Located on the southern edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, Merthyr Tydfil is a historic town in Wales. It was known during the 19th century as the “Iron Capital of the World” due to its large-scale production and it celebrates this industrial heritage to this day. Merthyr Tydfil’s proximity to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, makes it a popular place to live, with good transport connections and plenty of family-friendly attractions on its doorstep.
In this article, discover whether Merthyr Tydfil is the right place for you with a detailed account of what makes it a great place to live. If you’re looking to rent a house in the area, you can take advantage of the huge database of properties at Rentola United Kingdom. With no complicated search filters, it’s a user-friendly site for browsing rental listings in Merthyr Tydfil to find your new home.
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Property prices in Merthyr Tydfil
Over the last 12 months, the average property price in Merthyr Tydfil was £171,547, which is an increase of 8% from the previous year. This is significantly cheaper than the Cardiff average of £287,361 during the same period. Terraced properties in Merthyr Tydfil averaged around £126,000 last year while detached properties were around £311,000. Apartments in the town are considerably cheaper at around £76,000.
If you’re looking to rent a home in Merthyr Tydfil, you can expect to pay on average £636 per calendar month. While apartments and flats are cheaper at around £530, homes are more expensive at £725 per calendar month.
Public transport in Merthyr Tydfil
One of the appeals of Merthyr Tydfil is its good public transport connections, with a railway station in the southern part of town. From here, you can be in the heart of Cardiff in around an hour, with the journey including stops at Abercynon and Llandaf.
Stagecoach runs buses around Merthyr Tydfil, as well as providing services to Abergavenny, Newtown and Cardiff. The closest airport is around 30 minutes away on the outskirts of Cardiff and has connections to destinations across Europe.
Education in Merthyr Tydfil
If you’re moving to Merthyr Tydfil with kids, you can rest assured that there are lots of schools in the area. In addition to 19 primary schools, there are three secondary schools, plus a college that offers tertiary courses and apprenticeships. In Cardiff, you’ll find a wider choice of education opportunities, all of which are just a short train ride away.
Dining out in Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil boasts a diverse range of eateries, including classic pubs, Indian restaurants and fine-dining establishments. You can enjoy sandwiches and cakes at the Old Barn Tea Room, feast on locally-sourced meats at Stables View or enjoy a home-cooked meal at the Aberglais Inn.
Mango House and Red Spice arguably do the best curries in town while JOL’s specialises in European dishes served with flair. For pizzas and burgers, head to Plas Coffi on the High Street. After a day spent exploring the Brecon Beacons, hikers can refuel at the Red Cow Inn in Pontsticill.
Shopping facilities in Merthyr Tydfil
When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options in Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding area, whether you’re picking up groceries or looking for the latest fashions. Aside from all the high street favourites, there’s a Tesco Extra and an Iceland supermarket near the Merthyr Tydfil railway station. On the western outskirts of town is Cyfarthfa Shopping Park, which boasts Marks & Spencer, TK Maxx and H&M.
On the first Friday of each month, Merthyr Tydfil hosts a farmer’s market where local growers and producers sell their goods. In addition to lamb, cheese and vegetables cultivated within a 50-mile radius of the town, you’ll find delicious cakes and ready-to-eat snacks.
St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre also hosts a market throughout the week where you’ll find handmade jewellery and iron wares while the M&B Markets take place each Tuesday and Saturday around Market Square. It offers a diverse range of goods, from fruit and vegetables to clothing and homewares.
Things to see and do in Merthyr Tydfil
One of the reasons why Merthyr Tydfil is such a wonderful place to live is its diverse attractions, which include the Grade I-listed Cyfarthfa Castle. This turreted mansion displays fine and decorative arts in its beautifully restored Regency rooms, as well as a unique collection of curios from around the world. Also of note is Morlais Castle, a 13th-century fortification perched high above Taff Gorge.
Near Morlais Castle is the Brecon Mountain Railway, which offers steam-hauled trips through the surrounding countryside in its observation carriages. If you prefer to explore on foot, you can follow the Taff Trail, which connects Cardiff Bay and the town of Brecon, with several campsites along the way. Kids will love the Vertigo Trampoline Park and the Rock UK Summit Centre where you can try everything from abseiling to archery and bouldering.
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