Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhondda Cynon Taf is a county borough in the South Wales Valleys, made up of the Rhondda, Cynon and Taff valleys and a string of former mining towns such as Pontypridd, Aberdare, Llantrisant and Treorchy. Its landscape mixes steep hillsides, wooded valleys, country parks and former colliery sites now returned to nature, all within easy reach of Cardiff.

Coal mining shaped the area's history and identity, and that industrial past remains visible in heritage trails, miners' institutes, chapels, canals and old tramways. Landmarks such as Pontypridd's William Edwards Old Bridge, the restored Lido Ponty and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park anchor the main town, while the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant tells the story of British coinage.

Towns across the county borough each have a distinct character. Pontypridd is the busy market and transport hub, Aberdare is the gateway to Dare Valley Country Park, Treorchy is known for its independent high street and Llantrisant keeps a hilltop old town with narrow streets and castle remains.

Rhondda Cynon Taf also has a strong cultural life, from choirs and rugby clubs to Welsh-language events and the 2024 National Eisteddfod held in Pontypridd. The University of South Wales has a major campus at Treforest, and the area's links to Cardiff by rail and the A470 make it a practical base for business travel.

For visitors, the county borough offers a less crowded alternative to Cardiff, with walking and cycling trails, heritage attractions, markets and easy access to both the capital and the edge of the Brecon Beacons.