CYFARTHFA PARK & CASTLE

Nestled at the foot of the Brecon Beacons lies Cyfarthfa Castle and Park. Commissioned and built in 1824 – 1825, Cyfarthfa Castle was constructed for the Iron Master Richard Crawshay II. This grand, castellated mansion overlooked his immensely successful ironworks and has been called “the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales”. The Castle is now a museum, its unique collections looking at Merthyr Tydfil’s rich heritage from the Roman conquest to the Industrial Revolution - and beyond! The museum houses the first steam whistle and the first ballot box, alongside exquisite dresses by Laura Ashley and Julien McDonald. Stroll through the atmospheric social and industrial history galleries which chart the rise of this once world-leading ironmaking town, before feasting your eyes on curiosities from across the globe, including Ancient Egyptian grave goods! Here, you can also admire the extensive fine and decorative art collections. These include Swansea, Nantgarw and Wedgwood porcelain; as well as art by Penry Williams (the Welsh Turner), George Frederick Harris and Kyffin Williams to name a few. The museum is a testament to the spirit of the working man; to Merthyr’s spirit as a town of revolution and rebellion; and the stories which make Merthyr so vital in the histories of Wales and Britain as a whole.

Then, with spectacular views of the Brecon Beacons, head out and explore our 160 acres of magnificent parkland. There are fully accessible woodland walks and nature rambles to introduce you the variety of wildlife and plants in the park, along with relaxing sensory and formal gardens for the less adventurous. For the children, we also have our state-of-the-art Splash Pad and Playground facilities. It’s an ideal place for days out - with two delicious cafés onsite (The Castle Tea Rooms and Caffi Canolfan), plenty of picnic spaces, a beautiful lake (that’s ideal for fishing), geocaching and animal trails, and miniature railway, there’s something to keep everyone entertained!

The park is also a fantastic event destination and frequently plays host to large scale events such as horse shows, outdoor theatre productions, drive-in cinemas and more. There are also frequent children’s events at both the museum and Caffi Canolfan, plenty of seasonal events, and regular Farmer’s Markets for those who like to shop. All events are listed on our website – why not take a look and book a trip?