Name: Ynysangharad War Memorial Park
Rating: 5.0

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Ceridwen Terrace, Pontypridd, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, affectionately known as "Ponty Park," is the crown jewel of Pontypridd and a top destination for families in South Wales. As one of the best things to do with kids in Rhondda Cynon Taf, this Grade II listed park offers a perfect blend of rich heritage and modern recreational facilities. Spanning acres of lush green space, it is home to the National Lido of Wales and serves as a vibrant community hub for play, sport, and relaxation.

A visit to the park itself is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for a day out. While entry to the grounds costs nothing, specific attractions like the heated outdoor pools at Lido Ponty are ticketed, though still very affordable at £3.50 for adults and free for children aged 16 and under (subject to a small booking fee). The park is highly accessible with level pathways and a dedicated "Lido Play" adventure area designed to be inclusive for all children.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers everything from high-energy water obstacles to quiet picnic spots, Ynysangharad Park is a top choice. Whether you're exploring the industrial-themed playground or standing before the statues of the composers of the Welsh National Anthem, the park provides a unique sense of place and history. It is an essential destination for anyone visiting Pontypridd who wants to experience the very best of Welsh community spirit in a stunning outdoor setting.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Features

The National Lido of Wales (Lido Ponty): A beautifully restored 1920s lido featuring three heated outdoor pools (main, activity, and splash).
Lido Play Adventure Playground: An accessible, industrial-themed play area with tunnels, sandpits, and climbing frames that pay homage to the town's heritage.
Heritage Trails & Statues: Home to the Evan and James James memorial, celebrating the father and son who wrote the Welsh National Anthem in the park.
Sports Facilities: Includes tennis courts, a cricket ground, a football field, and a bowls green for active families.
The Taff Trail: A famous walking and cycling route that meanders through the park, connecting it to the wider South Wales countryside.
Bandstand and Events: A traditional bandstand that hosts various community events and concerts throughout the summer.

Top 5 Highlights

Lido Ponty Fun Sessions: During school holidays, the lido features an inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz, and Water Walkers. It’s the ultimate water adventure for kids.
Lido Play Playground: The playground is a standout for its unique design. Kids can climb through "industrial" tunnels and explore the large sandpit while parents relax nearby.
National Anthem Memorial: See the life-size bronze figures of "Poetry" and "Music" dedicated to the authors of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
The Sunken Garden: A beautifully maintained, quiet corner of the park perfect for seeing seasonal flower displays and taking family photos.
War Memorial Walls: A moving tribute featuring two parallel walls with the names of 1,319 local servicemen who lost their lives in various conflicts.

Detailed Inventory

Three Heated Outdoor Pools: Main pool for laps, activity pool for fun, and a shallow splash pool for toddlers.
Inflatable Water Obstacle Course: Available during designated "Fun Sessions" at the Lido.
Caffi Lido (The Waffle House): Serves sweet and savoury waffles, hot drinks, and snacks with outdoor seating.
Adventure Play Equipment: Swings, slides, roundabouts, and multi-play units with an industrial theme.
Tennis and Sports Courts: High-quality surfaces for public and club use.
Dog Park: A dedicated area for off-lead exercise, though dogs must be on leads in other parts of the park.
River Taff Walkways: Scenic paths following the riverbank with views of the historic Old Bridge.

Facilities

Facilities

Toilets: Public toilets are available near the playground and inside the Lido complex.
Changing Places: The Lido features a "Changing Places" facility with a hoist and adult-sized changing bench.
Baby Changing: Facilities are located within the Lido and accessible toilet blocks.
Food: Caffi Lido is the main on-site eatery, and there are numerous benches throughout the park for picnics.
Accessibility: Most of the park is level with wide, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The "unbeatable" value of the Lido, providing a world-class swimming experience for very low cost.
The playground's unique design, which parents say keeps kids engaged for much longer than a standard park.
The park's cleanliness and the beautiful flower displays in the sunken garden.
The fact that the park is right in the town centre, making it easy to combine play with shopping or a meal.

What Visitors Don't Like

The difficulty of securing Lido tickets during the summer holidays.
The "Fun Sessions" can get very crowded, which might be overwhelming for very young children.
On-site parking can be a challenge during major events or busy weekends.

Targeted FAQ

Is the water in Lido Ponty actually warm?: Yes! All three outdoor pools are heated to a consistent 28 degrees, making it comfortable even on cooler Welsh days.
Can I just turn up to swim?: While there are occasionally "walk-in" spaces, booking in advance online is highly recommended and often essential during weekends and school holidays to avoid disappointment.
Is the playground suitable for children with disabilities?: Yes, "Lido Play" was designed with accessibility in mind and includes features that allow children with different mobility levels to play together.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Park Grounds: Open daily from 8:30am until dusk (approx. 4:30pm in winter, 9:00pm in summer).
Lido Main Season: Saturday, 28th March – Mid-September 2026.
Early Morning Swims: 7:30am – 9:00am (Daily).
Family Fun Sessions: 10:00am – 5:30pm (Weekends and Holidays).

Address: Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Ceridwen Terrace, Pontypridd, UK

Post Code: CF37 4PE

Council: Rhondda Cynon Taf

County: Glamorgan and Cardif

By Car: Use postcode CF37 4PD. Follow signs for Pontypridd Town Centre. Park in Sardis Road or Gas Road car parks.
By Bus: Pontypridd Bus Station is a 2-minute walk away; most Taff Valley services stop here.
By Train: Pontypridd Station is on the Merthyr/Aberdare to Cardiff line. Exit the station and follow the signs for the Park through the town centre.