What to do in Merthyr Vale

Activities, attractions and tours

#Details! .The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip in the Welsh village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, that killed 116 children and 28 adults on 21 October 1966. The collapse was caused by the build-up of water in the accumulated rock and shale tip, which suddenly slid downhill in the form of slurry. In the cemetery side by side stands and overwhelming array of arches - each one a grave to those who passed that fateful day. It is beautiful and peaceful - almost heavenly - worthy of a visit....I felt initially uncomfortable to take photos but the beauty of it overwhelmed me and will live with me forever. #Photo Details Sweepstake
#Details! .The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip in the Welsh village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, that killed 116 children and 28 adults on 21 October 1966. The collapse was caused by the build-up of water in the accumulated rock and shale tip, which suddenly slid downhill in the form of slurry. In the cemetery side by side stands and overwhelming array of arches - each one a grave to those who passed that fateful day. It is beautiful and peaceful - almost heavenly - worthy of a visit....I felt initially uncomfortable to take photos but the beauty of it overwhelmed me and will live with me forever. #Photo Details Sweepstake
A wonderful sculpture to acknowledge the industry and hard working miners of Wales #Details! #Photo Details Sweepstake
The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip in the Welsh village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, that killed 116 children and 28 adults on 21 October 1966
The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip in the Welsh village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, that killed 116 children and 28 adults on 21 October 1966

Places to Visit in Merthyr Vale

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Merthyr Vale, Merthyr Tydfil while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Merthyr Vale attractions from NZ$23, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Merthyr Vale tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 6 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Merthyr Vale. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Principality Stadium

Watch national and international sporting events, see musical legends perform and go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium. This is the national stadium of Wales, a 74,500-seat venue that is the home of the Welsh national rugby team.
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Millennium Stadium showing a river or creek and modern architecture

2. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Brecon Beacons National Park which includes rainforest, a lake or waterhole and a waterfall

3. Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval stronghold and Victorian Gothic mansion with approximately 2,000 years’ worth of history. The magnificent structure was built on the site of a Roman fort and a Norman castle and during its existence also served as a home, a concert venue and a World War II shelter.
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Cardiff Castle showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

4. Utilita Arena Cardiff

The main area of the arena is a hugely versatile space capable of staging a wide variety of events, from trade exhibitions to music concerts and stand-up shows. It is capable of holding a standing audience of 7,500 people, a number that falls to 5,000 for seated events.
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D6WYKM Aerial photograph of the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

5. Cardiff University

One of the UK’s major teaching and research universities, in its 2014 University Guide the Sunday Times described Cardiff as “the acknowledged leader of higher education in Wales”. The previous year it hailed it as a “powerhouse of academic and research excellence”.
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Main building of Cardiff University - Wales; Shutterstock ID 289260233; purchase_order: Comps; job: ; client: ; other:

6. Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Millennium Centre is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Cardiff. It is a place to see everything from small dance pieces and comedy shows, to West End musicals and major art exhibitions. The venue hosts several performance areas and is the home of the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and other arts organizations. Watch a show, view some art and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.
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Wales Millennium Centre showing street scenes, modern architecture and signage

What to do in Merthyr Vale

Discover the most popular places to visit in Merthyr Vale

Great Steam Train ride into the Brecon Mountains,

Brecon Mountain Railway

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Brecon Mountain Railway during your travels in Pant. Discover the mountain views and countryside in this relaxing area.

Brecon Mountain Railway
Sunset over ponsticil

Pontsticill Reservoir

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Pontsticill Reservoir during your travels in Merthyr Tydfil. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Pontsticill Reservoir
Front view of Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyfarthfa_Castle

Cyfarthfa Park and Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Cyfarthfa Park and Museum in Park. Amble around the area's parks or seek out its golf courses.

Cyfarthfa Park and Museum

Garwnant Visitor Centre

Garwnant Visitor Centre is just one of the places to see in Hirwaun, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the rocky beaches or discover the area's countryside.

Garwnant Visitor Centre

Joseph Parry's Cottage

Learn about the local history of Park when you take a trip to Joseph Parry's Cottage. Discover the area's spas and seek out its golf courses.

Joseph Parry's Cottage

Ynysfach Engine House

You can learn about the history of Park with a trip to Ynysfach Engine House. Discover the area's spas and seek out its golf courses.

Ynysfach Engine House

Joseph Parry's Ironworker's Cottage

Find out about the history of Park when you spend time at Joseph Parry's Ironworker's Cottage. Discover the area's spas and seek out its golf courses.

Joseph Parry's Ironworker's Cottage

Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden

Learn about the local history of Aberfan when you spend time at Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden.

Aberfan Disaster Memorial Garden

 

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Day trip destinations from Merthyr Vale

Nant Crew on the other side of the Cantref Reservoir near Merthyr Tydfil, Powys, Wales, UK

Merthyr Tydfil

Cardiff showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

Cardiff

Track towards Mynydd y Capel This path skirts the western side of the high ground leading to Forest Chapel, above a steep forest slope that drops down to Merthyr Vale to the right. The light westerly breeze is pushing the mist up over the hill.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Treharris

River Taff between two bridges, Abercynon. Looking downstream from this bridge towards a newer bridge.
Photo by Jaggery (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Abercynon

#Details! .The Aberfan disaster was the catastrophic collapse of a colliery spoil tip in the Welsh village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil, that killed 116 children and 28 adults on 21 October 1966. The collapse was caused by the build-up of water in the accumulated rock and shale tip, which suddenly slid downhill in the form of slurry. In the cemetery side by side stands and overwhelming array of arches - each one a grave to those who passed that fateful day. It is beautiful and peaceful - almost heavenly - worthy of a visit....I felt initially uncomfortable to take photos but the beauty of it overwhelmed me and will live with me forever. #Photo Details Sweepstake

Aberfan

Frequently asked questions

Is Merthyr Vale worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Merthyr Vale.
How do I spend a day in Merthyr Vale?
Kick your day off with a visit to Brecon Mountain Railway and Cyfarthfa Park and Museum. Then, tour different parts of Merthyr Vale for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Merthyr Vale?
Cyfarthfa Park and Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Merthyr Vale and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Merthyr Vale?
Three days is enough for a short break in Merthyr Vale — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you really want to experience it all, hang around for at least a week or more to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Merthyr Vale with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Merthyr Vale with kids.

What to do in Merthyr Vale for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Merthyr Vale for adults including Ynysfach Engine House and Joseph Parry's Cottage.
Are there free things to do in Merthyr Vale?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Merthyr Vale. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Cyfarthfa Park and Museum is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.