Best of Wales
Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to some authentic treasures that simply must be enjoyed and explored.
Pontypridd Museum
Pontypridd Museum stands on the banks of the River Taff, close to the iconic Old Bridge.
You can learn the history of the Old Bridge – once the longest single-span bridge in the world – behind the doors of the museum, which is housed in an old chapel.
It hides many treasures, including items belonging to Evan and James James, the Pontypridd father and son who composed the Welsh National Anthem as they walked in the grounds of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Cynon Valley Museum
Cynon Valley Museum stands on the site of the former Gadlys Ironworks.
Behind the building are the four original furnaces, believed to be the best-preserved in the UK.
As you travel around the museum, you are standing on what once was cast houses, where white-hot molten would be poured.
The iron industry helped place Aberdare and the wider Cynon Valley on the map, alongside its rich and vibrant cultural history.
Clwb Y Bont
This iconic bar is the place to be in Pontypridd – live music, quizzes – and their very own programme of events throughout the Eisteddfod.
Located a stone’s throw from the Maes entrance, the Taff Street venue is looking forward to welcoming you all for amazing entertainment, drinks, comedy, celebrations and more.
The Grogg Shop
Did you know there is a place near Pontypridd where you can “see” Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Freddy Mercury and the Beatles?!
The Grogg Shop is definitely a unique visit, hailing itself as a ceramics factory and shop, plus Welsh rugby museum.
Penderyn Whisky Distillery
The tiny village of Penderyn, in the very north of Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to a very big surprise.
The pure water that flows from the mountains does not just create the spectacular nearby waterfalls, but is also used to blend one of the best whiskies in the world.
Penderyn Whisky Distillery was the first of its kind in Wales and opened by royalty.
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum
Meet the men who worked in the Rhondda coal mines when they were boys and let them tell you the fascinating international story that unfolded right here on our doorsteps.
A Welsh Coal Mining Experience is built in the footprint of the once-mighty Lewis Merthyr Colliery.
Many of the original workings of the mine remain in place, including the huge chimney stack that dominates the horizon.
Join former miners as they take you underground and back in time.
Ar Ben Y Byd
Ar Ben y Byd is a stylish coffee house helping its former mining community to survive with delicious hot drinks, sustainable shops and more
The Welsh Cheese Company
The Welsh Cheese Company in nearby Trefforest stocks over 70 of the best Welsh cheeses. Buy cheeses, gifts and more from the shop or sign up to their cheese club and have selected delicacies delivered to your home for a monthly treat
Bocs Pwdin
Bocs Pwdin is a small artisan bakery with branches in Cilfynydd and Penygraig serving up huge helpings of baked deliciousness, including brownies, stuffed cookies, cheesecakes and more
Blas ar Gymru
Blas Ar Gymru is located in Aberdare Market Quarter – where the first modern-day Eisteddfod was held in 1861. It’s an emporium of gifts and crafts, as well as local produce such as honey, cheese, jam, chutneys, crackers, coffee and more. There’s something for all ages and it has the wonderful Helo Coffi next door.
The Lion
The Lion is located on Treorchy High Street, named the best in the UK thanks to its mix of independent shops, incredible products and warm welcome. The Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod was launched here and it’s a great place to eat, drink and celebrate. Treorchy Male Voice Choir often pop in for a song following their rehearsals nearby.
Yr Hen Lyfrgell
Yr Hen Lyfrgell is a Welsh language coffee and gift shop in Porth, just a few stops away on the train.
Storyville Books
Storyville Books is a stone’s throw from the Maes and sells a huge range of Welsh language books, as well as biographies of Welsh legends – and lots more.
Mabby Brewing Company
Mabby Brewing Company is a microbrewery located at the Otley Brewpub and Kitchen – enjoy the brews at the eatery!
CWRW
Beers and Ale made at the CWRW Otley microbrewery can be enjoyed at the award-winning Bunch of Grapes pub.
Gwynt Y Ddraig
Gwynt Y Ddraig is real Welsh cider that is now sold in seven countries around the world. Keep your eye out for this award-winner in a pub near you or visit their online shop
Bragdy Twt Lol
Bragdy Twt Lol offers award-winning ales that are hand-crafted and honed to perfection – and award-winners. Good news is, they are extending the opening hours of their Taproom and Brewery for the Eisteddfod, so you can sample their ales on site or buy some to take away. Find out more.
