Staff at the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, are getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors again this summer – with theatre, live music and exhibitions lined up to entertain everyone.
Visitors to the Country Park, just one mile from Aberdare town centre, can explore acres of beautiful countryside all year round and enjoy a packed programme of events this summer.
These include:
- ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ performed as part of the Shakespeare in the Courtyard season from June 30-July 2.
- Fun-filled family events including ‘Water Balls!’ on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10.
- Free live music in Courtyard Concerts with Maybe Tomorrow on Sunday, July 31; Tony Royale on Sunday, August 7 and Cheatin’ Hearts on Sunday, August 28 from 2-4pm.
- Art exhibitions throughout June, July and August upstairs in Y Cwtch café
Walkers can now explore the countryside at Dare Valley via a new wooden footbridge which has recently been installed, thanks to the Valleys Regional Park initiative which is backed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
Secured by the Strategy, PR and Tourism department at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Valleys Regional Park, which includes Dare Valley Country Park, is an exciting, dynamic initiative to plan, co-ordinate and deliver activities related to the environment, heritage and tourism across the valleys of South Wales. The aim is to make a significant contribution to the promotion of the Valleys as the Heart and Soul of Wales through creating a high-quality, sustainable network of green space.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, went along to Dare Valley to meet staff and see the new bridge.
“I am very pleased to see the bridge in place for walkers to use. It is the latest in a range of improvements to facilities here in recent years which include expanded camping and caravan provision and a new children’s play area,” said Cllr Bevan.
“Visitors can enjoy a relaxed night in our refurbished hotel after a long walk, or base themselves at our camping and caravan site to visit the Valleys, the Brecon Beacons or Cardiff.
“Dare Valley is one of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s most popular tourist attractions. We look forward to welcoming many visitors this summer to enjoy everything the Country Park has to offer. There really is so much to entertain people of all ages here in one place.”
Those who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors can enjoy 500 acres of countryside, see a diverse range of flora and fauna, enjoy waymarked walks, try a family adventure quest and hire bikes.
Dare Valley Country Park opened in 1973. Work to reclaim the valley floor in Dare Valley had begun in 1971, when coal tips were removed, the River Dare was re-routed and two lakes were created.
Full details of all summer events at Dare Valley can be found at www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk or by calling on 01685 874672.
For more information on places to visit in Rhondda Cynon Taf, go to www.destinationrct.co.uk
