Pontypridd & Surrounding Areas

Set at a southern junction of the Rhondda, Cynon and Taff valleys, Pontypridd is a bustling and historic market town located approximately 13 miles north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Its location is the primary reason that Pontypridd began thrive in the late 19th century as a convenient location to handle the transportation of coal and iron from the aforementioned valleys to the principle ports of Cardiff, Barry and Newport. The name Pont-y-ty-pridd comes from the Welsh for “bridge by the earthen house” which refers to the several wooden bridges that once straddled the River Taff at this point.

Pontypridd also benefits from a well-served railway station, which once boasted the longest rail platform in the world! The train station is well connected with an approximate travel time of 29 minutes to Cardiff city centre, as well as regular services to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil to the north.

A hotbed for producing creative and sporting talent, some of Pontypridd’s most famous sons include the world renowned singer Sir Tom Jones, the brothers Evan James and James James, who are responsible for the composition of Wales’ rousing national anthem, and the one time rugby world record points holder Neil Jenkins.