Llandrindod Wells is a small town nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside between the border town of Knighton and the Mid Wales town of Builth Wells.  As its name suggests Llandrindod grew as a spa town and became increasingly popular with those seeking to "take the waters". In Victorian times the towns popularity was helped in no small way by its proximity to the mid Wales railway line and to this day Llandrindod's rustic charm and natural beauty attract hundreds of visitors each year. With a population of 4,943, Llandrindod Wells is a lively town with plenty to offer both its residents and visitors. Whether you are visiting for a conference or meeting, for a relaxing break away or have just happened to find the town whilst on a drive through Powys, Llandrindod Wells will have plenty to entice you to its centre and surrounding area.

Town centre

Fortunately the town has kept to its traditional period and both Victorian and Edwardian buildings have been kept intact, housing many arts and craft shops, as well as other unique products and services. The main shopping area is in Middleton Street, just opposite the Post Office. Here you will find everything you need, from clothes to thimbles! If you want a break from the shopping, there are many quaint little cafes also on Middleton Street where you can bite into homemade cakes whilst enjoying a warm cup of tea, as well as plenty of restaurants and elegant wine bars.

The weekly outdoor market, held every Friday, stands on what was formerly the railway goods yard. The market sells everything which complements the local shops, from eggs to fabric and much more still. Moving on to supermarkets, one of the town’s two supermarket stores sits opposite the site of the outdoor market, making it easy for you to pick up all your essentials.

There are two town gardens where you can have a bit of peace and relaxation. Memorial Gardens belongs to the Town Hall and commemorates those who died in the First and Second World War. It is an interesting and historical place to visit whilst in the town centre. The second garden is Temple Gardens, which have spacious and colourful gardens where you can sit and embrace the warm atmosphere of the town.
        In Temple Gardens you will also find the Bandstand where local choirs and the Llandrindod Wells Silver Band play throughout the year, as well as visiting groups, particularly during Victorian Week in the summer, when the town is busy with visitors and tourists.

Attractions

There are plenty of activities and attractions to be found in Llandrindod Wells. From crazy golf courses near the top of the town to the Llandrindod Wells Sports Centre with impressive and modern facilities, there are plenty of sports options in the town. There is also the Heart of Wales Walking festival which takes place in September and has walks for all ages and to suit everyone’s tastes, and they are all guided. The walks offer breathtaking and picturesque views of the countryside surrounding Llandrindod Wells and you should definitely participate if you are visiting the town at that time of the year.

There are many festivals held in Llandrindod Wells, including the Drama Festival Week held in May of each year and the Victorian Festival held in August of each year.  The latter is the leading Victorian Festival in the UK today and is held in the last full week of August before the Bank Holiday, and holds many different activities and street entertainment for both adults and children throughout the day. There is also the Llandrindod Premier Play Park, a colourful and attractive play area which will keep children amused for hours.

The Heart of Wales Farmers’ Community Market

The farmers’ community market is held in Middleton Street between 9am and 2pm on the last Thursday of each month. It operates throughout the year and provides a place for farmers within the surrounding area to get together and meet their customers.

Radnorshire Museum

The Radnordshire Museum is a small museum set in Llandrindod Wells itself, showcasing the development of the town, and shows the contrast between town and country life. This is definitely an interesting little place to visit.

Rock Park and Spa

The delightful pump room, which was built in 1860, is now closed, but it stills makes a charming landmark in the depths of the romantic Rock Park with its tall conifers and its fascinating Lovers’ Leap. There is also a spa set in the town, which would have once attracted hundreds of visitors, particularly during the Victorian period. Believed to have contained sulphur, saline, magnesium and chalybeate, the water was used to ‘cure’ diseases and ailments, such as the sulphur which was believed to help towards eczema and diseases with the bladder and kidneys. The spa closed along with the pump room but it is still an interesting and delightful place to take a walk around.

Llandrindod Lake

The lake, found near the town centre, was purpose built during the 19th century. It is a beautiful sight and attraction in the town and is also a prime spot for fishing attracting anglers year after year, particularly now that the lake has been drained and fish re-stocked. Not only does it attract anglers but it also attracts a variety of wildlife, including geese, ducks and swans.
     The Lakeside Café, as well as serving delicious food and drink, offers stunning views of the lake and you can sit here and relax whilst watching the birds that now occupy the wildlife sanctuary on the island in the centre of the lake.

While visiting the lake why not look out for the Llandoddie. A magnificent piece of sculpture carved from the trunk of an ancient oak tree (that unfortunately had to be cut down after storm damage). What's a Llandoddie? Well ... Llandoddies are the ancient water keepers of the Wells. Dewi Fach is their hero who saved the Llandoddies from the Grogs Invasion at the Battle by the Lake. Legend has it that those who touch the statue of Dewi will have a long and happy life.

Surrounding Area

Although there are plenty of attractions in Llandrindod Wells to keep you busy, if you want to branch out into the surrounding area you won’t be stuck for things to do.

Royal Welsh Show

Builth Wells is famous for the annual Royal Welsh Show, the largest agricultural show in Wales and run by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. The first show was held in Aberystwyth, south-west Wales, in 1904, but the main showground was subsequently moved to Builth Wells where the show has been held every July since 1963. Competitions include horse riding competitions and sheep shearing competitions, and there is an arts and crafts show each year, as well as falconry and sheep dog trials. The show attracts farmers from all over the country each year!

Wyeside Arts Centre

This arts centre, found 7 miles outside Builth Wells, houses a gallery displaying fascinating works by local artists and craftspeople. There is also a cinema, theatre and live art shows including music, dance and children’s shows. If it is art and culture that you are after, then this is definitely the place to visit. With something to entertain the whole family, it certainly won’t disappoint you.

Oakland Small Breeds Farm, Kington

This delightful farm is situated 20 miles east from Llandrindod Wells, just outside the market town of Kington. Open April to October, it is a charming place where all the family can encounter small, unusual animals and birds. It will leave children fascinated and the play area located in the farm grounds will also keep them amused. It is definitely worth the 31 minute drive to experience this special attraction.

History

Llandrindod Wells’s history lies with its period as a spa town during the late 19th century. However, sulphur and saline were discovered in the town as early as 1732 and a farmstead was converted into a famous pump house. Although the town did not attract many visitors at the time, the arrival of the railways in the 1860s bought visitors to the then modern spa town and Llandrindod Wells thrived from upon this.
     Following the First World War, the number of visitors declined during the 1920s and in particular the Second World War. Yet the townspeople and its council were determined not to let the town fall into deterioration and obscurity, and it became an administrative centre, as well as having an industrial base built near the town centre. However, at the same time the spa was still in decline and it drew its last waters in 1971. Since then the spa and the Rock Park have remained a popular attraction to both residents and visitors alike.

The ancient foundations of the church of Saint Maelog can be found just past the crazy golf courses. They were discovered during excavations whilst a new housing estate was being planned along Cefnllys Lane. The remains of the foundations were carefully relocated to their current location and provide a fascinating insight into the history of Llandrindod Wells.

Accommodation and Services

The Tourist and Information Centre in Llandrindod Wells can be found in the Town Hall, next to the Memorial Gardens. Inside the centre you will find plenty of information to help you on your visit or stay and a video of the history and sights of the town. There are also plenty of maps, leaflets and guides, as well as an accommodation guide and booking service.

There is a wide range of accommodation in Llandrindod Wells including luxurious hotels, friendly bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, farmhouse accommodation and self-catering cottages. Caravan parks and camping sites can be found in nearby Crossgates, Rhayader and along the A483 road towards Llanelwedd.