Radnorshire
The National Cycle Collection at Llandrindod Wells
The historic county of Radnorshire forms the central section of Powys. Although the Assizes sat at Presteigne, New Radnor was originally considered the county town. However administrative functions were eventually transferred to Llandrindod Wells which still retains this role within present day Powys.
The principal towns are Knighton, Llandrindod Wells, Presteigne and Rhayader. There is plenty on offer in this area for visitors to experience and enjoy including the spectacular scenery of the Elan Valley, the aerial ballet of red kites feeding and a remarkable selection of unusual and unique heritage attractions.
For some suggestions of places to visit please read on and for places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page:
Erwood Station Craft Centre and Gallery
The entrance to the tearoom and galleries
The craft centre and gallery are housed within the unusual setting of a former derelict railway station. Some of the exhibits are housed in old railway carriages located on platform one and which have been incorporated into the main building with ramps for easy access. The centre also has a wealth of unusual gifts and local art and craft work on display and a cafe serving hot and cold food.
Inside one of the 'railway carriage' galleries
There is a programme of live craft demonstrations and exhibitions held throughout the year and a calendar showing dates and times is available on their own website.
The former signal box been restored for use as a wildlife hide by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and for visitors with good ambulant ability there is a wild life trail alongside the river.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Gigrin Farm
Feeding time at Gigrin farm
Gigrin Farm is home to the largest and most diverse concentration of birds of prey in Southern Britain. The diligence involved in the conservation work of red kite in this area, following centuries of persecution as vermin, has ensured this project has had an outstandigly successful outcome. To watch the sky fill with the sight and sound of hundreds of pairs of these amazing creatures performing an aerial ballet is a magical experience. With permission from the owners, blue badge holders can park adjacent to the ramped entrance to the accessible hides where there is excellent vision of this amazing spectacle through low observation windows.
Our researcher checking out the displays
The centre's information building which houses video displays and interpretation panels is on two levels with an internal step but there is wheelchair access to both areas on the ground floor by separate entrances. The farmyard surrounding the shop and the information area has a hard surface and is easy to wheel on.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Gilfach Farm
The traditional Welsh Longhouse
Gilfach Farm is the flagship nature reserve of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and is situated near the confluence of the Marteg River with the River Wye, 2 miles north of Rhayader in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales. It covers 410 acres and encompasses a wide variety of habitats including rocky outcrops, traditionally managed hay meadows, woodlands and river valleys.
The Nature Discovery Centre (open during school holidays and some weekends) offers a programme of interactive events and a calendar of times and dates is available on their website. At other times visitors can still see inside the Byre, part of the tradtional Welsh Longhouse, which has information about the area and its wildlife as well as some traditional farming tools.
Inside the Byre
There are trails throughout the reserve but due to the nature of this wild area even those indicated as easier access are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for visitors with limited mobility. However the breathtaking scenery along the drive through the reserve up to the farm has viewpoints offering all visitors a chance to glimpse this truely wild area of Wales and the site is well worth a visit.
There is also wheelchair access via a ramp (with assistance) to the Otter hide located by a stream approximately a quarter of a mile before reaching the farm.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
National Cycle Collection
The Cycle Collection entrance
The museum houses an historically important collection over 500 cycles with approximately half of these out on display. The collection is imaginatively displayed to provide interest for visitors of all ages and interests. From strolling along a street with replica bicycle and radio shops filled with cycling related artifacts from byegone eras or learning about the history of the Cyclist Touring Club from 1878 to the present day, the museum offers a great visitor experience.
Just a few of the many varied exhibits
Exhibits also include an assortment of childrens tricycles and scooters that will bring back memories of childhood and a display explaining the technology that produces the very latest carbon fibre racing machines.
As well as the main exhibitions there are a series of temporary displays with a wide range of themes and a programme of events held throughout the year.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
The Spaceguard Centre
The observatory has a hill top setting
The Spaceguard Centre is situated on a site high in the hills above Knighton with spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. The purpose of the observatory is to monitor the paths of 'Near Earth Objects'. Guided tours around the centre are available on Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year. For times and booking please check out their website.
