A short visitor's guide to Pontywaun, Caerphilly County Borough: things to do, places to eat and drink, and what's on through the year.
Pontywaun sits at the gateway to some of the best outdoor country in the Caerphilly valley, with a strong selection of attractions within easy reach.
Cwmcarn Forest on the forest drive above the neighbouring village (rated 4.8 by over 1,400 visitors) is the area's headline draw: hiking trails, mountain biking, a scenic drive and fishing in a forested Ebbw valley. The Sirhowy Valley Country Park nearby (4.6 stars, 403 reviews) offers flat woodland and meadow paths along a former rail line, with steeper trails for those who want more. Waunfawr Park at Crosskeys (4.6 stars, 791 reviews) is a dog-friendly open space with a children's play area and views, good for a family afternoon. For something more unusual, Morbitorium at Gelli-Unig Place in Pontywaun itself (5.0 stars, 210 reviews) is a cabinet-of-curiosities museum: genuinely distinctive and worth an hour.
The Ebbw valley countryside around Pontywaun offers easy walking directly from the village.
Feeder Row Park in Cwmcarn, just over a mile away (rated 4.3 by 36 visitors), is a pleasant local park suitable for a short walk or an hour with children and dogs.
For indoor entertainment in the immediate area, VR Experience Wales at the Chapel Farm Industrial Estate in Cwmcarn (5.0 stars, 220 reviews) is a highly rated virtual reality arcade offering a range of immersive experiences, well suited to groups and families. Cwmcarn Library Institute on Park Court is also available for a quieter visit.
Pontywaun and the surrounding Crosskeys area have a strong selection of pubs.
The Philanthropic Inn at Twyncarn Road, Crosskeys (4.6 stars, 207 reviews) and The Castle Inn on the same road (4.6 stars, 199 reviews, with inn accommodation) are the two most visited. Cwmcarn Working Mens Club on Newport Road (4.6 stars, 84 reviews) is a community club open to members and guests, with Sky Sports and a large screen. WATTSVILLE FC & CLUBHOUSE at Islwyn Road (4.4 stars, 16 reviews) is a family and dog-friendly community space with a beer garden, outdoor TV and Deez pizza bar, hosting comedy nights and live music.
The Crosskeys area adjacent to Pontywaun offers the widest choice of restaurants and takeaways.
Crosskeys Fish Bar on Gladstone Street (4.4 stars, 359 reviews) is the best-rated local chippy. Cwmcarn Fish Bar on Newport Road (4.2 stars, 176 reviews) is the Cwmcarn equivalent. Morels Restaurant at the Coleg Gwent Cross Keys Campus (5.0 stars, 1 review) is an interesting option: a training restaurant run by hospitality students, offering good food and service at exceptional value. Crosskeys Chinese Takeaway on Risca Road covers the Chinese option.
Cafe options in the immediate Pontywaun area are limited, but the Cwmcarn Forest drive has a cafe on site.
Raven's Cafe on the Cwmcarn Forest Drive (3.7 stars, 19 reviews) is a convenient stop during a day's walking or cycling in the forest. The Scooby-snacks deli cart in the Cwmcarn area offers a casual mobile option.