Find out more about Aberdare and the Cynon Valley in South Wales...

Aberdare Park

Welsh Version - Aberdare Park is a well preserved Victorian public park in Trecynon, in the northern end of the town. The park was opened in 1869 after the local board of health recommended that a pleasant place for the population of Aberdare was constructed.

Nowadays there are plenty of things to see and do for families in Aberdare Park including bowling, tennis and local music and events and in July the Park becomes a race track for the annual Aberdare Park Road Races.

For more information about Aberdare Park visit click here.

Aberdare Coliseum

The distinctive auditorium of Aberdare Coliseum is just one of the reasons why this Theatre is one of the most popular entertainment venues in the Valleys. Built in 1937 and nestling in a quiet residential street within walking distance of Aberdare Park it features a varied programme of drama, music, comedy, ballet and local productions.

For up to date information on what's on in Aberdare Coliseum visit their website here.

The Churches of Aberdare

The oldest building in Aberdare is undoubtedly St John's Church - the original Parish Church of the town. The exact date of its construction isn't known but 1189 is considered accurate. This makes St John's Church the oldest man made structure in Aberdare by 600 years.

In 1850 a public meeting was held to ask for public subscriptions to a new church project in the town. £1000 was pledged in just 9 days. In September 1852 the Bishop of Llandaff officially opened St Elvan's Church which now dominates Aberdare.

St Mair's Church was developed for the Welsh speaking Anglican congregation of Aberdare Parish in 1863 and consecrated in 1864. It is believed that the novelist Thomas Hardy may have prepared the working drawings for the Church as he was apprenticed to the architect at the time. He may even have lived in Monk Street for a while - however no conclusive proof has been found to support this.

Discover more information on the Churches of Aberdare here.