered the world, including the Titanic!

On-site amenities include Caffe Bracchi, a Welsh gift shop, and craft workshops, making it a family-friendly destination with something for everyone.

Things to Do

Beyond the museum, RCT offers a wealth of attractions (such as):

- Zip World Tower for adrenaline seekers

- Dare Valley Country Park with its Gravity Family Bike Park

- Barry Sidings and Cwm Clydach Country Parks for nature lovers

- Shopping and dining in Pontypridd, Aberdare and Treorchy to name a few 

- Markets and local events throughout the year

- Royal Mint Experience 

Annual Events

RCT hosts a vibrant calendar of events, including:

- Nos Galan Races on New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash

- Big Welsh Bite food festival

- Halloween at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum

- Santa’s Toy Mine at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum

- Remembrance parades, seasonal festivals, and community concerts

Rhondda Cynon Taf's Rich History

The region’s identity is deeply rooted in its coal mining past. Once a global powerhouse of coal production, the Rhondda Valleys shaped the industrial revolution and the lives of generations. Today, this legacy is preserved through museums, monuments, and storytelling that honours the resilience and camaraderie of mining communities

Parking & Accessibility

Visitors to Rhondda Heritage Park benefit from free on-site parking, including disabled bays. Across RCT, council-managed car parks offer short and long-stay options, with clear signage and affordable rates

Public Transport

RCT is well-served by Transport for Wales trains and local bus routes. The nearest train station to Rhondda Heritage Park is Trehafod, just a short walk away. Traveline Cymru provides comprehensive journey planning tools for all public transport options in the region

Walking & Cycling

RCT is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. From the Taff Trail to the Great Glamorgan Way, the region boasts a network of scenic routes through mountains, forests, and riversides. Highlights include:

- Penrhys Pilgrimage Way – a 21-mile historic trail

- Barry Sidings Country Park – ideal for mountain biking

- Ynysybwl and Llantrisant community walks – showcasing local heritage and nature