Welcome to Pontypridd

From Pontypridd, you can enjoy all that South Wales has to offer – city life and culture, stunning beaches and breath-taking countryside.  It is a town filled with history and heritage and plenty to discover.

• St Gwynnos Church
• Pontypridd museum
• Pit pony sanctuary
• Old bridge
• Ynysangharad Park
• The Welsh Shop
• Pontypridd Library
• Rhondda Heritage Park
• The Muni Arts centre
• Royal Mint Experience
• Penderyn Whisky Distillery

5 facts about Ponty:

1. Legendary Welsh singer, Tom Jones, was born in Treforest
2. Rhondda Cynon Taf has been named as one of the best star-gazing sites in the UK
   
3. TV programmes such as Dr. Who, Torchwood and Sex Education have benefitted from the location when filming
4. The Welsh National Anthem was composed in Pontypridd
5. Pontypridd’s development is firmly linked to the industrial revolution
   

Pontypridd is a town located in the Rhondda Cynon Taf Valleys where there is something for everyone.

With a thriving event scene there's always something to experience. From historic sites and travel hotspots in easy reach, to local bars, markets, cinemas, coffee shops, global sports, gigs and so much more, you'll never struggle to find a way to spend your time.

Green open spaces and a community feel. Cities, mountains and beaches all in easy reach.

Head in one direction and you'll be walking along a glorious beach. Head in another and you'll be climbing a historic mountain. Studying at USW is a great way to explore some of South Wales' biggest cities.

USW Pontypridd is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. From listed buildings to new, modern structures, Pontypridd reflects the University’s proud history and its ambitions for the future. Here, you’ll find everything you need – your classes, the library, cafes and bars to eat and drink, and friends to spend time with.

Our largest campus at Pontypridd is just 20 minutes from Cardiff by train.

Pontypridd is home to local restaurants that produce their own beer and ale, serve traditional ice cream and specialise in fine dining to name a few.

From local pub restaurants to the familiar faces of national chains, we have a huge range of places to eat and drink that will appeal to all.

Not to be missed is the annual Big Welsh Bite food event and don't forget to check out Pontypridd Market for a unique shopping experience.

Feeling hungry or looking for somewhere to grab a drink? Here's our recommendations:

• Barry Sidings Café
• Pontypridd market
• Otley Arms
• Bragdy twt lol
• Larger and independent coffee shops
• Cortile coffee
• Wok in a box
• Carinis fish and chips
• Bunch of Grapes
• Saffron Pontypridd

There are a range of independent bars and intimate music venues in the local area for you to enjoy, meaning that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a night out with your mates. 

You could also spend an evening at the on-campus night club, Eclipse, or enjoy your five minutes of fame at a karaoke night in the Randy Dragon.

Pontypridd is also only 20 minutes from Cardiff by train. The capital city has a range of popular nightclubs and venues for you to enjoy.

Some of our recommendations include:

• Ponty's Big Weekend festival
• Clwb y bont
• Otley Arms
• Treforest Campus Students Union Bar and Nightclub
• Globetrotters bar
• Park and Dare Theatre
• Pheonix Centre
• Showcase Cinema, Nantgarw

There are plenty of ways to stay active in Pontypridd from going for a run through Ynysangharad Park to swimming in Ponty Lido. The Brecon Beacons are also nearby so why not climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales?

• Ponty lido
• Spot climbing centre
• Sardis Road
• Taff Valley Quad Bike and Activity Centre
• Walking the Taff trail
• SU sports club
• On campus gym
• Taff Ely Indoor Bowls Centre
• Pontypridd golf club

The University of South Wales has a strong sporting background and some of the best facilities in the UK.

USW has a thriving competitive sport environment, with a range of university teams competing in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges) League. We pride ourselves on our sporting successes and it's a major part of USW student life. In Pontypridd, we also have an on-campus gym running a range of classes and activities open to students and members of the public.

Only 20 minutes from Treforest is the capital city of Wales. 

Live life loud or take it at your own pace, Cardiff has it all to offer. With a thriving event scene there's always something to experience. From historic sites and travel hotspots in easy reach, to rooftop cinemas, street food pop-ups, coffee shops, global sports, music, festivals and so much more, you'll never struggle to find a way to spend your time.

Newport is only half an hour away from Pontypridd and is a city with a lot to offer.

Newport is a vibrant city situated between Cardiff and Bristol. Our City Campus is in the heart of the City, alongside the River Usk and near to local amenities and entertainment venues. Here, you have everything on your doorstep from shops, restaurants and bars and great transport links.

We have over 1,200 rooms of different sizes, and 20 self-contained studio flats at our Pontypridd campus. 

Live and study in a friendly, community atmosphere that our students love. Not only is it convenient, but it's competitively priced too.

The breath-taking views of the valleys are truly a sight to behold. Why not make the most of your stay at a cottage or budget friendly b&b? 

Or, for a more luxury experience, choose to stay at a boutique hotel and spa or simply recline at an inn in the town centre.