Lido Ponty
Lido Ponty, a Grade II listed lido, has been restored to its former glory and updated for the 21st Century visitor.
It has three heated swimming pools, offering great opportunities for families, dedicated swimmers and social swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Lido Ponty features include external and internal showers, heated changing facilities and a state-of-the-art Visitors’ Centre which tells the amazing story of The National Lido of Wales.
Restored features include the 1920s turnstiles and wooden cubicles, which complement the newly-built Waterside Café.
Lido Play, the adventure play area, captures the imagination of our younger visitors as they explore the swings, slides and tunnels in this locally-themed park celebrating our proud industrial past.
Lido Ponty is a result of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s amazing £6.3m restoration project, made possible with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw.
No trip to Lido Ponty will be complete without stepping into our Visitor Centre, with its heritage boards, interactive games and puzzles, large video screens, and much more.
Parc Cwm Darran
A tranquil country park tucked away in the Darran Valley, two miles north of Bargoed. Take an easy stroll along lakeside paths or wander through shady woodlands. Discover sunny wildflower meadows when you follow our short trail through the Cwmllwydrew Meadows Local Nature Reserve.
A network of cycle paths and scenic trails take you deeper into the historic landscapes of the northern Rhymney Valley. After all that exercise you can take a break in the Lakeside Coffee Shop with a cup of tea and delicious homemade cake and use the Touch Screen interactive games.
We also have an audio trail that looks at the history of Parc Cwm Darran, exploring the transition of the site from coal to countryside.
Visit the odd shaped Powder Store. Part of the former Ogilvie Colliery on which the park is built, it has been restored and is one of the last remaining in Wales, or walk over the unique wooden footbridge at the former Ogilvie Halt.
Treharris Park
Treharris Park opened its gates as a recreational pleasure ground in 1912. The park is home to children's playground and paddling pool, bandstand, bowling green, pavilion, football pitch and much more. The park houses magnificent specimens of conifer and maple trees, which, partnered by the mass of bedding plants & shrubs highlight the parks natural beauty throughout the summer months.
The Castle Lodge
Thomastown Park
Thomastown Park is home to approximately 17 acres of parkland and is situated east of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre.
This park is know locally as a beauty spot and is home to a bandstand, bowling green, three hard stand tennis courts, children's play facilities and also a paddling pool which is open during the summer months.
The beautifully arranged park offers tranquil walks taking in the scenery of the area along with views of the surrounding countryside
Newland Park
The Park, which is adjacent to Penydarren High Street, was the home of the famous Dowlais White Tip, which was one of the oldest tips in town dating back to the earliest days of iron making in the late 18th Century.
The interpretation panels provide information on the history of the Park up until the present day, where it is now an appealing park area with four newly created Public Rights of Way, which provide enjoyable and easy to use urban footpaths, and gives you the opportunity to take in some breathtaking views of Merthyr Tydfil.
The Park area is also home to woodland blocks, grassland, two ponds and two area of developing heath. There is a small car park adjacent to the site and two bus stops to improve accessibility for those who don't live close to the park.
Childrens Parks and Playgrounds
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is custodian to 619 hectares of publicly owned open space.
We believe it is important to look after, protect, and develop our parks and public open spaces ranging from Cyfarthfa Park to our small playgrounds and "doorstep" spaces within our residential areas.
Our parks, sports fields, play areas and school grounds all add to the network of green spaces which contributes to the character of the County Borough. They foster local pride and make a key contribution to the image of the County Borough.
Parks and open spaces are for the benefit of everyone, and the use and enjoyment of our public spaces will ensure their future success.
Times have changed and peoples expectations are far higher than ever before. The demand is for the whole family, for the very young teenagers,adults and senior citizens.
We provide various amenities throughout the County Borough Including 5 Recreational Parks, 32 Sports playing fields, 5 Bowling greens and 57 Playgrounds throughout the County Borough.