Pontypool Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum showing interior views
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum

Pontypool is a town on the Afon Lwyd River, in the county borough of Torfaen, but historically part of Monmouthshire. Conveniently located halfway between Abergavenny and Newport, and a stone’s throw from the city delights of Cardiff and the natural sights of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The iron industry was historically of great importance to the town, with the Hanbury family being responsible for much of its development since the 16th Century. Their former family seat was Pontypool Park, a grand manor house with grounds stretching over 150 acres. In 1920 the park entered public ownership, and since then has become a focal point for leisure activities in the town.

Sport in Pontypool

Rugby is a very popular sport here, as it is in the rest of Wales, and the town boasts several teams, most notably Pontypool RFC, established in 1870, who play at Pontypool Park.

Pontypool Park is an important hub for other sports and leisure in the town, and has swimming and gym facilities, tennis courts, netball courts, a bowling green, a pitch and putt course, and a children’s play area, as well as the oldest dry skiing slope in Wales.

The town also has its own golf club and other courses within easy reach in the surrounding area.

Shopping in Pontypool

Pontypool offers a useful selection of shops, from small independent traders to large multinational chains. The recently refurbished Pontypool Indoor Market was built in 1894, and to this day remains a vibrant shopping area, with a wide selection of local traders selling everything from hot and cold meals and drinks to fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, flowers, books, clothes, and much more.

Food and Drink in Pontypool

Pontypool has a good range of restaurants, cafes and pubs, including traditional fish and chip shops, takeaways, cafes, upmarket gastro pubs and restaurants serving fresh local produce.

Attractions In and Around Pontypool

Pontypool Museum is located in a Georgian stable block in Pontypool Park, and gives visitors an insight into the region’s industrial and cultural history. It also features regular exhibitions of local artists’ work, and is home to the Dobell-Moseley Library and Archive, a resource for those conducting research into the local area.

Blaenavon lies a short distance along the A465 from Pontypool, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the best preserved 18th Century ironworks in the whole of Europe, and the Big Pit Mining Museum.

Also in Blaenavon, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway is a heritage railway run by volunteers, that runs for two miles between Whistle Inn Halt and Blaenavon High Level Station. Despite the railway’s name, the line no longer extends to Pontypool itself.

The Brecon Beacons National Park is only a short drive from Pontypool, and has a fascinating history dating back to Neolithic times, as well as breathtaking scenery and excellent walking and cycling routes.

Visit Pontypool

With its convenient location, rich heritage, and beautiful surroundings, Pontypool has something to offer everyone.

Where to stay in Pontypool

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Pontymoile

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

Pontymoile
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Pen Tranch

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

Pen Tranch
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Abersychan

While there might not be top attractions in Abersychan, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pontypool Park and Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Abersychan

Griffithstown

While Griffithstown isn't home to many top sights, Pontypool Park and Caerleon Castle are some notable places to visit nearby.

Griffithstown
Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel

Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel

3 out of 5
Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Wales
The price is ₹5,171 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,171
₹6,205 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pontypool. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Wasn’t expecting much from a Best Western property, but this is the best one I’ve stayed at."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Best Western Pontypool Metro Hotel
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,957 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
₹11,957
₹14,348 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,530 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful the hotel n a great location.steeped in history"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Angel Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is ₹10,361 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹10,361
₹12,434 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,317 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, however very dated rooms that need some TLC"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

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.
Lovely Bk Calypso Bluebird 6 Berth Holiday Caravan

Lovely Bk Calypso Bluebird 6 Berth Holiday Caravan

2 out of 5
Pontypool, Wales
Stay at this holiday home in Pontypool. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Pontypool Park and Shell Grotto are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"The caravan is a bit old, but we still had a nice time. We slept well, so that was very good. We would book again, for a long weekend for example."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Lovely Bk Calypso Bluebird 6 Berth Holiday Caravan
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff

3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (265 reviews)
Just the fit
"Very good location, close enough to town, but in a quiet Away close to lovely park."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation

4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Belle Vue ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (210 reviews)
"friendly staff, nice clean rooms, easy access to trains/buses/town/shopping"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pontypool

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 36%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Didn't specifically visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Space around the park very good and well used, worth another visit

Cities near Pontypool