Why go now?
For a free swim at the National Lido of Wales, the country’s only lido, which is opening from 25 March to 10 April (then reopening for the summer). The £6.3m restoration project has transformed the 1927 lido, while retaining original features such as turnstiles and wooden changing cubicles. There are three heated pools – including an activity pool with stand-up paddleboarding and zorbing – plus an adventure play area, waterside cafe and heritage museum.
What else is there to do?
Anyone who has been watching The Taff: The River That Made Wales (BBC4, Tuesday, 8pm and on iPlayer), which flows through Ponty, might be inspired to go wild swimming or walk the 88km Taff Trail. The Pontypridd Museum tells the story of the market town since the construction of the Old bridge in 1756, now a scheduled ancient monument. Penderyn distillery, a few miles away, does whisky tastings. Rhondda Heritage park, the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery in Trehafod, has underground tours with former miners.
Anywhere good to eat?
The Prince’s, a restaurant and bakery established in 1948, has an art deco interior and is still run by the same family; try the retro corned beef wedge or the bargain afternoon tea (£9.95 or £14.95 with prosecco).
How about a drink?
The Bunch of Grapes serves its own Otley Brewing Company beers, plus other cask and keg craft beers, ciders and spirits. It also does fantastic food, using homegrown vegetables and meat from within a 30-mile radius, such as Blaengwawr lamb with hay-roasted lamb belly goujons and stout sauce.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
The Blueberry Inn, a historic five-storey building in the town centre, has been sensitively restored and has nine bedrooms: some contemporary “white rooms” and some romantic “Loire rooms”. Doubles from £74, cheaper for phone bookings (01443 485331); three-course dinner and B&B for two for £99.
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