Machynlleth

Machynlleth © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales

Machynlleth is a popular market town at the head of the beautiful Dyfi estuary in Mid Wales and has a population of around 2,000. It has an eclectic mix of facilities for visitors, including arts and crafts, a centre for of renewable energy, mountain bike trails, wonderful scenery, plenty of Welsh history and more. It is an ideal base for exploring the neighbouring countryside – the Dyfi Valley, Snowdonia National Park, Tal-y-Llyn Railway, Clywedog Reservoir, the Vale of Rheidol Railway and Devil's Bridge gorge in the Vale of Rheidol, for example, are all within easy reach of Machynlleth.

Considering its size, the town of Machynlleth has a lot of history. It is here that Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales in 1404 in the presence of leaders from Scotland, Spain and France and he established his parliament in the town. The Glyndŵr Festival, celebrating the life of one of Wales' most famous sons, is held during the first week in September each year to commemorate the start of his rebellion in 1400. The town has numerous historic buildings, including the medieval town house known as The Parliament House in Maengwyn Street. This is now an interpretive centre about Owain Glyndŵr. The Royal House is another interesting building – it’s situated at the junction of Garsiwn Lane and Penrallt Street and was built in the 14th century. It is said that Charles I stayed here during the 1640s.

Machynlleth Town Clock

Machynlleth is famously known as the ‘town with the clock’ – it’s a prominent landmark feature in the centre of town from whichever direction you travel! The main street, Maengwyn Street, hosts the Wednesday market, which has been going for 700 years, and visitors will find a broad selection of independent shops, which makes a refreshing change from the typical high street chains found everywhere else. The town is well served by cafes, takeaways and pubs and a decent range of accommodation.

The arts are well served in Machynlleth by the Tabernacle, a former Welsh Wesleyan chapel now converted into a multi-arts complex featuring exhibitions, concerts and an annual festival each August featuring musicians from all over the world. The festival is broad in its appeal and the programme typically includes classical, jazz and Welsh music. It also provides events that appeal to children.

Mountain biking

Machynlleth is the ideal base for exhilarating mountain biking experiences. Waymarked routes of varying length and difficulty take you straight from the centre of town into some great mountain and valley scenery. Rides range from mixed road and valley trails to long forestry climbs, with mountain single-track and rough slate ravine descents. There's something for every level of rider. The Dyfi forest just north of Machynlleth offers excellent forestry free-riding.

Machynlleth Golf Club

A nine-hole golf course is located on the outskirts of the town. The course is challenging and is suitable for players at all levels. A short pitch and putt course is also available, made up of three greens, each with three tees, and is ideal for beginners and juniors.

Centre for Alternative Technology

Just 3 miles north of Machynlleth is the Centre for Alternative Technology, which is an education and visitor centre that demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability. It offers a visitor centre which is open 7 days a week, it provides a free information service, it runs residential and one-day courses and provides curriculum-based education to visiting schools, colleges and universities. It also has 7 acres of interactive displays.

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Machynlleth

mid wales tourism machynlleth

  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1 By train
  • 3 Get around
  • 6.1 Handicrafts

Machynlleth is a town in Mid Wales , generally referred to locally as "Mach" . For visitors, it offers a range of activities such as mountain biking trails, and the visitor centre at the Centre for Alternative Technology.

Understand [ edit ]

mid wales tourism machynlleth

This market town 9f 2,200 people (2011) was the seat of Owain Glyndŵr's Welsh Parliament in 1404, and was the "ancient capital of Wales"; there is an exhibition on Owain where the parliament building once stood.

Since the founding of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in 1973, the town has acted as a magnet for people interested in an alternative lifestyle. It has developed a thriving Bohemian community and is at the centre of a network of organic farming settlements.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

  • 52.595 -3.855 1 Machynlleth station is connected to Aberystwyth , Birmingham and Shrewsbury by rail, there are, on average, 14 scheduled services per week day .

By bus [ edit ]

  • Bus number 701 connects Aberystwyth with Carmarthen , Swansea and Cardiff .
  • Bus number 702 runs from Aberystwyth to Llandudno and stops in Machynlleth.

By car [ edit ]

  • From South Wales and South-west England . M4 to end (near Swansea), A48 to Carmarthen, A484 to Cardigan and A487 to Aberystwyth and Machynlleth. Alternatively take the A470 from Cardiff to Cemaes Road and then the A489 to Machynlleth.
  • From the English Midlands and North. M54 to end (near Shrewsbury ), A458 to Dinas Mawddwy then A470 to Cemaes Road and A489 to Machynlleth.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

See [ edit ]

mid wales tourism machynlleth

  • Y Tabernacl ( Art Gallery and concert venue ), Heol Penrallt , ☏ +44 1654 703335 . M-Sa 10AM-4PM . A small museum of modern art - worth having a quick peak if you're in town. Admission free .  

Do [ edit ]

  • Mountain biking . There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley, centred around Machynlleth, including the purpose-built CliMachx route.  

Buy [ edit ]

Every Wednesday since it was granted a royal charter in 1291 Machynlleth town centre has played host to a street market . Still well worth a browse - even if you don't buy anything the bustling atmosphere is an attraction in itself.

Early Closing day in Machynlleth is Thursday, when most shops do not open after lunchtime.

Handicrafts [ edit ]

  • Sarah Janes Willis Studio Pottery , 21 Maengwyn Street , ☏ +44 1654 700116 . M-F 9AM-5PM . All pottery is made on the premises.  
  • Kelvin Jenkins Jeweller , 19 Maengwyn Street , ☏ +44 1654 703370 . Sells gold and silver jewellery, handmade in the workshop onsite, as well as items from other manufacturers. One of the few jewellers working in Welsh gold, though these pieces can be very expensive.  
  • Spectrum Gallery , ☏ +44 1654 702877 . Maengwyn Street. Eclectic selection of glassware, jewellery, ceramics, original paintings and prints. Well worth a browse.  

There are also a number of craft shops in the nearby village of Corris

Eat [ edit ]

mid wales tourism machynlleth

  • Wynnstay Hotel , Maengwyn Street , ☏ +44 1645 702941 . It serves fantastic food (in the restaurant or bar) that would out-compete many a top London restaurant, and the bar is also friendly toward people with well behaved dogs. It has an excellent list of unusual wines and great beers. If you can't stretch to the restaurant price tag (about £12 for a main course) then they have an excellent pizzeria at the back (the oven for which was imported from Italy).  
  • Quarry Cafe ( Wholefood Cafe owned by the Centre for Alternative Technology ), Heol Maengwyn , ☏ +44 1654 702624 . M Tu Th-Sa 9AM-4PM, 7-11PM; W 9AM-2PM, 7-11PM; closed Su .  

