Pontypool

Travel Guide
Big Pit National Coal Museum which includes interior views
This charming old industrial town surrounded by woods, hills and lakes offers an authentic experience of Welsh scenery and hospitality.

The compact town of Pontypool showcases some of the best qualities of Wales. Encounter the friendliness of the Welsh people, the richness of the country’s mining history and the serenity of its landscapes. The town, situated in the heart of the Torfaen region, offers museums, outdoor activities and a popular, expansive park.

Start your exploration of the town in the Pontypool Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from the town’s long history. Pontypool is one of the oldest industrial settlements in Wales, with evidence of forges in the area from as early as 1425. Iron ore in the ground led to the town becoming a key location during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. Explore the galleries of the museum, hosted in a Georgian stable block, to see items from every era of the town’s past.

One of the local highlights is the vast Pontypool Park. The “People’s Park” is both a pleasant outdoor space for relaxation and the home of some curious heritage sights. Wander throughout the 158-acre (64-hectare) park to find the Italian Gardens, Shell Grotto and the Ice House. If the weather turns bad, head to the park’s leisure center for a children’s play area and sports facilities.

The area surrounding Pontypool is packed with activities. Drive for 15 minutes east of the town to reach the Llandegfedd Reservoir, a tranquil lake that is popular for water sports. Try dinghy sailing, fishing or stand-up paddleboarding or simply hike around one of the woodland trails.

To the north lies Blaenavon, another mining community. Take your family to the Big Pit National Coal Museum for an interactive experience that teaches about Torfaen’s industrial past. Board the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway to enjoy a vintage steam train journey.

Fly into Cardiff International Airport and drive for about an hour to reach Pontypool. Alternatively, get a ticket for one of the trains that run between the Welsh capital city and Pontypool each day. Visit in summer when the days are warmest and you can make the most of the outdoor attractions in the area.

Where to stay in Pontypool

National Trust House and Gardens

Abersychan

While Abersychan isn't home to many top sights, Big Pit National Coal Museum and Pontypool Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Abersychan
Lovely park to visit.

Pontymoile

While visiting Pontymoile, you might make a stop by sights like Pontypool Park and Shell Grotto.

Pontymoile
Carved into a Welsh Hill side in South Wales. These tracks were all built by hand by the local riders in the area. 
#aboveitall

Pen Tranch

Though Pen Tranch might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Big Pit National Coal Museum and Pontypool Park.

Pen Tranch
Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel
Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel
3 out of 5
Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Wales
The price is ¥6,492 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥6,492
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypool. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (808 reviews)
did the job
"easy check in and no issues, hotel was comfortable and suitable for overnight stay"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel
Mollie's Motel & Diner
Mollie's Motel & Diner
3.5 out of 5
Cribbs Causeway, A4018, Bristol, England
The price is ¥12,786 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥12,786
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,690 reviews)
Just loved it
"Absolutely loved this place and will be back. Rooms were so clean and fresh but with character. Beds were super comfy and i also ate in the diner at night. The food was superb, i had the salmon but was encouraged to try their birgers on my next visit which ill definitely be doing :-)"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Mollie's Motel & Diner
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is ¥16,227 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥16,227
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and 8 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
Business trip
"A decent hotel with needs a little bit of rod to bring it back to former glory"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Celtic Manor Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stunning 5 bedroom family home with unrivalled views
Stunning 5 bedroom family home with unrivalled views
Abersychan
Stay at this ski vacation home in Pontypool. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Shell Grotto and Pontypool Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Amazing family orientated beautiful property
"We had an amazing stay at Dan and Sarah's beautiful home. It is a fantastic property with stunning kitchen dinning room suited for socialising. The surrounding Countryside is great for waking and the homely feel made it perfect for the 3 toddlers we had with us and as a parent it was amazing that ..."

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2023

Stunning 5 bedroom family home with unrivalled views
18th century stone cottage in the beautiful Usk valley
18th century stone cottage in the beautiful Usk valley
Pontypool
Stay at this cottage in Pontypool. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Caerleon Castle and Grosmont Castle are located nearby. Discover ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
Secluded paradise
"Just back from a wonderful weekend at Forest Cottage. Lovely quaint cottage in a secluded spot. We stay all over UK in these type of properties and this one is far superior, in our opinion, than many others we have stayed. The Hosts are friendly and accommodating, nothing too much trouble and not ..."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

18th century stone cottage in the beautiful Usk valley
Busman's Holiday Anyone? Quirky bus based holiday home!
Busman's Holiday Anyone? Quirky bus based holiday home!
Pontypool
Stay at this mobile home in Pontypool. Enjoy a garden, a TV, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Pontypool Park and Shell Grotto are located nearby. Discover ...
Busman's Holiday Anyone? Quirky bus based holiday home!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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