Merthyr Tydfil has a population of about 59,500 and is situated approximately 23 miles north of Cardiff. Once the largest town in Wales, it is now the 14th largest urban area in Wales. Merthyr has a long and varied industrial heritage, and was one of the seats of the industrial revolution. The town has held many cultural events. Local poets and writers hold poetry evenings in the town, and music festivals are organised at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park. The town is in a South Wales Valleys environment just south of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This, along with its rich history, means it has huge potential for tourism.
The area is in easy reach thanks to the excellent rail transport links, and by road the A470 takes you straight into the centre of the Capital City. Merthyr Tydfil has been subject to major regeneration recently and has seen substantial investment and now has a new retail park featuring major high street names and some large national companies.