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

  • Cefn Coch Farm Self Catering Holiday Cottages , Glaspwll ( A few miles into the hills above Machynlleth ), ☏ +44 1654 702068 . Two beautifully presented holiday cottages in an amazing location on a hill farm. Each cottage has two bedrooms and one also has a double sofa bed.  
  • Yr Hen Stablau ( The Old Stables ), Yr Hen Stablau, Pantlludw , ☏ +44 1654 703428 , [email protected] . Self-catering renovated stables. £360-640 per week .  
  • Dolbrodmaeth Riverside Hotel ( Gwesty Dol-brod ), Dinas Mawddwy , ☏ +44 1650 531333 , [email protected] . 11-bed country house hotel. £55 - 99 .  

Go next [ edit ]

  • The popular seaside resort of Aberdyfi , with its yacht harbour and championship golf links, is 10 miles (16 km) to the west, accessible by the A493 road or by Cambrian Line trains.
  • Only 4 miles beyond Aberdyfi is Tywyn , home of the Talyllyn Railway. If you are travelling by car then on the return journey to Machynlleth, take a left turn off the road just 1 mile south of Tywyn, to pass through the picturesque Happy Valley. The road rejoins the A493 at the village of Cwrt.
  • Corris , just a few miles away on the Dolgellau road, is a pretty former slate-mining village and a focus for arts and crafts. There is a pottery in the village, and a variety of different shops and workshops at the purpose-built Corris Craft Centre , next to the main road on the hillside overlooking the village, which has ample car parking. The interactive visitor attractions of King Arthur's Labyrinth and the Bards Quest are accessed from the Craft Centre site. Corris is also home to the narrow-gauge Corris Railway and museum.

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Machynlleth

Although its tongue-twisting placename might be quintessentially Welsh, Machynlleth is untypical of most country towns in Wales. It’s a free-and-easy mix of influences, where the local rural community mingles with a cosmopolitan crowd amongst whom sustainability and green living are high on the agenda.

There’s no two ways about it: Machynlleth is an exceedingly handsome place. Unlike most other country towns in Wales, it has a long, wide main street that creates generous quantities of space and light.

Green roots

It’s no surprise to discover that Machynlleth, where art meets agriculture, is a focus for green living, attracting an alternative, eco-conscious audience. It’s one of the main towns in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Wales, a designation given to areas that explore locally how healthy environments lead to sustainable livelihoods, vibrant cultures and robust economies.

To cement this reputation, just up the road you’ll find the Centre for Alternative Technology, a pioneering and very prescient ‘village of the future’ founded in the 1970s long before sustainability and self-sufficiency became common currency. It’s a fascinating, ever-evolving centre, packed with working examples of renewable energy, experimental green buildings and ingenious, planet-friendly devices. Its quest for net-zero gas emissions by the mid-21st century starts on arrival, with a ride on one of Europe’s steepest water-balanced funicular railways.

Back in Machynlleth, Heol Maengwyn, the spacious main street, is lined with a mellow mix of cafés, workaday shops – a chemist, grocers, and the like – and independent retailers with a flair for individuality. Prominent amongst these is Ian Snow, an eclectic emporium that’s a riot of colour and choice. ‘We travel the world to discover characterful, ethical pieces for your home,’ it says. It sells everything from educational toys to artwork, clothes to furnishings, closely mirroring the nature of a town where global and local concerns blend.

Ian Snow shares the street with shops selling antiques and exquisite handmade shoes, art, modern rustic homeware, books and wholefoods… it’s all very Machynlleth.

A coaching inn, and struggles for independence

The one building that unashamedly harks back to the old days is the Wynnstay Hotel. Dating from the 18th century and the time of stagecoach travel, it’s one of Wales’s best-loved coaching inns.

This warm and welcoming hostelry has all the authentically classic features you couldn’t replicate even if you tried – creaky floorboards, wonky passageways, open fires, wooden beams, fishing memorabilia and cosy nooks and crannies (the Welsh word ‘cwtch’, meaning cuddle, captures them perfectly).

At the opposite end of the street there’s a building that takes you even deeper into Machynlleth’s past. Because of its history and central location there was talk, at one time, of Machynlleth becoming the capital of Wales. Cardiff beat it to the post in 1955, but many centuries earlier the town was, in fact, regarded as the capital – albeit unofficially – when it was the reputed location of the original Welsh parliament.

All is explained at the Owain Glyndŵr Centre, named after the Welsh leader who led an uprising against England and held his Welsh parliament on this spot in 1404. Housed within something that’s an historic item in its own right – a rare example of a late-medieval townhouse – the centre contains exhibits and displays on Glyndŵr and his campaign for independence.

Art and architecture

Back to the future, MOMA is a must-visit. Stroll back along Heol Maengwyn to Machynlleth’s ornate 19th-century clocktower, then turn right. You’ll soon come to the Museum of Modern Art. You wouldn’t think it from the outside (it’s based at a former chapel and Victorian building), but within it exhibits cutting-edge contemporary art that’s bold, arresting and sometimes challenging.

It’s not just art that fires the local culture. Machynlleth hosts a programme of prestigious annual festivals, covering comedy, literature and folk music. It's a lively place each Wednesday, too, when the street market comes to town.

The town’s setting amongst rolling hills is best appreciated from the park behind Heol Maengwyn. It’s a lovely green space, enhanced by the presence of Y Plas, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, former home of the Marquess of Londonderry, which nowadays houses council offices and a smart café and restaurant.

If you’re feeling the need for some aquatic activity, pop into the Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre for a swim in the pool – it’s located close to Y Plas.

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CURIOSITIES AND SURPRISES

Tell Laura I Love Her. 1960s and 70s fashion superstar Laura Ashley’s first shop opened here in Machynlleth. It was a humble affair in a house she shared with husband Bernard and her two children. From little acorns…

Owain waves his magic wand. Owain Glyndwr’s mercurial character was revealed by no less than William Shakespeare. In Henry IV he referred to Owain as that ‘great magician, damned Glendower’. Shakespeare also has him saying:

              ‘At my nativity

              The front of heaven was full of fiery shapes,

              Of burning cressets, and at my birth

              The frame and huge foundation of the earth

               Shaked like a coward.’

A flying visit. You wouldn’t have thought it, but hell-raising group Led Zeppelin had a soft spot for these peaceful parts. As an escape from their whirlwind lifestyles Robert Plant and Jimmy Page retreated to an isolated cottage near Machynlleth where they wrote songs for their third and fourth albums including (possibly – it’s subject to rock trivia dispute) parts of the legendary ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

She was not amused. Beatrix Potter, writer of the famous Peter Rabbit books, visited Machynlleth in1888 when she was very young. Her report reads like a nit-picking TripAdvisor review (‘hardly a person could speak English,’ she moaned). She didn’t much like the train journey either: ‘Four hours to go sixty miles between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth. When mushrooms are in season the guard goes out to pick them.’

The village of the future. It’s the perfect fit. Machynlleth’s eco-credentials are enhanced no end by the presence of the Centre for Alternative Technology in woodlands a few miles north of the town. It all began in unpromising circumstances in the 1970s in a disused quarry that no one seemed to want, inspired by a movement that no one seemed to care about in those days. How times have changed. The centre is now a world leader in promoting sustainability and living in harmony with the Earth.

