The town of Merthyr Tydfil is located in Wales and has a population of around 30,000 people. The local population refers to Merthyr Tydfil as simply Merthyr. The area was settled in around 1000BCE by the Celts. There are artifacts that date it back to that date and also show that it was occupied during the Iron Age and Roman areas. Because of its rich history there are lots to see.
For the nature lover there is an endless choice of walking trails. You can choose from challenging and gentle routes. If you are looking for something to take up most of your day then you can take the Taff Trail which links the capital city of Cardiff to the historic market town of Brecon. If you want to learn more about the countryside then take a walk on any one of the heritage trails that wander through the town. You will see many interesting historic sites and places of interest. If you aren't sure which of the trails to take then you just need to ramble over to the Merthyr Tydfil's Ramblers Association they can help you arrange a your walk or even help you with one of their guided walks through the area.
There is also a wonderful forest for you and your family to enjoy. Take a hike into the woods and see what kind of wildlife you can encounter. You might be surprised at the amount of different species can be found here. Take a note pad and keep track of the different birds you see or hear.
If you are looking for history then transport yourself to Cyfarthfa Castle. This castle was built in 1824 by Ironmaster William Crawshay. It is home to an extensive collection of art which include Wedgwood, Nantgarw and Swansea porcelain. There are also many historic galleries that showcase the industrial and social history of the area. These galleries show the ironmaking industry in the area, it also show cases the first locomotive to pull a load along rails. You will also see information on the historic Merthyr Rising of 1831. It is a great way to get a feel for the area and learn a little about the local history.
Another great stop is Joseph Parry's Cottage. This cottage is a great example of a typical ironworker's cottage. It was built in the 1820s for the workers of Cyfarthfa Ironworks and became the birthplace of one of Wales best known composer, Joseph Parry. Here you can tour the interior of the cottage and see how the ironworkers lived in the 1840's, around the time Mr. Parry would have been a small boy. There are also exhibits that detail Parry's life and work as well as a section dedicated to the background of Merthyr Tydfil's industrial past.
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