Pontypridd Lido – A Modern Welsh Lido with Heritage at its Heart
Explore the story and charm of Pontypridd Lido, the restored open-air swimming pool in Pontypridd, Wales. Learn how to get there, where to eat, and what makes it special.
There’s something about the sound of splashing water, echoing laughter, and the smell of chlorine mixed with warm air that instantly transports me back to my twenties. For me, those memories often lead to Pontypridd Lido—better known today as Lido Ponty, a brilliant blend of past and present.
I didn’t grow up in Pontypridd, but I had friends who lived there, and we’d meet there for the occasional swim and a wander through Ynysangharad Park. It wasn’t just a pool—it was a day out, a mini escape with a flask of tea, a battered paperback, and usually a bag of chips from town.
A Revival of Welsh Heritage
Pontypridd Lido originally opened in 1927, built in the heart of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. It was one of many lidos constructed during that era as the health and fitness boom swept across Britain. For decades, it welcomed generations of swimmers before falling into disuse and eventually closing in the 1990s.
But this lido has a happier tale than most—it was brought back to life. Thanks to a £6.3 million restoration project, Lido Ponty reopened in 2015, carefully blending heritage with modern design. The restoration preserved key architectural features while updating the facilities to offer a modern, family-friendly experience.
Visiting Lido Ponty
Today, the lido boasts three heated pools, including a splash pool for toddlers, an activity pool with water fountains, and a 25-metre main pool for serious swimmers. In summer, it feels like a slice of the Med dropped into the South Wales Valleys.
As a young adult, I remember it being a real novelty—the idea of a proper open-air pool in Wales, where the weather is notoriously unpredictable, felt exciting. And now, years later, it’s even better than it was. It’s clean, well-staffed, and brilliantly popular, especially during school holidays and weekends.
Admission is affordable and sessions are bookable online. And if you’re up for some adrenaline, you can book activities like water zorbing, inflatables, and paddleboarding—all supervised and safe. Read about Cold Knap Lido
Getting There
Pontypridd is easily accessible by both road and rail. If you’re driving, it’s just off the A470, around 25 minutes from Cardiff. There’s parking available at Ynysangharad Park (sat nav: CF37 4PE).
Coming by train? Lido Ponty is just a 10-minute walk from Pontypridd railway station, which is well-connected with Cardiff and the Valleys.
If you want to find it precisely, the What3Words address is: ///hurry.rides.silent — perfect for a peaceful splash in the sun.
Food and Coffee Nearby
One of the perks of spending the day in Pontypridd is how easy it is to grab a bite to eat. There’s an on-site café at Lido Ponty, serving coffee, light lunches, and sweet treats. But if you’re like me and enjoy a proper wander, head into town—it’s only a five-minute stroll.
Here are a few local favourites:
The Prince’s Café – A Ponty institution since the 1940s. Try their ice cream or grab a toasted sandwich and a strong brew.
Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese – Something totally unexpected in the Valleys. Fresh, delicious, and perfect if you want something different.
Pontypridd Market – Browse stalls and sample homemade Welsh cakes or buy fresh produce from local traders.
Or just grab a takeaway coffee and head back into the park—there’s no better place to relax than by the river, under the trees.
A Park That’s More Than a Backdrop
The lido is set within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, a huge green space that’s a real gem for the town. It’s more than a setting—it’s a destination.
There are tennis courts, a children’s adventure playground, a pitch & putt course, and riverside walks. The park also pays tribute to local history with monuments and war memorials that offer space for reflection.
I always remember the combination of energy from the lido and the calm of the surrounding park—it made it easy to spend a whole day there. And whether I was meeting friends, chasing some sunshine, or escaping the busyness of city life, it always delivered.
Why It Still Matters
So many of Wales’ original lidos have been lost to time—Cold Knap, Maindy, and countless others. That’s why Lido Ponty feels so precious. It’s not just a place to swim—it’s a celebration of Pontypridd’s heritage, its resilience, and its community spirit.
It’s also a brilliant example of how heritage restoration can serve the present without losing the past. The original columns still stand, and the red-brick details echo the 1920s design, but the facilities are fresh, vibrant, and welcoming to all.
Families come from all over South Wales now. And even as someone who visited only now and then, I feel oddly proud of it—like I had a small piece of the journey from memory to revival.
Plan Your Visit
Lido Ponty is open seasonally, usually from April to September. Tickets must be booked in advance online via the Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s official website. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and free swims are offered to local residents at certain times.
Make it a full day out—swim in the morning, grab lunch in town, then unwind in the park or explore nearby Treforest and the historic Pontypridd Museum.