Richard Nixon’s Welsh roots. US President Richard Nixon was descended from a local 17th-century farming family.

Pitching up. American baseball star Ted Lewis (1872–1936) was born in Machynlleth, emigrating to the USA at the age of eight. He was the baseball pitcher for the Boston Beaneaters and Boston Americans. Sport wasn’t his only interest. He was passionate about eisteddfodau in America, and became firm friends with poet Robert Frost.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

You’ll easily while away an entire day in Machynlleth. There’s a lot to see and do here. You don’t have to tackle the places below in any particular order, though we’ve listed them in a way that should help you get the most from your visit. If you have less time to spend in town, just cherry pick the places that spark your curiosity.

Owain Glyndŵr Centre, Parliament House

Start at the eastern end of town at this emblematic centre, which tells the tale of Owain Glyndŵr, the last native leader of Wales, and his quest for Welsh independence. It didn’t quite work out his way, though Owain is said to have held a Welsh parliament here in 1404 before mysteriously disappearing in 1412 never to be seen again, leaving an enigmatic legacy that still inspires a mix of passion and speculation.

Heol Maengwyn

This long, wide main street gives Machynlleth much of its character. It’s possibly based on a blueprint laid down by 13th-century town planners – if so, they knew what they were doing way back then. Giving it extra curb appeal are the buildings, a mix of Georgian and dark local stone, that line the street, along with an enticing choice of independent shops. To see it at its liveliest come for the Wednesday open-air market.

The clocktower

Heol Maengwyn ends (or begins) at Machynlleth’s famous clocktower. It’s an ornamental structure, put up by the Marquess of Londonderry in 1873 to commemorate the coming of age of his heir, Lord Castlereagh.

The park and Y Plas

Machynlleth’s air of spaciousness is maintained in the parkland that runs alongside Heol Maengwyn. It’s here that the Marquess of Londonderry lived, in a grand house known as Y Plas (‘The Mansion’). Standing on the site of a former house dating from 1673, it’s a Grade II listed Georgian mansion with an imposing 1853 façade. Amongst the leading lights of Victorian society who visited Y Plas was the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.

In 1948 the house was given to the town as a public park. It now houses offices and a café/restaurant, and has conference facilities.

It stands amongst extensive landscaped grounds with gardens, pleasant, leafy walks, picnic sites and a children’s play area, all set against a quintessentially Mid Wales backcloth of smooth, rolling hills.

Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre

Close to Y Plas, this modern leisure centre has the full complement of facilities – gym plus indoor swimming pool and bowls hall.

The Museum of Modern Art, just around the corner from the clocktower, perfectly reflects Machynlleth’s arty, cosmopolitan vibe. Based somewhat incongruously at a former Wesleyan chapel known as The Tabernacle and an adjacent Victorian building, it contains a number of galleries filled with colour, life and arresting imagery.

Changing exhibitions complement MOMA’s evolving collection of over 400 works that concentrate largely on artists – including sculptors – living and working in Wales in the 20th and 21st centuries. There’s also a characterful concert space where you can sit in a chapel pew and listen to a soothing string quartet rather than a hellfire and damnation Nonconformist Sunday sermon.

There’s another more intimate performance space at the converted Old Tannery Building behind The Tabernacle.

MOMA plays a leading role in Machynlleth’s thriving cultural life in more ways than one. It’s the focal point of the annual Gŵyl Machynlleth Festival alongside other gatherings, concerts, talks, performances, classes and workshops.

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Machynlleth, Powys

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation.

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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS:   Owain Glyndwr's medieval parliament building

The gateway to Plas Machynlleth

Machynlleth (often referred to simply as 'Mach') is a historic market town in the Dyfi Valley, at the western extremity of the old county of Montgomeryshire.

Though this area of the Dyfi Valley has been settled since the Bronze age, the story of Machynlleth really begins with the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century AD. The Romans built a fort at Pennal and a pair of lookout posts on the hills above the town site.

The town itself developed during the medieval period. The most important early date in the town's history was 1291 when Edward I granted a royal charter to Owen de la Pole, Lord of Powys, allowing him to hold a weekly market every Wednesday and two fairs a year. Over 700 years later the Wednesday market is still thriving.

The Owain Glyndwr Centre (Parliament House)

Owain Glyndwr

Machynlleth occupies a special place in Welsh history. It was here in 1404 that Owain Glyndwr, a rebel against the English crown, was proclaimed Prince of Wales in the presence of envoys from France, Scotland and Castile.

Glyndwr held a parliament, a gathering of representatives from across Wales, possibly at the building now known as the Owain Glyndwr Centre. In 1406 he issued his famous Pennal Letter from the church at Pennal, just a few miles to the west. After his rebellion faltered Glyndwr went into hiding in the Machynlleth area.

On the basis of hosting Glyndwr's parliament Machynlleth bills itself as 'the ancient capital of Wales', which is a bit of a stretch. It certainly never held any official status as a capital but it is still a place close to Welsh hearts. Each September the Glyndwr Festival celebrates Owain Glyndwr's legacy and marks the beginning of his rebellion against the English in 1400.

Civil War Battle

On 29 November 1644 a Royalist army under Rowland Pugh, Lord of Meirionedd, met a Parliamentary force under Sir Thomas Myddleton of Chirk near the Dyfi Bridge. The victorious Parliamentarians proceeded into Machynlleth to burn houses used by the Royalists.

The Owain Glyndwr Institute, c. 1911

Places to See

Owain glyndwr centre.

The most interesting historic building in Machynlleth is the Owain Glyndwr Centre  on Heol Maengwyn (the A89). The alternative name of the building is Owain Glyndwr's Parliament House, for it was in a building on this site that Glyndwr called his famous Parliament in 1404.

Historians have determined that the building dates to 1460, long after Glyndwr's time, but it is thought that the structure we see today is simply a reconstruction of the earlier building on this site, so it is certainly plausible that the Centre incorporates Glyndwr's original parliament building.

The Centre is a wonderful museum and information centre, explaining Owain Glyndwr's life, his ties to Machynlleth, the 1404 Parliament, and his legacy. See a replica of the 1406 Pennal Letter sent by Glyndwr to Charles VI of France, where he refers to himself as Prince of Wales.

Plas Machynlleth (Y Plas)

In the heart of Machynlleth is Y Plas, or Plas Machynlleth , a Victorian mansion and former home of the Marquess of Londonderry. The mansion incorporates an earlier 18th-century house and a yet earlier 17th-century manor. In 1948 the 7th Marquess gave Y Plas to the town. The grounds became a public park and the house was used as a school, council offices, and finally as a community centre, art gallery, and event venue.

