Pontypool factfile

How to get to Pontypool
The town of Pontypool, population 36,000, sits on the Afon Llwyd river in the south-eastern county of Gwent in Wales. It also lies close to Cwmbran and Newport and is home to many people who commute for work to one of these two.

How Pontypool got its name
Pontypool is said to be named after one David ap Howel. According to legend David had an argument with the Devil about which of them should get to build a bridge over a stream they'd encountered. In the end they decided to settle the argument with a tug of war. The two linked hands on either side of the stream and after a long struggle the Devil gave up, allowing David to build the bridge—hence the name Pontypool, meaning "Howel's son's bridge".

Famous people from Pontypool
James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore, members of Welsh rock band the Manic Street Preachers, were both born in Pontypool.

Sport and leisure in Pontypool
The focal point of the town of Pontypool is its 158-acre park. The park contains a famous rugby ground, home to Pontypool Rugby FC, one of the founders of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1881 (Pontypool's rugby league team, the Torfaen Tigers, play in the Welsh Conference Premier.)

Pontypool Park also offers bowls and tennis and is home to Pontypool Ski Centre. At 230 m (755 ft), it has one of the longest dry slopes in Wales.

Pontypool's claim to fame
The Pontypool and Blaenavon railway is the highest standard-gauge railway in the UK. You can take a ride on a steam train from Pontypool to the World Heritage site of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, an important centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Things to see and do around Pontypool
Whether you're into sports or simply want to spend some time in the great outdoors, Pontypool's 158 acres of parkland have something for everyone. There's a wide range of events throughout the year, including Jazz in the Park, the regular Carnival and Funfair, and a horse show. Also in the park is Pontypool Museum, which charts the important role the town played in the Industrial Revolution.