Attractions in Llandrindod Wells and Mid Wales
Llandrindod Wells, although a small town owes its notoriety to the abundant springs discovered here during the Victorian period and into the early part of the last century. This gave rise to a Spa culture, which attracted wealthy visitors from far and wide. The large imposing Hotels in the town were built to accommodate those who came for the waters and the treatments on offer. Rumour has it that the water was a high quality as any found in Europe. Today, Llandrindod Wells offers an eclectic mix of small shops, cafes and hotels.
The best of Llandrindod Wells:
The Radnorshire Museum
Exhibits include relics of Castell Collen Roman Fort and a Victorian collection telling the story of Llandrindods' more recent past.
The National Cycle Exhibition
Automobile Palace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys
The 'Tom Norton' building known as the Automobile Palace, is a Grade II listed building and is an example of an early motor showroom dating from 1909. Inside this, The National Cycle Exhibition houses many interesting machines, principally comprising the Tom Norton collection of historic bicycles. View archive material, memorabilia, discover sporting personalities and learn the history of cycling on video. The exhibition features exciting displays showing typical Victorian and Edwardian cycle shops and a lamp collection.
Contact: 01597 825531
The Lake
Leading from the Automobile Palace to the lake, Princes Avenue is the location of an 18 hole putting course with crazy golf facility and the children’s play park. Visit the lakeside restaurant or just enjoy a walk around the lake. Coarse fishing is available. Enquire at the Tourist Information Centre or at the lake. Take a drive past the golf club to the top of the hill for great views.
Cefnllys Castle, St Michael's Church and Shaky Bridge 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip)
May be reached on foot from the lakeside on well sign posted and waymarked footpaths over moderately steep terrain with many magnificent views. A Llandrindod Wells - Cefnllys Circular Walk Leaflet is available from the Tourist Information Centre. A picnic site is situated at 'Shaky Bridge'. Across the river Ithon is the 13th Century St Michael's Church and Cefnllys Castle Bank. They may be reached via the bridge (1940), that replaced the original 'Shaky Bridge.'
The best outside Llandrindod Wells:
Elan Valley
Located south-west of Rhayader along the B4518, the Elan Valley offers 70 square miles of superb walking and birdwatching country with a Countryside Ranger Service. Walking guides may be obtained from TICs and Welsh Waters Visitor Centre. The area comprises woodlands, moorland, rivers and spectacular dams, nature trail and picnic areas. An 18-mile round trip by car offers spectacular views and is the best way of seeing the whole valley.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is located 3 miles southwest of Rhayader off the B4518, and is open 7 days a week during the summer season.
Admission is free and features a water and wildlife exhibition, audiovisual show, information office, shop, cafe, toilets and large picnic area. The centre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and there is easy parking. The Rangers Office offers a programme of walking events throughout the year, these are usually free but suitable waterproof clothing and boots are required. Freshly made packed lunches may be ordered from the cafe.
Contact: The Rangers Office on 01597 810880, Café on 01597 810899 or the Information Office on 01597 810898
www.elanvalley.org.uk
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Station
South Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BL
At Gigrin Farm learn about and observe local wildlife by visiting the Nature Trail and Bird Reserve. The Red Kite Feeding Station is in operation 12 months a year, where these beautiful birds of prey are fed daily together with Ravens, Buzzards and other Carrion birds. Feeding takes place 2pm GMT (3pm in summer), Hides are suitable for wheelchair access and viewing. Other facilities include picnic site and children's play area
Contact: 01597 810243
Gilfach Farm Longhouse and Nature Reserve St. Harmon, Rhayader, Powys
A lovingly restored Welsh longhouse in the centre of a 418 acre nature reserve, with tumbling upland river, sessile oak woodland, meadows and upland moorland, owned and managed by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Ltd. You can either book a special guided visit to the reserve, available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings in the summer season (Easter to the last Sunday in September), or take a free walk around the longhouse, where you can watch live action from the reserve and learn about Gilfach's wildlife and history. For disabled visitors there is special parking and access to the centre, with adapted toilet facilities.
Contact: 01597 870301
Welsh Royal Crystal
5 Bynberth Industrial Estate, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5EN
The Principality's foremost manufacturer of hand crafted lead crystal tableware and gift items. Visitors enjoy a tour (admission charge) of the manufacturing process that features glass blowing, cutting and decoration of the glass shape and final polishing. Afterwards visitors can browse in the shop stocked with Welsh Royal Crystal products at very affordable prices. Facilities include ample parking space for cars and coaches, disabled access and a cafe serving refreshments.
Open 9.00am-12.30 and 1.30pm-4.30pm all the year round.
Contact: 01597 811005
Marston Pottery Showroom
Lower Cefn Faes, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5LT
Phil Rogers has been a potter for 20 years and is a fellow and former chairman of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain. The pots are glazed at 1300°C using local stone dusts, clays and common salt in the glazes. In the pottery showroom you will find kitchen and tableware in the form of jugs, teapots, casseroles alongside more decorative bottles and vases.
Contact: 01597 810875
Llyn Clywedog
Located 5 Miles from Llanidloes. The headwaters which flow into the reservoir arise on the mountains of Plynlimon. The Dam was built to regulate the flow of the Clywedog River to ensure a constant supply of water along the river Severn.
The surface area is 615 acres, maximum depth is 216 ft, and overall length is 6 miles. There are 12 miles of bank fishing. There are easy walking along the shores and several way marked routes including the Lyn Clywedog Scenic Trail, Clywedog Gorge Trail and Aber Biga Wildlife Walk. At the base of the dam are the remains of Bryn Tail Lead Mine and from this point the wall of the dam rises up 237 ft above the river.
Aberyswyth/Devils Bridge via the Mountain pass
Holiday in Mid Wales puts you within easy reach of Aberystwyth and the coastal attractions. Just over an hour from Llandrindod Wells, the lovely mountain route via the Elan Valley to Aberystwyth is worth a drive. On route is Devils Bridge, the spectacular waterfalls, is also well worth a stop. Aberystwyth offers a wonderful selection of small and unusual shops including specialist sports and gift shops. There is an excellent choice of bars, restaurants and even pavement side cafes offering a wide range of local and international foods. Aberystwyth has its own museum, theatre, and cinema. In the warmer weather, you might like to allow extra time for time on the beach soaking up the sun or taking a stroll along the promenade.
Nant-y-Moch and Dinas
Off the beaten track, these two reservoirs provide a quiet scenic drive back from Aberystwyth. From Tal-y-bont, near Borth, the narrow road with passing places rises steeply to meander around the reservoirs and returns you to the main road at Ponterwyd.
The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir
Within a setting of breathtaking beauty, history and romance, The Hall, and its 12 acres overlook St. Mary's Church, and the ruins of the 12th Century Cisterian Abbey of the Long Valley containing the monk’s pond and the grave of Llewellyn the Last.
Tours of all 52 rooms of the house, carried out by the owners, are available throughout the year on an advanced booking basis. On of two tours a day, at 10.30am and 2pm, may be booked for individuals, couples or groups during weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. Evening tours starting at 7pm, can also be booked for groups. Cost is £10 - £13, and £5 for the gardens and grounds.
Contact:
Paul & Victoria Humpherston on 01597 851727
www.abbeycwmhir.com and email info@abbeycwnhir.com