MOMA Wales

On Penrallt Street Street is the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Wales, a popular art centre, auditorium, and gallery partly housed in a former Wesleyan chapel. MOMA hosts a series of regularly changing exhibits by modern Welsh artists throughout the year. It also maintains a permanent exhibit of works by artists from 1900, emphasising works by artists living or working in Wales.

The Town Clock

St Peter's Church

The first church here was established by St Cybi in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 13th century. The dedication was altered to St Peter in the medieval period. The church was rebuilt and restored three times in the 19th century, but many medieval details remain including the late-medieval tower.

Clock Tower

The focal point of Machynlleth, and its most famous landmark, is the Town Clock (aka The Castlereagh Memorial Clock), built in 1873 to mark the 21st birthday of Charles Stewart Vane-Tempest, Viscount Castlereagh, the eldest son and heir of the Marquess and Marchioness of Londonderry.

Manorial Court House

On the A489 stands an attractive timber-framed building known as The Court House, built in the late 16th century as a traditional hall house. The half-timbered structure was refaced in stone in 1628. Fashions change, and in the 19th century, the facade had decorative timber added to recreate the timber-framed appearance of the original medieval building. The Court House once served as the Mayor's residence. The interior features elaborate 17th-century plasterwork.

Royal House

On the corner of Poplar Road and Heol Pen'Rallt stands Royal House, a Grade II* listed timber-framed townhouse dated to 1559. Behind the main section of the house is a storage range built in 1576. The Royal House was a combination shop and dwelling, with the first documentary evidence showing it occupied in 1581.

In 1656 it was home to a draper named William Lloyd, who sold it to a mercer named Thomas Pugh. It seems to have been owned by a long succession of drapers and mercers into the 19th century. The name 'Royal House' refers to a local legend that Charles I stayed here in 1643.

Equally fascinating is the tale of Dafydd Gam, a Welsh Royalist said to have been imprisoned here from 1404-1412 after attempting to assassinate Owain Glyndwr. Since the house dates to the mid 16th century, Gam must have been held in an earlier building on the same site. After his release, Gam fought for Henry V at Agincourt where he died. He is remembered in Shakespeare's play ' Henry V '.

15th century Royal House

Centre for Alternative Technology

North of Machynlleth is the Centre for Alternative Technology, or CAT. The Centre showcases ways to live sustainably, with a range of interactive displays to educate young and old alike. See how renewable energy can be generated, learn about organic agriculture, composting, creating a sustainable family home and building environmentally responsible buildings. There are 7 acres of displays and the Centre hosts a regular programme of events and tours.

One fascinating exhibit is a water-balanced cliff railway, illustrating how to use the power of water to create sustainable energy that can run heavy train cars up one of the steepest cliff railways in the world.

Our family enjoyed a tour of CAT and found it inspirational and thought-provoking.

The Centre for Alternative Technology

Corris Steam Railway Museum

Four miles north of Machynlleth is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mid Wales; the Corris Railway . This delightful narrow-gauge railway opened in 1859 to carry slate the Dulas Valley to the loading wharf at Derwenlas. Carriages were hauled by horses until 1878. The railway went out of service in 1948 but has since been fully restored and makes regular steam journeys through one of the most spectacular mountain settings in Wales.

The Town Clock image is (c) Jaggery and is republished with gratitude under a Creative Commons license.

About Machynlleth Address: Machynlleth, Powys, Wales Attraction Type: Town Location: On the A487, just off the A493 30km north-east of Aberystwyth Location map OS: SH745008 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

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MOMA and The Tabernacle are in the centre of Machynlleth, a short distance from the train and bus stations, and from the town’s historic clock. Entry is free to all our exhibitions and lunchtime talks, while concerts and other events may be charged.

Immerse yourself in exhibitions shown across our seven art galleries. Listen to beautiful music and explore the Tabernacle – our concert hall in a converted chapel. Treat yourself to a mouth-watering cake in our café, or a gift from the shop, there is plenty for you to discover and enjoy at MOMA and The Tabernacle Machynlleth.

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10am – 4pm Wednesday: 10am – 4pm Thursday: 10am – 4pm Friday: 10am – 4pm Saturday: 10am – 1pm Sunday: Closed

We are no longer taking bookings so please just turn up.

Art galleries

The tabernacle concert hall, gŵyl machynlleth festival, tabernacle coffee shop, for families, getting here.

Find us in the centre of the historic market town of Machynlleth in the Dyfi Valley region of mid-Wales. We are located on Heol Penrallt (A487), a short distance from Machynlleth’s famous clock tower, heading towards Aberdyfi. Y Tabernacl Heol Penrallt Machynlleth SY20 9AJ

MOMA and The Tabernacle are located less than five minutes’ walk from Machynlleth train station. When arriving by train, please turn left onto the main road and you will find us on the left-hand side of this road shortly before you reach the clock.

Machynlleth is on the Cambrian main line route across Mid-Wales with services to Shrewsbury (linking to Birmingham and London Euston), to Aberystwyth, and to Pwllheli.

Machynlleth is served by a network of regular local bus services operating between Bangor, Aberystwyth, Tywyn and Newtown.

MOMA and The Tabernacle are located on the A487, Heol Penrallt, running through the centre of Machynlleth. Our nearest parking is the public car park located on Heol Maengwyn (A489). The turning for this is a short distance along Heol Maengwyn on the right-hand side, travelling away from the clock tower. Free on road parking is also available around Machynlleth, however please make sure that you check time restrictions relating to these spaces.

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Things to Do in Machynlleth, Powys - Machynlleth Attractions

Things to do in machynlleth, tours near machynlleth.

mid wales tourism machynlleth

Extreme Canyoning in Snowdonia

mid wales tourism machynlleth

Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen

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2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon

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Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn

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3-hour Canoe Hire over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

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Underground Adventure in Snowdonia

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Hike to the summit of Snowdon!

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Private Snowdonia’s Mountains, Lakes & Mines Tour

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Snowdon Sunrise Hike

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30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen

Top attractions in machynlleth.

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Other Top Attractions around Machynlleth

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What travelers are saying

Roger B

  • Ynys Hir Wildlife Reserve
  • MOMA Machynlleth
  • Dyfi Furnace
  • Machynlleth Town Clock
  • Canolfan Owain Glyndwr Centre
  • Dyfi Osprey Project
  • Transport and travel
  • Sustainable

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Knighton railway station

Visit Mid Wales attractions on public transport routes

Mid Wales is accessible using a network of public transport routes. Our fact sheet provides information on how to get around by bus or train, visiting towns and major attractions. A sustainable option to travel around the region.

Your clients will be able to discover the heart of Wales by a range of rail and bus services. Mid Wales can be reached from main line stations such as London Euston, Liverpool, Manchester to Shrewsbury and then accessing the Heart of Wales Line rail network, travelling south through Mid Wales.  The Cambrian Line can take your clients from Shrewsbury to the towns of Welshpool, Newtown and Machynlleth and then the line splits into two sections with the southern line going to Aberystwyth and the northern line to southern Snowdonia ending at Pwllheli. Mid Wales is easily accessible from Cardiff, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London airports.

