Внутри клуба
1 / 10

Sultan the Pit Pony

4.7
·48 reviews·, United Kingdom

A colossal horse sculpture carved from coal shale, honoring the pit ponies of South Wales' mining past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, clear weather

Best for appreciating the sculpture

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Внутри клуба

Sultan the Pit Pony

Best Time

Daytime, clear weather

Best for appreciating the sculpture

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal horse sculpture carved from coal shale, honoring the pit ponies of South Wales' mining past.

4.7
(48 reviews)

"Absolutely mind blowing sculpture. Looks good from the drone."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Best Viewpoint

Head to the top carpark for the most comprehensive view of Sultan.

🚁 Drone Enthusiasts Rejoice

Aerial shots offer a stunning perspective of Sultan's immense scale.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Sultan Sculpture

The Majestic Sultan Sculpture

Parc Penallta, Caerphilly

A colossal horse sculpture carved from coal fragments, honoring South Wales' pit ponies.

Instagram
Panoramic Views from the Top Carpark

Panoramic Views from the Top Carpark

Top Carpark, Parc Penallta

Offers the best vantage point to see Sultan laid out and views of the surrounding valleys.

Reddit
Exploring Parc Penallta Trails

Exploring Parc Penallta Trails

Parc Penallta

Extensive walking trails connect to cycle tracks, perfect for a day of outdoor adventure.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Accessing Sultan's Grandeur

Sultan the Pit Pony is a massive earth sculpture, best viewed from a distance to appreciate its scale. While you can walk on it, getting a full aerial perspective is key. Consider bringing binoculars or a drone for the ultimate experience. Reddit

Respecting the Landscape

This impressive land art is located in Parc Penallta, a popular spot for dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Remember to clean up after your pets and stick to designated paths to help preserve the natural beauty of the area. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Daytime, clear weather
Why
Best for appreciating the sculpture
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

у них еще всегда рог отпадал#recommendations #foryou #nostalgia #ponyfilly
@cutieeraay
93K likes • 493.9K views

🎯 Best Viewpoint

Head to the top carpark for the most comprehensive view of Sultan. Reddit

🚁 Drone Enthusiasts Rejoice

Aerial shots offer a stunning perspective of Sultan's immense scale. TikTokInstagram

🐴 Sultan the Pit Pony – Caerphilly, South Wales 🐴 Carved into the hillsides of the Sirhowy Valley, Sultan is the largest earth sculpture in the UK and one of the biggest representations of a horse in the world. This iconic land art, created in the 1990s, pays tribute to the thousands of pit ponies that once worked underground in South Wales’ coal mines. Named after a real pony, Sultan, the sculptu...
ads_adventurefpv
1 likes • 112 views
Come help us find Sultan the Pit Pony at Parc Penallta Hengoed #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyuk #dogfuriendly #wales #dogadventures #samoyed #dogtravel #dogwalksuk #dogwalks #dogsofinstagram #parcpenallta #travel
dogfriendlywaless
0 likes • 227 views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Parc Penallta is great for dogs, but bring your own bags for cleanup. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk On History

You can walk on the sculpture itself to get a unique feel for its size. Reddit

Sultan the Pit Pony, located at the old Penallta Colliery site near Caerphilly, Wales, serves as a memorial to the pit ponies that once laboured in the mines of South Wales. The pit ponies lived mainly underground, working an average of eight hours a day and spending their nights in their subterranean stables. They lugged tubs of coal throughout the dark, deep mines, only coming to the surface f...
ibarrett_
18 likes • 481 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Viewpoint

Head to the top carpark for the most comprehensive view of Sultan. Reddit

🚁 Drone Enthusiasts Rejoice

Aerial shots offer a stunning perspective of Sultan's immense scale. TikTokInstagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Parc Penallta is great for dogs, but bring your own bags for cleanup. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk On History

You can walk on the sculpture itself to get a unique feel for its size. Reddit

🗺️ Navigate with Ease

Use Google Maps for precise location; search 'Sultan the Pit Pony'. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the spectacular scale and poignant tribute of Sultan the Pit Pony. The sculpture is described as mind-blowing and a great place for walks, offering unique views. However, some feel a lack of a perfect viewpoint to see the entire sculpture laid out without aerial assistance, and a few mention the need for more dog waste bins.

"A spectacular structure which can be seen at most angles. The best view of Sultan is from the top carpark. There are views of the Gap in Quakers Yard and beyond. Well worth a visit"

Julie Brown

"Its good you can walk on the pit pony and be able to see the layout. But there is no veiw point to see it all layed out other than in pictures. The picture i got is from a high "veiw point" but can still not see it in all its glory"

Heidi Wildridge

"Great place for walks. Absolutely mind blowing sculpture. Looks good from the drone."

Dean Livingstone

What People Like

Spectacular structure
Mind-blowing sculpture
Great for walks

What People Dislike

Limited ground viewpoints
Need more dog bins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sultan is located in Parc Penallta, near Caerphilly, South Wales. The easiest way to find it is by using Google Maps and searching for 'Sultan the Pit Pony' or 'Parc Penallta'. Reddit There is a carpark available, with the top carpark offering the best views. Reddit

While specific bus routes directly to the sculpture's immediate vicinity might be limited, the area is accessible by public transport to Caerphilly, from where you might need a taxi or a longer walk. Instagram The 'Magnificent Train Journey' has even named a train 'Sultan' inspired by the sculpture, suggesting good rail links to the region. Instagram

There are carparks available at Parc Penallta. The top carpark is highly recommended as it provides the best vantage point for viewing the entire sculpture. Reddit

Yes, Parc Penallta is connected to cycle tracks, including links to Merthyr and Cardiff, making it accessible for cyclists. Reddit

