If you are travelling to meet us at our Aberdare office, we have some useful information for interesting things you can also do in the local area.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cynon Valley, Aberdare is a charming Welsh town offering visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks and culture. Home to around 40,000 people, the town boasts a vibrant shopping centre and an abundance of leisure activities including a theatre and museum. So, whether you fancy indulging in some retail therapy, enjoying a play or reconnecting with nature, Aberdare has you covered.
Here are 5 not to be missed attractions to help you make the most of your stay in Aberdare.
Dare Valley Country Park
Less than a mile from Aberdare sits the magnificent Dare Valley Country Park. One of the best kept secrets in South Wales, Dare Valley Country Park is a stunning glacial valley set across 500 acres and brimming with awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Take in the magnificent scenery on a breathtaking stroll through woodland and fells, or test your limits on a mountain-top hike. Younger visitors can run wild on one of the fantastic children’s playgrounds, try their hand at pond dipping or hunt for the abundant wildlife that make the Park their home. Adrenaline junkies won’t be able to resist taking on a gravity defying bike trail at the Gravity Family Bike Park, reported to be the first family bike park in the UK.
Dare Valley Country Park is a fantastic day out for explorers, young and old. If you can’t squeeze the fun into one day, just pitch a tent or hire a caravan on one of the Park’s camping pitches and settle down to recharge your batteries for another day’s exploration.
Aberdare Park
Aberdare Park lies adjacent to the town centre and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Sprawled over 50 acres, this beautiful Victorian park features an original boating lake, children’s playground, beautifully manicured gardens and plenty of room to wander around or partake in some outdoor games. The lakeside café is open from Easter weekend until the end of September and is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The park hosts various events throughout the year, including the hugely popular annual Aberdare Festival, motorcycle racing and funfairs.
Aberdare Market
Enjoy mingling with the friendly locals and savour a little community spirit at Aberdare’s traditional Indoor Market.
Immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere and engage in some friendly banter with the affable market traders whilst browsing the 30-odd stalls selling everything from shoes and bags to freshly baked bread and Welsh cakes. Don’t leave without picking up a memento or two to remember your visit to Aberdare.
Cynon Valley Museum
Delve into the region’s rich history and heritage with a trip to the community-run Cynon Valley Museum.
The Museum charts the area’s history through a collection of over 20,000 fascinating exhibits, including historical artefacts, documents and photographs. Children will love the interactive displays, detective trails and special craft corner.
The Museum has two gallery spaces where it hosts regular exhibitions showcasing the very best in Welsh art, craft and design. The food served at the onsite café comes highly recommended, and the shop sells a range of beautiful, locally made gifts, so you can treat your loved ones (or yourself!)
Brecon Beacons National Park
Just a short drive from Aberdare is Wales’ second largest National Park, the spectacular Brecon Beacons. This vast mountainous region covers 520 square miles and is crammed with sweeping landscapes, natural caves, rugged mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Lovers of the great outdoors will be spoilt for choice. With seemingly limitless activities on hand, including windsurfing, kayaking, rock climbing and caving, it’s easy to see why the Park attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.
The Park is home to the highest mountain in South Wales, Pen-y-fan, so walkers can pull on their hiking boots and tackle one of the many trails leading to its peak. For something a little more gentile, you can meander through the aptly named ‘Waterfall Country’ or take a leisurely stroll along the picture-perfect canal towpaths, stopping off to explore chocolate box villages and ancient castles.
The wonder of Brecon Beacons doesn’t fade when the sun goes down. The region is one of just 20 areas around the world to be ‘Designated Dark Sky Reserves’ in honour of their clear, dark skies that make for awe-inspiring star gazing.
Summary
Whilst sometimes overshadowed by its larger, better-known neighbours, Aberdare is a delightful part of South Wales, with an array of unforgettable experiences on offer. From the natural wonder of Dare Valley and Brecon Beacons to the fascinating history of the Cynon Valley Museum, Aberdare is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
