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Penydarren

Parish in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

Coordinates:51.76, -3.369
OS grid ref:SO 05 07
Dialling code: 01685 (Merthyr Tydfil)
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Penydarren is a neighbourhood on the edge of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, sitting in the steep-sided valley that characterises the area. The locality mixes rows of Victorian terraces with later council housing and benefits from green pockets such as Penydarren Park, while the course of the River Taff and the surrounding hills give it a strong sense of place within the South Wales Valleys landscape.

Historically it grew up around the old ironworks and is famous for the early 19th-century Penydarren Ironworks, where Richard Trevithick demonstrated one of the world’s first steam locomotives in 1804, an important moment in industrial heritage. Like much of Merthyr Tydfil, the area experienced post‑industrial decline but has active community groups and regeneration projects aimed at celebrating its history while improving local services and housing for residents.

Postcode districts covering Penydarren

Most populated places nearby

Neighbouring places

Example postcodes in Penydarren

Transport links

  • Cardiff Airport 25.1 miles40.4 km
  • Bristol Airport 38.2 miles61.5 km
  • Merthyr Tydfil Railway Station 1.1 miles1.8 km
  • Pentre-bach Railway Station 2.4 miles3.9 km

Hotels near Penydarren Ad

Schools in Penydarren

  • Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic School All ages
  • Gellifaelog Primary School Primary
  • Gwaunfarren Primary Primary

Local points of interest

  • Brecon Beacons Mountains 9 miles14.5 km
  • Sardis Road Stadium 11 miles17.7 km
  • Fforest Fawr Mountains 11.1 miles17.8 km
  • Blaenavon World Heritage Centre Museum 12.1 miles19.4 km
  • Ogmore Forest Forest 13.1 miles21.1 km
  • Craig-y-nôs Castle Estate 14 miles22.5 km
  • Llantrisant Forest Forest 14.4 miles23.2 km
  • Pontypool Park Stadium 14.9 miles24 km
  • Craig Llysfaen Mountains 16.3 miles26.2 km
  • Cwmbran Town Stadium 17 miles27.3 km
  • Black Mountains Mountains 17.9 miles28.8 km
  • Hensol Castle Estate 18 miles28.9 km