About the area
The Iron Capital of the world during the Industrial Revolution is now an adventurous place to visit. BikePark Wales is one of the best mountain bike resorts in the UK. Nearby there is Parkwood Outdoors Adventures and Rock UK Summit Centre. The area is great for walking and you can combine with a ride on a steam train at Brecon Mountain Railway.
To explore the story of Merthyr Tydfil then a trip to Cyfarthfa Castle and Park is a must; the castle hosts an amazing museum with everything from the story to the ironmaster to the work of fashion designers like Laura Ashley and Julian MacDonald. There is also a stunning contemporary art collection. You can also visit the home of one of Wales’ best known composers, Joseph Parry who created the moving song “Myfanwy”.
There is a stunning interactive map that can help you explore the town.
Fascinating Facts
Location
Places in
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil was known as the 'Iron Capital of the World' in the early 19th century,– there were 4 imposing ironworks. Cyfarthfa Castle, on the hill above the town centre was built by Ironmaster William Crawshay II in 1824. In 1831 the Merthyr Rising took place with workers calling for reform. Soldiers clashed with the campaigners resulting in deaths and arrests, including Richard Lewis who became known as Dic Penderyn; he was hanged for stabbing a soldier, becoming a working-class martyr. The world's first steam-powered railway journey happened here in 1804, travelling 9 miles from the ironworks at Penydarren to the Glamorganshire Canal on the Merthyr Tramroad.