If you’re into the arts and culture then you won’t want to miss a tour of the following:
Llanwrtyd Heritage and Arts Centre
If you are a first time visitor to Llanwrtyd Wells then the Heritage and Arts Centre is a good place to start.
You can discover the fascinating history of the town through interactive maps, recordings and bilingual displays.
You can view the work of local artists and craftspeople, in monthly changing exhibitions.
You can buy Welsh products perhaps as gifts to take home in the small shop.
Our volunteer stewards will give you a warm welcome and offer suggestions of other places to visit in the vicinity.
Opening hours
- April to October: Thursday to Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- November: Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Other times: for special occasions.
Cost
Entry is free, but with the Centre being managed and run by volunteers a few coins dropped in the donation well as you leave will be very welcome.
History
The Centre opened in May 2016 in the former Congregational Chapel, following seven years of fundraising, building renovation and planning.
Memorial Garden
If you have a little spare time, the Memorial Garden behind the Memorial Institute next to Caffi Sospan will reward you with a peaceful spot to eat your packed lunch and contemplate the river.
Developed in 1997 and now maintained by the Gardening Club volunteers, the Garden celebrates the memory of Councillor Bryn Jones, who did so much for the town, including establishing the Medical Centre and preventing the demolition of the Victoria Hall, which has been used for community activities ever since (see Town life/Facilities/Victoria Hall).
Across the river, a mural and a lectern portrays historical scenes from the story of Llanwrtyd on the wall of the public toilet. These were produced by the Heritage and Arts Centre’s History Resource Group.
St. David’s Church
St. David’s Old Parish Church (the Church of St. David near the Ford – Llanddewi-wrth-y-rhyd) is a simple, spiritual, Norman Church with much earlier origins.
It is on an elevated outcrop adjacent to the road to Abergwesyn, a mile or so from modern day Llanwrtyd Wells.
Its idyllic location overlooks the tranquil River Irfon and attracts many local, national and international visitors.
The Norman building was remodelled in the medieval period and again in the Stuart, Georgian and Victorian eras.
A pleasant walk from the town centre to the Church starts along Dolycoed Road towards Abergwesyn.
Pass the school and on reaching Charcroft Electronics bear left and continue along the side of the River Irfon until the path rejoins the road.
On reaching the road bridge you will see the church ahead.
Early history
It is believed that a church has been on this site for more than 1,500 years, the site being chosen by St. David himself for the promulgation of the Christian faith following the hugely significant synod at Llanddewibrefi in 510 AD.
In 1164 Lord Rhys gave the hills behind the church to the new Cistercian Monastery at Strata Florida and it remained with the monks until 1553.
Part of a complete skeleton around 500 years old was discovered in 2018 during renovation work! Come along to find out more.