Our researcher checking out some of the exhibits
This attraction is a must for anyone who has an interest in astronomy. However the dedicated enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about the science surrounding this attraction that is displayed by the tour guide makes visiting this unique site a very worthwhile experience for everyone.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
The Thomas Shop Museum
The shop entrance
The Thomas Shop Museum is part of a unique and on-going restoration project of a village shop and its surrounding outbuildings at Penybont near Llandrindod Wells.
There has been a shop on this site alongside a main drovers route since 1730. William Thomas, took over the management of the shop in 1799 and purchased the premises in 1804. Derek and Liz Turner who now own the property have lovingly restored the shop and are continually endeavouring to add to the exhibits and so recreate the ambience and nostalgia of a shopping experience that dates back over 200 years.
Some of the shop merchandise
Much of the site is listed and the buildings are in near to original condition which is the charm of this unusual attraction. However as such access is limited and some manual wheelchair users may require assistance to negotiate the shop entrance. It is important to note this attraction may not be suitable for some powered wheelchairs.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
PLACES TO STAY
All the accommodations included has been assessed by our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most easy access needs we advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements.
It is also important to note that our researchers assess for accessibility not quality so for accommodation inspection gradings please follow the links to each providers own website.
SELF CATERING
The Meeting House
The exterior of this unusual period building
This former drover's house is a listed building and forms part of the Thomas-Shop Museum which has been detailed as an attraction elsewhere on these pages.
The exposed cruck roof in the galleried bedroom shows that the property dates back to the 16th century and it retains all the atmosphere of its long history alongside a main droving route from Wales to the markets in London.
The living area
This unique property is basically a 'one up/one down' building and the main bedroom is located upstairs. However the owners have installed a futon downstairs and an accessible wet-room off of the living area. There is also a small galley kitchen (not wheelchair accessible) enabling some visitors with easier access needs to also experience staying in such a querky and evocative period building.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
B&B
Gaer Farm
The verandah outside the accessible room
Gaer Farm is located in a tranquil picturesque valley approximately 8 miles from Llandrindod Wells. The light and airy accessible room is large enough to contain a double and two single beds as well as a table and four chairs and two 'fireside' style armchairs.
The room has an en-suite wet-room and a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge and a double 'plug in' electric hotplate where meals can be prepared if guests wish to do so.
The triple bedded room
Its peaceful setting could make it an ideal place to relax and unwind for families with easy access needs or individuals who are accompanied by a carer/carers.
Also on site is a detatched cottage sleeping up to six people (not wheelchair accessible) which could make this an ideal holiday location for extended families or small groups with some party members who have easy access needs.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
HOTEL
The Metropole Hotel
The main entrance
The Metropole has been owned and run by members of the same family since the end of the nineteenth century when the existing hotel on the site was rebuilt. The rebuilding was commissioned to accommodate the influx of guests to the town during the height of Llandrindod Wells's popularity as a Spa Town where Victorian tourists came to take the waters.
The hotel whilst affording guests all the conveniences of 21st century leisure amenities still retains the charm and ambience of its Victorian heritage. Its central position means it is within easy walking/wheeling distance of the towns shops and attractions and also makes it a great base to stay to explore the beautiful countryside in the heart of Wales.
One of the two accessible bedrooms
Room 124 on the first floor (shown in the photograph) and room 224 on the second floor are the designated accessible rooms. Both are well presented with good internal access and have an identical layout including an en-suite shower room with level access shower.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
The Knighton Hotel
The main entrance
The Knighton is a 16 bedroomed hotel situated in the heart of historic Knighton. Its central location in the borderland of the Wales/England Marches makes it an ideal base to explore the unspoilt and varied landcape of this unique area where the counties of Powys and Shropshire meet.
The accessible bedroom
The hotel has one designated accessible bedroom with an ensuite wet-room located on the first floor. This room has a double and single bed plus a small sofa bed, making it particularly suitable for families with easy access needs or guests accompanied by their own carer/carers.
In addition there are also several other bedrooms with en-suite wet-rooms which although not fully wheelchair accessible might suit guests with limited walking ability.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.