natural wonder
Pontsticill Reservoir
A long reservoir beneath Pen y Fan served by the Brecon Mountain Railway, with forest trails along its eastern shore.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomWales
Merthyr Tydfil
Wales, United Kingdom · Europe
About Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil works well as a base: 10 minutes from Cwmbach, 8km from Pontsticill Reservoir.
Merthyr Tydfil is a town located in Wales, United Kingdom. With a population of 43,820, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Merthyr Tydfil sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Merthyr Tydfil to your route.
About Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil (Welsh: Merthyr Tudful) is the main town in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, Wales, administered by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. It is about 23 miles (37 km) north of Cardiff. Often called just Merthyr, it is said to be named after Tydfil, daughter of King Brychan of Brycheiniog, who accordingRead more
to legend was slain at Merthyr by pagans about 480 CE. Merthyr generally means "martyr" in modern Welsh, but here closer to the Latin martyrium: a place of worship built over a martyr's relics. Similar place names in south Wales are Merthyr Cynog, Merthyr Dyfan and Merthyr Mawr.
Noted for its industrial past, Merthyr was known as the 'Iron Capital of the World' in the early 19th century, due to the scale of its iron production. The world's first steam-powered railway journey happened in Merthyr in 1804, travelling 9 mi (14 km) from the ironworks at Penydarren to the Glamorganshire Canal on the Merthyr Tramroad. The 1851 census found Wales to be the world's first industrialised nation, as more people were employed in industry than agriculture, with Merthyr the biggest town in Wales at that time. The city of Donetsk in Ukraine (then in the Russian Empire), originally 'Hughesovka', was founded by John Hughes of Merthyr in 1870, when he took iron working to the area. Iron production declined in Merthyr from 1860 on, though Merthyr's population continued to rise due to the emergence of coal mining in the area, peaking with around 81,000 people in 1911.
The area is currently known for its industrial heritage and adventure tourism. Merthyr and the surrounding areas boast the Grade-I listed Cyfarthfa Castle, the world’s fastest seated zip line, the UK's largest mountain bike park, the largest indoor climbing wall in Wales, national cycle routes and plans for the UK's longest indoor ski slope.
Where to Stay in Merthyr Tydfil
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Merthyr Tydfil?
Merthyr Tydfil offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Merthyr Tydfil?
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Where is Merthyr Tydfil located?
Merthyr Tydfil is located in Wales, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.7479 latitude, -3.3778 longitude.
What is the population of Merthyr Tydfil?
Merthyr Tydfil has a population of approximately 43,820 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 43,820
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Wales
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.7479, -3.3778
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Merthyr Tydfil
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cafe
Rattlesnake Biker Cafe
A characterful biker cafe in the Brecon Beacons serving as a popular pit stop for riders exploring the stunning Welsh mountain roads.
12 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Talybont Reservoir
A wooded reservoir in the central Brecon Beacons with a lakeside cycle route on the old Brecon and Merthyr railway.
13 km · about 25 min drive
waterfall
Sgwd yr Eira
Spectacular waterfall in the Brecon Beacons where you can walk behind the curtain of water on a natural rock ledge, a truly unique experience.
14 km · about 25 min drive
waterfall
Sgwd Clun-Gwyn
The first of the Four Waterfalls on the Afon Mellte, a wide stepped fall in the limestone gorge near Ystradfellte.
14 km · about 25 min drive
waterfall
Sgwd Gwladys (Lady Falls)
A graceful fall on the Afon Pyrddin near Pontneddfechan, also walkable behind, in the heart of Waterfall Country.
15 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Nedd Fechan Gorge
A limestone river gorge threaded with falls and caves between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte, the spine of Waterfall Country.
15 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Pen y Fan
The highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
16 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Merthyr Tydfil
- 16 kmPen y FanThe highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
- 16 kmCorn DuPen y Fan's twin summit at 873m, with a Bronze Age cairn and the finest view over the Beacons' north escarpment.
- 25 kmSugar Loaf (Y Fal)A 596m conical hill above Abergavenny with a 360-degree view over the Usk valley and the Black Mountains; easy from the car park.
- 29 kmWaun FachThe highest point of the Black Mountains at 811m, a broad peaty summit above the Vale of Ewyas and the Gospel Pass.
- 31 kmSkirrid Fawr (Ysgyryd Fawr)A landslipped 486m ridge above Abergavenny whose split profile gave rise to the legend it cracked at the Crucifixion.
- 34 kmGospel PassThe highest road pass in Wales at 549m, a narrow single-track lane over the Black Mountains between Hay-on-Wye and Llanthony, with vast views across the Wye Valley from beneath Hay Bluff.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Merthyr Tydfil.
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