{"id":16454,"date":"2026-03-27T17:05:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T17:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitcaerphilly.com\/?post_type=listings&p=16454"},"modified":"2026-03-30T11:30:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:30:39","slug":"parc-penallta","status":"publish","type":"listings","link":"https:\/\/www.visitcaerphilly.com\/en\/listings\/parc-penallta\/","title":{"rendered":"Parc Penallta"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t
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Carved from a former coal tip, Parc Penallta is well known as the “place with the horse.” As one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the country, “Sultan the Pit Pony” attracts visitors from far afield who come to see and admire him. But Parc Penallta is not just about Sultan, impressive though he is. Climb to the High Point Observatory and you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the South Wales Valleys. As you explore this diverse site, it’s hard to imagine that this beautiful and tranquil place was a black coal tip only 30 years ago.<\/p>\n

Parc Penallta is a place for you to explore. From the wide-open areas on the plateau to the more intimate spaces of the lower part of the site there are hidden gems for you discover. Walk through our willow tunnel, watch a dragonfly’s aerial acrobatics over a pond or find the Sleeping Giant, you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts.<\/p>\n

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What to see and do<\/h2>\n

Sultan the Pit Pony<\/h3>\n

No visit to Parc Penallta is complete without seeing Sultan the Pit Pony. Sultan is the iconic feature of the park. At 200 metres long and 15 metres high, he is one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the country. Locals gave him the name Sultan after one of the popular “show” pit ponies from the nearby Penallta Colliery. In springtime, his coat is covered in a carpet of cowslips; in the summer he buzzes to the sound of bees and insects. Nearby are several hoof-shaped ponds; perhaps he gallops around at night! Sit in his ear and enjoy the views or visit the viewpoint, nearby, to get an elevated view of Sultan the pit pony.<\/p>\n

High Point Observatory<\/h3>\n

For the best viewpoint in the park, make your way to the High Point Observatory, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360\u00b0 panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Looking like an alien spaceship has landed, the 6 “wings” point to the local communities surrounding the park. Those communities helped design them and each depict images of local heritage, natural wildlife and recreation.<\/p>\n

Wildlife<\/h3>\n

With its mix of woodlands, ponds and grasslands, Parc Penallta is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Look out for several species of orchids in early summer, many types of dragonflies and damselflies and explore our acres of flowering meadows which are alive with butterflies, bees and other insects throughout the summer. Flocks of goldfinches can be seen feeding on alder cones and seed heads throughout the autumn and there is a good chance of seeing both green woodpeckers and bullfinches at any time of year. In winter, watch as flocks of starlings drop in to roost in the reed beds around Nelson Bog. There’s also Penallta Marsh Local Nature Reserve, a small example of rhos pasture, rich in both wildflowers and insects.<\/p>\n

Walks and Trails<\/h3>\n

There are miles of paths to follow at Parc Penallta, but to get you started, we have 3 waymarked walking trails of different lengths. They all start from the main car park:<\/p>\n