Attractions accessible in and around Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth The coastal town of Aberystwyth is a great base to explore the coastline and northern tip of Mid Wales. From Birmingham Airport, take the train to Birmingham International and change for the TFW service direct to Aberystwyth which runs every 2hrs.  The town has many shops, eateries and attractions for a day out, including two beaches, a pier, harbour and castle ruins .

Located on the north of the promenade,  Aberystwyth Cliff Railway offers panoramic views of the town and coast beyond. It is Britain’s longest funicular electric cliff railway. At the summit of Constitution Hill , there is also a café, gift shop and a historical display of the cliff railway.

Ceredigion Museum is near the seafront in a beautifully preserved Edwardian theatre. The collection of art, heritage and culture is displayed over three floors with a range of free exhibitions and chargeable events. There is a café and shop on site.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is home to cinema and theatre performances. Discounts are available for groups of eight or more.

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway; and Aberystwyth pier

The National Library of Wales can be reached on the T2 TrawsCymru bus from the main station and takes 10mins. Not only are there over 6 million books and newspapers in the library but also videos, maps, manuscripts, photographs and maps. Exhibitions and events take place throughout the year.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway  travels 12 miles (19.3 km) through mountainous scenery to Devil’s Bridge Falls   taking 1hr. It is recommended that due to the 1hr stop off, only the ‘punchbowl and three bridges walk’ should be attempted. The ‘nature trail, waterfalls and three bridges walk’ takes 45mins or longer due to its strenuous 675 steep, natural stone steps.

Your clients can travel on TrawsCymru bus service T1 or T5 ​​​​​to Aberaeron. The journey takes around 40mins. Aberaeron is a pretty harbour town lined with colourful houses. The main street is lined with independent shops, craft centres and eateries. The park and harbourside have many benches to sit and enjoy the views.

National Library of Wales; Devil's Bridge Falls; and Aberaeron

The route continues to Llanerchaeron . The 18th century Georgian Villa is in the care of the National Trust and as well as visiting the property, there is a farmyard lake, a walled garden and wild parkland to explore.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Llanerchaeron NT/YG (@llanerchaeronnt)

New Quay Travel on the T5 TrawsCymru  bus to the pretty seaside resort of New Quay. The journey takes around 54mins. There are dolphin and seal spotting expeditions with New Quay Boat Trips who run daily cruises lasting from 1 to 2hrs. Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre overlooks the beach and harbour and is open daily. The bus service also travels to Pentre’r Bryn in 25mins where Afon Mêl Honey Farm & Meadery is a 15min walk away. Watch the honeybee colony work behind safety glass. Films and information boards provide information about the importance of the pollinators. There is a coffee and gift shop, meadery exhibition, and woodland walks on site.

Travel 31mins from Newquay on the  T5 TrawsCymru  bus and disembark at Gogerddan Arms to walk 2mins to In the Welsh Wind Distillery . Your clients can take a 2hr tour and participate in a gin making experience. The distillery can also be reached on the same service from Aberaeron (46mins) and Cardigan (27mins).

In the Welsh Wind Distillery

© In the Welsh Wind

Cardigan On the border of the county of Ceredigion is the coastal resort of Cardigan. It is accessible direct from Aberystwyth on the T5 TrawsCymru  bus but takes 1hr 51mins. Alternatively, clients can stay overnight in Aberaeron and travel a shorter distance of 1hr 9mins. In the heart of the town, explore the remains of Cardigan Castle , the Georgian mansion and gardens within the medieval walls. The town has many independent shops including a bike hire shop. See our shopping fact sheet for more information.

Adventure Beyond and Cardigan Bay Active offer many water and land activities, including climbing, archery, coasteering and rafting. For arts and entertainment, visit Theatr Mwldan which includes three digital screens showing the latest films.

Welsh Wildlife Centre is 1.2 miles (1.93 km) from the centre of Cardigan and would take 23mins to walk. There is a café and shop on site.

Welsh Wildlife Centre and; Cardigan quayside, shops and castle

From Cardigan, the T5 TrawsCymru  bus travels to Castell Henllys Iron Age Village . Events happen throughout the year and there is a café and gift shop on site.

Travel to the National Wool Museum from Cardigan on the 460 bus service which takes 33mins. Watch weavers craft cloth from fleece to fabric on historic machinery. Also visit the engine room, mill, textile gallery, Natural Dye Garden, café and gift shop.

A Bay to Remember offer wildlife and dolphin spotting boat trips around Cardigan Bay. They are based in St Dogmaels which is a 9min bus journey from Cardigan on bus service 405 and bus service 408 . Check direct for seasonal changes and departure points.

For more inspiration, see our Literature in Mid Wales itinerary.

National Wool Museum and dolphin spotting with A Bay to Remember

© Amgueddfa Cymru

Attractions accessible in and around Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells The direct train from Shrewsbury to the spa town of Llandrindod Wells takes 1hr 30mins. It is home to the National Cycle Museum , where the hundreds of bicycles are displayed in period settings. The Radnorshire Museum is free and holds a wide collection of artefacts and art, preserving the county's heritage. Clients can take a walk through the woodland at Rock Park & Heritage Centre or a circular walk around Llandrindod Wells lake  which is 1km long, or hire a boat and venture out onto the water before enjoying refreshments at the Lakeside café. There is also a longer heritage trail which includes the lake and other historic attractions in the town. Maps for the 2-3 mile route (3 or 5 km) are available at the Tourist Information Centre.  Llandrindod Wells Golf Club is a 1.2 mile walk (1.9 km) from the town. Or take the T4 bus service from the train station and alight at Grosvenor stores to walk 0.6 miles (1 km) to the club.

National Cycle Museum; Rock Park; Llandrindod Wells lake, boathouse and café

Newtown From Llandrindod Wells, the T4N bus service  operated by Stagecoach  travels to Newtown and takes around 45mins. Visit Newtown Textile Museum where clients can see how weavers worked and where they lived in the 19th century. Oriel Davies Gallery is a contemporary visual arts venue showcasing art and craft from around the world. The Robert Owen Memorial Museum is dedicated to the influential thinker and social reformer’s life and works. Explore the views of the Cambrian coast with an Explore Cambrian Coast day ticket , tickets can be purchased from Newtown train station ​.​​​​

Newtown Textile Museum

© Newtown Textile Museum

Welshpool There is a direct TFW train service from Newtown to the ancient market town of Welshpool and takes 14mins. On the canalside, there is Powysland ,  a small museum with a collection of local artefacts, archaeology and social history of Welshpool and Montgomeryshire.  Powis Castle and Garden is a 1.3 mile walk (2.1 km) from the centre and takes around 24mins. The medieval castle has a collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture and furniture. It is also home to the Clive Museum with its private collection of Indian artefacts. The castle is surrounded by stunning Italiante gardens.

