Sitting in the stunning Rhymney Valley close to the river, the former market and mining town of Bargoed has seen massive regeneration lately, and is a thriving place with a strong heart and community spirit.
It is definitely up there with places in Wales worth paying a visit to - for its wide range of shopping opportunities, its mix of leisure facilities, and the beautiful outdoor spaces just waiting to be explored.
Originally a market town, Bargoed saw the opening of a colliery in 1903 and this led to substantial growth. After the collliery closed in 1977, the area was transformed into Bargoed Woodland Park - surrounded by the communities that worked in them.
Filled with art features - such as stone carving, ceramics and carved poles - to celebrate the history of the site, you can also walk along the river itself and spot wildlife, from herons and kingfishers to otters.
Nearby, you can also explore the country park of Parc Cwm Darran, with its lake, meadows, amphitheatre, walks and cafe, Bargoed Park, or the historic landscape of Gelligaer and Merthyr Common, together with the local heritage sites of Bute Town and the Elliott Colliery Winding House.
Head into the town centre and discover a number of national retailers, together with a range of smaller independent businesses, a mix of gift shops, clothing and antique stores - including B Thomas Pet and Garden Supplies, Sue’s Occasions and Little Things baby clothing store.
A wide range of eateries are available from pubs to cafes and restaurants, such as bubble tea shop Honey Dots, Murray’s Bar and Restaurant, the Square Royale Pub and Restaurant, Ricci’s Cafe and Italian cafe and delicatessen The New Continental Cafe.
Even more to enjoy
As part of the regeneration work, there is now a new retail area in the centre of town which links the existing high street with the Lowry Plaza retail scheme, and is home to various retailers such as Greggs, Card Factory and Morrisons.
The town itself uses the shared space concept which has created a more contemporary shopping environment. You can also visit the converted Grade II listed Hanbury Road Baptist Chapel - now home to a library, local history unit and worship space.
What's more, there are many initiatives taking place across the town with a wide programme of events throughout the year - including the Bargoed Spring Fair and Bargoed Winter Fair. An exciting new monthly Craft Fair and Market was also launched in 2023 and is held on the third Saturday of the month in Lowry Plaza.
You can even explore the town quickly and easily from the palm of your hand and discover all it has to offer, including shopping and finding the best place to eat via the VZTA Smart Towns App. In addition, free Wi-Fi is available across the town centre.
Great transport links
Getting to Bargoed is simple - it is accessible by bus, train and car and offers good transport links to major travel routes, being just 30 minutes from the M4.
The town includes a new bus and rail interchange, taking 45 minutes to reach Cardiff by train, and parking is available in a number of convenient locations across the town centre - along with a park and ride next to the train station.