The sculpture is a prominent feature of the park. Following signs for the main walking areas or asking locals should help you locate it easily. The top carpark offers immediate views. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Parc Penallta and viewing Sultan the Pit Pony is free. It's a public park and a piece of land art accessible to all. Instagram

Parc Penallta is a public park, so it is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local council information for any specific park opening or closing times, especially during winter months. Instagram

There is no admission fee for Sultan the Pit Pony. It's a free-to-access land art installation within Parc Penallta. Instagram

While the park is generally open, it's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the sculpture and its surroundings. Instagram

The main restrictions would be related to park rules, such as keeping dogs on leads in certain areas and respecting the environment. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography & Views

For the most impressive shots, consider aerial photography with a drone to capture the full scale of the sculpture. Instagram+1 If you don't have a drone, the top carpark offers a good elevated perspective. Reddit

The top carpark is widely cited as the best viewpoint for seeing Sultan laid out. Reddit However, walking on and around the sculpture also provides unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Drone flying is popular here and offers incredible views. Instagram+1 Always ensure you are aware of and comply with local drone regulations and safety guidelines. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the contours of the earth sculpture, making for stunning photographs. Instagram

From ground level, it's challenging to capture the entire sculpture in one frame due to its immense size. Reddit Aerial views are ideal for this. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can walk on and around the massive earth sculpture, explore the trails of Parc Penallta, and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Parc Penallta offers numerous trails for walking and hiking, and Sultan itself is a unique surface to explore on foot. InstagramReddit

While there are walking trails and open spaces, specific facilities like toilets might be limited. Some visitors have noted a need for more dog poop bins. Reddit

You could spend an hour or two exploring the sculpture and nearby trails. If you plan to cycle or hike further, allocate more time. Instagram

Walking on the sculpture itself might be challenging due to its uneven, earthy surface. However, the surrounding park trails may offer varying levels of accessibility. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sultan the Pit Pony offers a fantastic opportunity for families to explore a unique piece of art and enjoy the outdoors. Kids can have fun walking on the giant sculpture, imagining they are riding a horse. Instagram Parc Penallta provides plenty of open space for children to run around and play. Instagram The trails are generally easy to navigate, making it suitable for a family stroll. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Parc Penallta is a paradise for dog owners, with vast areas for dogs to roam freely and explore. Instagram Sultan the Pit Pony provides an interesting backdrop for dog walks. Instagram While the park is very dog-friendly, it's essential to be a responsible owner: keep your dog under control and always clean up after them. Some visitors have noted a desire for more dog waste bins. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts

Sultan the Pit Pony is a dream subject for photographers. The sheer scale of the sculpture, especially when viewed from above, is breathtaking. Instagram+1 Drone pilots will find this location offers incredible aerial perspectives, capturing the intricate details and the vastness of the land art. Instagram+1 For ground-level shots, the top carpark provides the best vantage point to frame the entire sculpture. Reddit Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light and shadows. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Sultan

Sultan the Pit Pony is a monumental earth sculpture, measuring over 200 meters long and 15 meters high, making it one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the UK. Instagram Carved into the hillsides of the Sirhowy Valley at the former Penallta Colliery site, it serves as a poignant tribute to the thousands of pit ponies that toiled in the South Wales coal mines. Instagram+1 These hardy animals worked tirelessly underground, often for eight hours a day, hauling coal in dark and challenging conditions, and spending their nights in subterranean stables. Instagram The sculpture, affectionately nicknamed 'Sultan' after a beloved local pit pony, is constructed from coal shale, a direct link to the industry it commemorates. Instagram

The creation of Sultan in the 1990s was a significant undertaking, transforming the landscape into a lasting memorial. Instagram It stands not only as a piece of art but as a powerful reminder of the dangerous and demanding work performed by both humans and animals in the region's mining history. Instagram The sculpture's presence in Parc Penallta allows visitors to connect with this heritage in a tangible way, offering a unique perspective on the industrial past that shaped South Wales. Instagram+1

Today, Sultan is a popular landmark for locals and visitors alike, drawing attention through its sheer scale and historical resonance. Instagram Its visibility from various angles, especially from elevated viewpoints, allows for a full appreciation of its design and impact. Reddit The sculpture has even inspired local initiatives, such as the naming of a train 'Sultan' by Transport for Wales, further embedding its significance into the regional identity. Instagram

Experiencing Sultan and Parc Penallta

Visiting Sultan the Pit Pony is an experience that combines art appreciation with outdoor activity. The sculpture itself is a unique landscape feature that visitors can walk on, offering a different perspective than simply viewing it from afar. Reddit This allows for a more interactive engagement with the artwork, giving a sense of its vastness underfoot. Reddit Many visitors enjoy exploring the contours of the horse, imagining the lives of the pit ponies it represents. Instagram

Parc Penallta, the setting for Sultan, is a sprawling green space that complements the sculpture with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The park features numerous trails suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling, making it a destination for a full day out. InstagramReddit These trails often connect to wider networks, such as the Merthyr and Cardiff cycle track, offering extended routes for more adventurous visitors. Reddit The open space is particularly popular with dog owners, providing ample room for pets to run and play. InstagramReddit

For those seeking the most impactful views, strategic positioning is key. The top carpark is frequently mentioned as the prime spot for observing Sultan in its entirety, offering a panoramic vista that showcases the sculpture's impressive scale and form. Reddit Drone photography has become a popular way to capture Sultan, with aerial shots revealing its full grandeur and artistic composition from above. Instagram+1 Whether you're walking the trails, admiring the sculpture up close, or capturing it from the sky, Sultan and Parc Penallta offer a memorable blend of history, art, and nature. Instagram

You may also like