Bus service 87 travels to Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway and takes 22mins. The steam railway travels from Llanfair on 1-2hr trips through the countryside and there are a limited number of boarding tickets available to board at Welshpool, which must be booked online prior to the journey. It is also possible to get to Welshpool Golf Club in 43mins using this service, although the 1.3 mile walk (2.09 km) when alighting from the bus takes around 34mins.

The T12 or X75 bus travels just outside of town to Coed y Dinas Charlies , a garden centre and country store with a restaurant. There are also many other attractions to visit using this service. The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture  is the first museum in Europe dedicated to the life and vibrant work of a living artist. Glanservern Hall has 25 acres of exotic plants and diverse landscape to explore. The estate has many garden attractions, including a five acre lake, cascading water garden, secluded bird hide and woodland walks. Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve  is owned by the Mongomeryshire Wildlife Trust and the reserve offers walking trails to spot birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

Welshpool canal and Powysland Museum

Powysland Museum

Powis Castle and Garden

© W Stickler

  • Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

© Anthony Haynes

Welshpool Golf Club

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture

© Tim Street-Porter

Glansevern Hall and Gardens

Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve

Knighton The market town of Knighton  can be reached direct in 39mins on the TfW service from Llandrindod Wells. It dates back to the start of the 13th century with its half-timbered houses built around the 17th century. The Offa’s Dyke Centre and Knighton Museum are in the town, ideal for walkers and those interested in history. Knighton sits halfway along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail , which is 177 miles (285 km) long . Glyndwr’s Way also starts in the town at the clock tower.

Offa's Dyke Centre; Knighton Museum; and the clock tower

Presteigne From Knighton, clients can travel 15mins on bus service 41 to The Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne. Step back in time to the 1870s and wander around three floors of Victorian rooms with original furnishings, including the luxury living of the judges, servants’ kitchen, cell rooms and courtroom. Follow the historic Presteigne town trail and visit the shops and eateries along the route.

The Judge's Lodging

© The Judge's Lodging Trust

Rhayder and the Elan Valley Take bus service X47 from Knighton to Rhayader. From the bus stop at Dark Lane, it is a 0.9 miles (1.45 km) walk to Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre . The 160 acre farm has plenty of hides to watch the birds, a trail, picnic site, coffee shop and gift shop. Check for feeding times of the red kites .

There is no direct public transport service to the Elan Valley , but it is 3.7 miles from Rhayader to the Visitor Centre. Walking would take 1hr 13mins but there are cycle hire shops in the village. The Elan Valley, which also provides cycle hire, is a spectacular route of dams and reservoirs and is worth planning to spend a whole day there. A range of stopping routes can be found along the journey which takes advantage of the points of interest and gorgeous views. There is a café and gift shop at the visitor centre and a tearoom around mid route of the journey.

Visit our Days our in and around Llandrindod Wells itinerary for more ideas.

Gigrin Red Kite Feeding Centre, and Craig Goch dam at Elan Valley

Attractions accessible in and around Machynlleth

Machynlleth Travel direct to the town of Machynlleth from Birmingham or Shrewsbury on the TfW train service. The journey takes 1hr 16mins. Welshpool and Newtown are also on the route so can also be reached from these stations in 53mins and 38mins respectively. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) has six floors of exhibitions, collections and films. There are several eateries and shops on site. Also your clients can visit the historic Owain Glyndŵr Centre , a late medieval town house that was once Parliament House and where Owain was crowned Prince of Wales in 1404. The annual Machynlleth Comedy Festival is held every year during the bank holiday at the end of May.

The T2 TrawsCymru  bus travels a short distance from Machynlleth to Dyfi Osprey Project . Alight at Morben Isaf Caravan Park and walk 0.4 miles (0.6 km). Facilities at the wildlife centre include a wildlife watching window, osprey room, Galeri, observatory and boardwalks as well as a shop and café.

Visit the Centre for Alternative Technology  (CAT) using the T2 TrawsCymru  bus service. Alight at Llwyn-gwern Lodge and walk 9mins to the sustainable eco centre. Visit the organic gardens, woodland habitats and see working examples of renewable energy. See our Eco friendly days out at CAT fact sheet to see what else they offer.

Funicular railway at CAT and Owain Glyndŵr Centre & Parliament House

Your clients can travel to other the following stations and attractions direct from Machynlleth on the TFW service which departs from Birmingham, terminating at Pwllheli. The service also travels to Welshpool and Newtown so the attractions are also accessible from these stations.

The pretty harbourside village of  Aberdovey  (Aberdyfi) offers spectacular views of Snowdonia's mountains from its sandy beach and waterfront. The village has lovely gift shops, art galleries and eateries, and  Aberdovey Golf Club  is also just a short walk away.

Fairbourne is the next stop on the line where clients can disembark to take a journey on the Fairbourne Steam Railway . It is a two mile journey to the Mawddach Estuary, which also connects with the ferry to Barmouth. The return journey takes 1hr. Groups of 12 or more benefit from reduced rates. 

The seaside town of Barmouth has plenty of independent shops and eateries, a beach and a fairground with amusements for a fun day out. Along the harbourside, Barmouth bridge stands loud and proud across the estuary. The wooden bridge which opened in 1867 is 820-metres (2390ft) in length and can be walked across back toward Fairbourne. The Barmouth ferry also travels across the estuary.

Clients can alight at Tywyn and walk 7mins to the  Talyllyn Railway  at Tywyn Wharf station. Attractions at the stations on the 2hr round trip include Dolgoch Falls , walking routes, a museum and carriage sheds. Facilities including places to eat are also available. Alternatively,  bus service 30  also travels to the falls in 20mins.

The next stop is Harlech. Royal St David's Golf Club is a 7min walk from the railway station. The grand championship links golf course is ranked in the top 50 courses in Britain. From the golf club, walk 12mins for 0.5 miles (0.8 km) up the steep hill to  Harlech Castle . Positioned high up on a sheer rocky crag, the walk is worth the effort as the views from the top of the castle walls, which connect the towers are spectacular. Enter the castle along the floating bridge from the shop and café . There is also a 2 mile (3.2 km) Meirion Trail around Harlech discovering five story chairs around the town telling the story of the battle of Meirion and the Morfeirch (giant seahorses) through QR codes.

Barmouth Bridge; Talyllyn Railway; Harlech Castle and Royal St David's Golf Club

Corris Caverns Continue to Corris from Machynlleth or Aberystwyth on the T2 TrawsCymru  bus. There are many attractions at Corris Caverns including King Arthur’s Labyrinth , Corris Craft Centre , The Dyfi Distillery ,  Corris Mine Explorers . Corris Steam Railway and Museum  is a short walk from the site.

King Arthur's Labyrinth

Corris Craft Centre

© Corris Craft Centre

The Dyfi Distillery

Corris Mine Explorers

© Corris Mine Explorers

Corris Railway

Attractions accessible in and around Hay-on-Wye and Brecon

From Birmingham, take the West Midlands train service to Hereford, continuing on the T14 TrawsCymru  bus to Hay-on-Wye.

