There is so much to do within easy reach of Ty Ffarm.
Whether you want a relaxing holiday or a more adventurous break, we want your holiday to be as special as it can be so don’t be afraid to ask us for recommendations for things to do, places to eat and where to find things – email us at [email protected].
Just a few ideas to get you started…
Outdoor adventures
Of course, you are surrounded by beautiful Welsh countryside at Ty Ffarm, perfect for long walks and exploring. If you want to go further afield, Wales’ stunning natural playground, the Brecon Beacons National Park, is just over an hours’ drive from the farmhouse. As well as stunning scenery and superb countryside walks and bike rikes, the park is also home to a plethora of outdoor activities from rock climbing, caving and abseiling, to kayaking and canoeing. You can even ride a steam train through the mountains. There is always something happening in the Brecon Beacons from festivals to star-gazing.
Swimming
The National Lido of Wales (also known as Ponty Lido) is situated in Ynysangharad Park, just a 10 minutes’ drive from the farmhouse. It has three heated pools, including a splash pool for little ones, and entry is just £1 each. Advanced booking is a must though especially in good weather! The park is also home to a good adventure playground and regular fun fairs. There is a paid car park across the bridge from the park in Pontypridd town centre. Note: Pontypridd is undergoing a town centre redevelopment so there could be disruption to parking there. Check before you travel.
Cardiff International Pool (around 30 minute drive into Cardiff Bay) is also a great pool with large and small slides for all ages. Plenty of free parking.
Water adventures
Cardiff International White Water has activities from age 6+ from rafting and indoor surfing, to paddle boarding and hot-dogging. It is next door to the Cardiff International Pool, around a half an hour drive away from the farm in Cardiff Bay. Plenty of free parking.
Ice skating
Ice Arena Wales. Also next door to Cardiff International Pool in Cardiff Bay is Wales’ only ice arena, with two ice pads and regular ice skating lessons and ice hockey matches. Plenty of free parking.
Indoor activities
Trampolining at Go Air! in Cardiff is a great activity for children and adults, or you could all try indoor climbing or soft play at Boulders. Both are around 30 minutes’ drive from Ty Ffarm. Pre-booking is advised. The best local soft plays for little ones include Jazzy Jungle, Tiny Tumblers and PlayVille.
In Nantgarw, around 15 minutes away, you’ll find a Showcase cinema and bowling complex.
Family days out within 30 minute drive
Rhondda Heritage Park – experience a true Welsh coal mine and discover the Valleys’ mining history
The Royal Mint Experience – cut your own coin and enjoy a tour of the factory
Castell Coch (Red Castle in Welsh) – a real fairy tale castle and beautiful woodland walks
St Fagan’s Natural History Museum – a free outdoor museum showing Welsh life through the ages. Good park for the kids and a nice cafe. Events on during school holidays.
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay – interactive science exhibits, a planetarium and science shows. A great day out for older and younger children.
Barry Island – a must for fans of the hit TV show Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island is a fun family day out with a beach, soft play, mini golf, a promenade of shops and arcades and a fun fair. It’s around 40 minutes in the car from the farm.
Cardiff attractions – See the sites of Wales’ capital city from the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, which hosts some of the biggest stage shows, to the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. There is always something happening in Cardiff!
Shopping
There is a usually a market in Pontypridd town centre each Saturday with a range of stalls including food and drink, gifts and clothing (check before travelling as current town centre redevelopment work may affect the market). The high street has familiar names including Marks & Spencer, Boots, Dorothy Perkins and more.
If you want a greater selection of shops, head into Cardiff. It’s just a 30 minute drive away or there are regular buses and trains into the Welsh capital from Pontypridd train station. In Cardiff, you’ll find all the big high street and designer stores in the enormous St David’s Shopping Centre, plus a treasure trove of independent shops and cafes in Cardiff’s famous Victorian and Edwardian arcades and in Cardiff Indoor Market.
For your supermarket shop, the nearest is Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd – at 10 minute drive away. There are also Tesco and Aldi stores a little further down the A470.
Nights out
Pontypridd has a lively food and drink scene with some great restaurants including Alfreds Bar & Grill , Brynffynnon Hotel and the award-winning gastropub The Bunch of Grapes.
Cardiff has a huge range of restaurants, bars and clubs, offering something for every occasion or taste. Ask us for our personal recommendations – [email protected].
Top tip: After a night out in Cardiff, don’t forget to pick up a bag of chips from the famous ‘Chippy Lane’ (Caroline Street) on the way home though! It’s something of a Cardiff tradition!
Need a taxi?
We can recommend local taxi driver Steve Samuel. He has 8 seater (7 passenger) executive Mercedes but can accommodate larger groups if required. You can reach Steve on 07588323995.