What is ‘The Mid Wales Heritage Hunt’…?
We are incredibly lucky to live in an area so full of culture and heritage, and there are lots of groups and organisations looking after our history and stories. We recently got together with some of our friends and partners across the sector to try and find a way to make sure that what we all do is easy for you to find out about – so may we present ‘The Mid Wales Heritage Hunt’!
The Mid Wales Heritage Hunt is a fun way to learn about some of the fascinating heritage that’s hiding all across our area of Wales. Each organisation included in the trail has their own unique and special stories to tell, and each and every one of us can’t wait to welcome you share these with you.
Download your copy of the The Mid Wales Heritage Hunt
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Who is part of the Mid Wales Heritage Hunt?
1. TimeScape Rhayader
TimeScape Rhayader is a new all-weather attraction in Rhayader, Wales with two floors of exhibitions, displays and activities exploring this area’s unique stories, legends and people. Not to mention an exciting dragon trail to visit dragon Queen Belrenin in her cavern! Located just a stone’s throw from Rhayader town centre’s cafes and tearooms, TimeScape also has a shop full of handmade crafts, books written by local authors plus information to help you explore the experience and surrounding area.
Contact Details:
East Street, Rhayader LD6 5ER
Tel: 01597 810194
Email: Museum@carad.org.uk
2. Dolmynach House
Dolmynach House in Rhayader was bequeathed in trust to Powys County Council when its owner, Leila Williams, died in 1994. The building houses a treasure trove of artefacts dating back to the early 1890s when the house was built by Leila's grandfather, Rhys Edward Lewis.
For more information, please contact the Radnorshire Society.
Bridge St, Rhayader LD6 5AG
Email: admin@radnorshiresociety.org
Web: https://radnorshiresociety.org
3. Radnorshire Museum
Radnorshire Museum is located in the centre of Llandrindod Wells and holds collections relating to the former county of Radnorshire. The museum is housed in the former Carnegie Public Library. The collections include archaeology, palaeontology, fine art, natural history, military history and social history.
Contact Details:
Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5DL
Tel: 01597 824513
Email: radmus@powys.gov.uk
Web: https://www.storipowys.org.uk/radnorshire-museum
4. The National Cycle Museum
The National Cycle Museum is home to over 260 cycles from an 1818 Hobby Horse, Victorian solid-tyred machines, classic lightweights to the latest carbon-fibre designs. It is one of the world leading cycle museums and regularly holds events across the UK.
Contact Details:
Automobile Palace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DL.
Tel: 01597 825531
Email: curator@cyclemuseum.org.uk
Web: https://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
5. Rock Park – Llandrindod Wells
Originally set out in the 1860s to cater for the flourishing spa trade, the Rock Park today provides twelve acres of mature woodland with plenty to see and do. Many of the Victorian Spa buildings remain including the original Pump Room. The Park includes three international standard bowling greens. The Spa buildings house the Rock Park Complementary Health Centre and the Rock Park Cafe.
Contact Details:
Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. LD1 6AE
Tel: 01597 822104
Email: info@spatowntrust.org.uk
Web: https://www.spatowntrust.org.uk/
6. The Thomas Shop
Deeply embedded in the history and culture of Radnorshire, the Thomas Shop is a unique blend of the old and the new. The museum shop will excite nostalgia for those who remember a time when shopping was a cultural experience and provides an opportunity to learn and connect with the past for the younger generation. You will also find a lovely tea shop inside that serves light lunches and tea shop delights made with locally sourced ingredients.
Contact Details:
Pen y Bont, Powys, LD1 5UA
Tel: 01597 851951
Email: info@thomas-shop.co.uk
Web: https://www.thomas-shop.com/
7. The Judge’s Lodging
Step into the 1870s at the award-winning Judge’s Lodging to see how the world looked to the Victorian judges, their servants and felonious guests (oh yes, we do mean prisoners!). Lit only by oil and gas lamps, wander through the judge’s private apartments, sit in his armchair or at his dining table. Below stairs you can pump water in the kitchen or explore the servants’ sleeping quarters and workrooms!
Contact Details:
Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD
Tel: 01544 260650
Email: info@judgeslodging.org.uk
Web: https://www.judgeslodging.org.uk
8. Radnorshire Arts and Crafts Foundation – home of the Museum of Welsh Textiles
The Museum of Welsh Textiles is based in the Old School, Whitton and dedicated to the history of woollen industry and textiles in Wales. Each year they display a different aspect of the collection, showing examples and focusing on their manner of production. It also houses a Gallery to showcase for the work of local artists and makers, plus offers talks and textile study days throughout the year for individuals or groups of 4 or more.
Contact Details:
The Old School, Pen-y-bont Rd, Whitton, Knighton Powys. LD7 1NP
Tel: 01547 560936
Email: info@radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org
Web: https://www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org/
9. Knighton Museum
Located in Knighton’s main street, the museum reflects the social history of the area. Most exhibits have been either donated or lent by local people and illustrate the varied history of this border town from the drovers to the flannel weavers, from trade to agriculture. Chat with the resident weaver, role-play teacher or pupil, wonder at the sheer weight of an early mobile phone, spend some time reading the Beano, or simply indulge yourself with that smell known as carbolic soap!
Contact Details:
1 Broad St, Knighton LD7 1BL
Tel: 01547 529530
Email: info@knightonmuseum.org
Web: https://www.knightonmuseum.org/
10. Offas Dyke Visitor’s Centre
The Offa's Dyke Visitor’s Centre is the home of the Offa's Dyke Association. The centre is your first port of call to find out about King Offa, his Dyke, the National Trail and the wider Welsh border region. Browse the interpretive displays, visit the book and souvenir shop and then enjoy a tea or coffee with one of their famous cakes!
Contact Details:
West Street, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN
Tel: 01547 528753
Email: oda@offasdyke.org.uk
Web: https://offasdyke.org.uk/
11. Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust
The Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust offer a range of events at the abbey such as tours and talk to promote the importance of this site in Welsh heritage and culture. They also have a major community heritage projects ‘Demystifying the Abbey’. The project involves a range of aspects of Abbeycwmhir’s heritage such as collecting oral memories, desk research and field research into the sacred landscape within which Cwmhir Abbey sits.
Contact Details:
Web: https://abbeycwmhir.org/
12. Abbey of Strata Florida (‘Vale of Flowers’)
The Abbey of Strata Florida – Latin for ‘Vale of Flowers’ – has stood beside the banks of the river Teifi since 1201. It was established by white-robed Cistercian monks as part of a movement in the early Middle Ages. Strata Florida, or Ystrad Fflur as local people know it, is the final resting place for generations of medieval Welsh princes and the great poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is said to be buried under a yew in the churchyard. It is known as the Westminster Abbey of Wales.
Contact Details:
Abbey Rd, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion SY25 6ES
Tel: 03000 252239
Email: cadw@gov.wales
Web: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/strata-florida-abbey
13. Llanwrtyd & District Heritage and Arts centre
A visit to Llanwrtyd & District Heritage and Arts Centre takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of this small town and its surroundings. Interactive maps let you see the rapid growth of the town and find key places in its history and you can play back recorded memories of local residents to gain an insight into now-lost daily life. Younger visitors can become detectives as they ‘Follow the Frog’ to complete a quiz!
Contact Details:
Ffos Road, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys LD5 4RG
Tel: 01591 610067
Web: https://history-arts-wales.org.uk/
The Mid Wales Heritage Hunt project
is supported by CARAD, The Radnorshire Society, and funded UK Government.