Hay-on-Wye Hay-on-Wye is known as the largest book town in the world. Along with the bookshops, there are many independent shops and eateries. Hay Castle opened to visitors in 2022 for the first time in its 900 year history and has been beautifully restored over 10 years. The castle hosts exhibitions and events during the year. As well as many historical facts to discover, there is also a shop and café on site. Guided tours take place during the day and a lift allows access to all. Private group tours can be booked on request. Entrance is free but there is a small charge for the main exhibitions.

Continue on the T14 TrawsCymru  bus to Talgarth Mill . It is a fully restored flour mill dating back to the 18th century where clients can learn about its history, see the restored water wheel and watch the Miller grind the grain. Walks are available along the riverbank and the riverside gardens. There is a Bakers Table Café and shop on site offering food and produce made from the mill’s flour.

Hay-on-Wye and Hay Castle

© [email protected]

Brecon The T14 TrawsCymru  bus service terminates at the market town of Brecon and is only a 40min journey from Hay-on-Wye. As well as the independent shops (see our shopping fact sheet ), there are many attractions four your clients to explore. The historical 11th century Brecon Cathedral is open daily to the public and the Royal Welsh Museum is home to a collection of over 33k memorabilia spanning the first and second world wars and the Anglo-Zulu war. Take a cruise on a narrowboat along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with Dragon Fly Cruises or take a walk along the canal. For daytime refreshments in the café or evening entertainment, Theatr Brycheiniog is situated on the riverbank and offers a variety of performances including music, theatre, dance and comedy. The T4B bus service travels to the Storey Arms from the town, where walks in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park  can be accessed, including Pen-y-Fan.

Brecon Cathedral; and Theatr Brycheiniog and Dragon Fly Cruises

Crickhowell The X43 Stagecoach bus service from Brecon travels to Crickhowell in 30mins. There are many independent shops and eateries in the town centre (see our shopping fact sheet). The Bear Hotel is an historic 15th century coaching inn. It provides locally sourced food, local craft ales, spirits and wines which can be enjoyed in the relaxing pub garden. A range of accommodation can also be booked here, with some rooms featuring spa baths and four-poster beds. Visit the ruins of Crickhowell Castle or take a walk on the footpath from the bridge which runs alongside the River Usk. Travel 4mins on the X43 from the town centre to Gilfaes Turn. From the bus stop, the permissive footpath at Glanusk Estate and Tretower Court and Castle can be reached, both around 14mins walk in opposite directions.

Crickhowell; Tretower Court and Castle

Useful links

Train services

  • Cambrian Line
  • Heart of Wales Line
  • National Rail
  • Transport for Wales (TfW)

Bus services

  • Celtic Travel
  • Lloyds Coaches
  • National Express
  • Owen’s Travelmaster
  • Richards Bros
  • TrawsCymru 

Steam Railways

  • Fairbourne Railway
  • Vale of Rheidol Railway

When planning a tour of Wales, check the routes and times for all public transport, and the  rail network map  to ensure easy travel between regions. Many locations may be geographically close but on a different branch line. Check to see if the local bus service is possible.

Cambrian Line audio guide  - immersive in-train audio stories when travelling from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.

Explore Cambrian Coast day ticket allows unlimited day travel on trains between and including Aberystwyth and Machynlleth (which also includes to and from Pwllheli).

Explore Wales Pass  allows unlimited access to Wales’ rail and bus network and discounts for participating attractions and accommodation. See the webpage for full terms and conditions of use.

fflecsi  - a flexible way to plan and travel by bus on selected routes by booking a ride via the app or phone.

Trainline - provides  helping visitors plan their rail journey and get live train running times, accessibility, and facility information.

Traveline Cymru  -  Wales Travel Information Service  with  lots of useful information on planning your journey.

Visit Mid Wales trip planner - information about train and bus stations around the region.

Wales on Rails – promotes tourism in Wales using public transport and includes itineraries, attractions, rail routes and bus routes, upcoming events and you can purchase tickets.

Search for accommodation in Mid Wales.

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Introducing Mid Wales including places to add to Travel Trade itineraries and programmes.

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Visit Wales graded accommodation and attractions near golf courses in Mid Wales.

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Walking routes in Mid Wales

A selection of easy, moderate and challenging walking routes in Mid Wales for the Travel Trade.

Catch up with Visit Wales’ Travel Trade team

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Mid Wales tourist attractions for all abilities

There's a world of accessible things to do in Mid Wales. Visitors with disabilities can enjoy everything from bird spotting and boat rides, to woodland trails and beautiful beaches. Mid Wales offers adventures for everyone.

Explore accessible things to do in Mid Wales

Physical and invisible impairments are no barrier to a great time in this stunning part of the country. Mid Wales' ancient castles, wild nature, dramatic coastlines and cultural attractions are accessible to all. We've outlined some disabled friendly places to visit to get you started. To continue your journey in other parts of Wales check out the links below.

Accessible North Wales attractions

Accessible West Wales attractions

Accessible South Wales attractions

Accessible cultural activities in Mid Wales

Moma machynlleth.

Penrallt Street, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8AJ

  • Galleries accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
  • Wheelchair available on request
  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • Induction loop in the Tabernacle for those with impaired hearing

Housed in a former Victorian townhouse and Wesleyan chapel,  MOMA Machynlleth is a vibrant performance venue and gallery of contemporary Welsh paintings, photography and sculpture. When the building was converted, great care was taken to make it as accessible as possible, with level access to all galleries and an accessible lift between floors. Find out more at the MOMA Machynlleth website .

National Library of Wales

Rhiw Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3BU

  • Accessible parking and main entrance
  • Wheelchairs available on request
  • Leaflets available in large print and audio form for those with visual impairments

The National Library of Wales , adjacent to Aberystwyth’s prestigious university, has a mind-bogglingly large collection, including rare Welsh manuscripts. It's fully accessible, with four designated parking spaces, automatic main doors, lifts, three accessible toilets, wheelchairs for visitors to use and water provided for assistance dogs. Visit the National Library of Wales website for more information.

Y Tabernacl

National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Mid Wales

Accessible nature activities in Mid Wales

Bwlch nant yr arian visitor centre.

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AB

  • Visitor centre and cafe accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
  • Accessible parking and toilets
  • Audio loop in cafe for visitors with impaired hearing

Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is one of the best places in Wales to see red kites. These magnificent birds swoop in each afternoon to be fed as part of a long-running conservation programme. The all-ability Barcud Trail leads from the eco-friendly visitor centre to the edge of the lake where feeding takes place. Find out more at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian website .

Red Kites in flight, Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Mid Wales

Dragonfly Cruises

The Stables, Chapel Street, Brecon LD3 7PE

  • Narrowboat has room for two wheelchairs
  • Boats are accessible via a lift on the quayside

Dragonfly Cruises offer a leisurely two and a half hour return trip along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Brecon to Brynich in a brightly painted narrowboat with room for two wheelchairs. There’s a wheelchair lift from the quayside and an accessible toilet in Theatr Brycheiniog on the Canal Wharf. For full details, visit the Dragonfly Cruises website .

