'''Merthyr Tydfil''' is in Glamorgan.

Understand

Merthyr Tydfil is often referred to simply as Merthyr.

Previously, the town was a major centre of coal mining and steel manufacturing, and in the 19th century had a population that exceeded both Swansea and Cardiff. However, while those two cities have continued to thrive, Merthyr has been caught in a downward spiral of decline, and the town of today contends with the dual issues of mine closures and collapse of its manufacturing base. As the center of what has been called the UK's rust belt, Merthyr is sometimes referred to as the British Detroit.

The town has nothing to offer the casual visitor, and you are only likely to end up there if lost or have a morbid interest in urban degradation. However, its close proximity to the the stunning Brecon Beacons at least offers the town some default merit.

Get in

By car

Merthyr Tydfil can be reached by A470 located 22 miles north of the M4 Junction 32 which is located just north of Cardiff. The A470 connects with the "Heads of the Valley road" which connects Swansea with the M5. The road is good quality dual carriageway between Merthyr and Cardiff.

By train

Merthyr has it's own railway station and there is an hourly service between Merthyr and Cardiff Central Station.

See

  • Cyfarthfa Castle. The former home of the Crawshay family, historical ironmasters of Cyfarthfa Ironworks. This castellated, constructed in 1800s now houses a small secondary school and a museum covering local history and containing a curious variety of antiques including several sarcophogi. The grounds of the 'castle' are a popular attraction during drier weather, covering 158 acres of land, containing woodland, children's park areas for sporting and a small lake.

    Do

    Merthyr Tydfil makes an excellent base camp for those wishing to see the Brecon Beacons without being cut off from transport and civilisation by staying in Brecon.

    Buy

    Eat

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    Sleep

    Contact

    Get Out

  • Brecon Beacons National Park is just outside the town - amazing scenery and walking opportunities.
  • Cardiff and its museums and excellent shopping is a stone's throw away from the town.
  • Swansea offers excellent leisure and cultural amenities, not to mention a stunning coastline. Wales' second city is less than an hour's drive from Merthyr.
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