Lake and red kite feeding viewing area

Theatr Brycheiniog

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dragonfly Day Boats & Cruises (@dragonfly_cruises)

Elan Valley Visitor Centre

Rhayader, Powys LD6 5HP

Sitting in the shadow of mighty Caban Coch dam, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre is the perfect start point for exploring this stunning part of Mid Wales. The well-surfaced Cnwch Wood Trail runs in a loop around the Visitor Centre and is suitable for wheelchair users. For a longer adventure there's the Elan Valley Trail , a nine-mile accessible path that follows the route of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway between Cwmdauddwr, just west of Rhayader and the Craig Goch Dam. To learn more go to the Elan Valley website .

Accessible trails and the cafe at Elan Valley, Mid Wales

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve

About two miles north of Tregaron, Ceredigion, towards Pontrhydfendigaid on the B4343

  • Accessible toilets in the main car park
  • Fully accessible circular 1 mile (1.5 km) boardwalk route (Cors Caron Walk), access to the boardwalk is 400 metres from the main car park along a fully accessible path (the total distance of the return route is 1.6 miles/2.6 kilometres)
  • Accessible bog hide 
  • The Old Railway Walk has a firm surface suitable for wheelchairs

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is in the beautiful River Teifi valley. It covers one of the largest actively growing raised bogs in the lowlands of Britain. The bogs are an important habitat for rare flora and fauna, and you might see soaring red kites, skylarks, curlews, otters, native lizards and colourful dragonflies. The accessible Cors Caron walk showcases the best boggy bits, with an accessible hide along the way with lovely views over the floodplain. The Old Railway walk follows an old railway line along the edge of the reserve, and provides a flat surface for wheelchairs, bikes and buggies. Find out more on the Cors Caron National Nature Reserve  website.

Family - Cambrian Mountains Area of Astounding Natural Beauty 

Elan Valley

Cwm Elan | Elan Valley & Visitor Centre

Aerial view of Cors Caron

Cors y Llyn National Nature Reserve

3½ miles north west of Builth Wells, Powys

  • Accessible boardwalk with seating and wheelchair passing places
  • Dogs allowed but must be kept on leads at all times

Cors y Llyn ('bog of the lake') is a small reserve not far from Builth Wells. The wildflower meadows and swampy woodland change throughout the seasons, making it an interesting place to visit all year round. Expect to see rare flowers including cuckoo flower and orchids. Damselflies, newts and frogs hang around the lake, and during the winter, birds including woodcock and snipe pay a visit. The  Cors y Llyn National Nature Reserve website has more information about visiting.

Accessible historical attractions in Mid Wales

Powis castle.

Welshpool, Powys SY21 8RF

  • Accessible parking, toilets and cafe
  • Braille guide available
  • Map showing accessible routes through gardens available from reception

A few parts of this splendid historic property are not fully accessible to wheelchair users. However, many areas are. There are designated car park spaces next to the coach park. A wheelchair-friendly minibus can carry visitors with limited mobility from the car park to Powis Castle itself and Old Stables, a museum featuring a detailed virtual tour or to the step-free pathway around the lower gardens. There are two manual wheelchairs available to loan. There's also a Braille guide to the castle and you can pre-book guided touch tours of the castle and guided sensory tours of the garden. Visit the Powis Castle website for the latest accessibility information.

Powis Castle, Welshpool, Mid Wales

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool Powys SY21 0SF

  • Stations at both ends of the line are fully accessible
  • Wheelchair spaces on trains available with advance booking
  • Wheelchairs available
  • Accessible parking and toilets at both ends of the line

Puffing between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion, the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is the perfect way to see the Mid Wales countryside in style. Most services can accommodate wheelchair users (though prior booking is required), while the stations at both ends of the line are fully accessible. Visit the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway website for further details.

Powis Castle © National Trust Images Andrew Butler

Powis Castle and Garden

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Lift for wheelchairs, Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, Mid Wales

© Kevin Heywood

Accessible Mid Wales beaches

Tresaith beach.

Aberporth, Ceredigion SA43 2JL

  • Accessible toilets

Sandwiched between rocky headlands, Tresaith is a small sandy beach accessed via a concrete slipway. It's a popular spot with watersports fans and sunbathers, with an unusual waterfall that tumbles over the cliffs at its north-eastern end. There are public toilets just off the beach.

Aberystwyth North Beach

Ceredigion SY23 2AZ

  • Level promenade
  • Ramps down to beach

Made of of smooth, dark sand and shingle,  Aberystwyth North Beach is one of the best-loved spots in this lively seaside resort. The beach is backed by a long and level promenade perfect for wheelchair users.

Tresaith Beach

The promenade at the north end of Aberystwyth, Mid Wales

Helpful links

Tourism For All : The UK's biggest directory of accessible accommodation and travel

Use  PIWS  to search for accessible listings.

Find toilets open to the public , including accessible toilets or find a  Changing Places  toilet. 

Powys Council : Information about accessible outdoor routes, activities, adapted bike hire and accommodation in Powys.

Related stories

Discover disabled-friendly stays in mid wales.

Discover our pick of the best accessible holiday accommodation Mid Wales has to offer.

  • Accommodation
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Explore accessible West Wales

You’ll find attractions that people of all abilities can enjoy all over West Wales.

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Great Welsh beaches with easy access

Hassle-free days out for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.

Discover disabled-friendly getaways across Wales

Information on finding accessible holidays, including accommodation, activities and attractions.

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  1. Must do in and around Machynlleth

    Crowned by a splendid Victorian clock tower, Heol Maengwyn is Machynlleth's high street. It's sprinkled with useful shops, galleries, cosy cafés and, on Wednesdays, market stalls, a tradition launched by royal charter in 1291. It was also the site of national hero Owain Glyndŵr's 1404 parliament - the original Senedd.

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    Friday, 3rd May 2024. -. Sunday, 5th May 2024. Machynlleth Comedy Festival, now in its eleventh year, attracts thousands of fans of stand-up comedy to Machynlleth over the May Bank Holiday weekend, with this years' Festival being celebrated from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th May 2024. more info. Rotary Across Wales Walk 2024. Saturday, 22nd June 2024.

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    Things to Do in Machynlleth, Wales: See Tripadvisor's 7,373 traveller reviews and photos of Machynlleth tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. ... The Tabernacle was converted in the mid-1980s from a Wesleyan chapel into a centre for the performing arts. Since then MOMA Machynlleth has grown up alongside it in ...

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    5. Visit the Elan Valley for walking, cycling, and waterfalls. The Elan Valley is a beautiful area just outside of Rhayader in Mid-Wales, best known for its six dams and reservoirs. Around the reservoirs, you'll find plenty of waymarked trails for walking or cycling.

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