Spotlight on: Llandrindod Wells

02 Apr 2019

A SPA town at the heart of Wales

WITH its elegant Victorian grandeur, a host of independent shops and stunning scenery, Llandrindod Wells Spa is one of the real gems of the Transport for Wales network.

In a world of carbon copy high streets devoid of imagination, Llandrindod Wells can be summed up in one word; charm.

Set in the rolling Radnoshire hills, the town has gained a reputation for hosting major rally driving events and international bowls, whilst its multiple hotels and country walks make it the perfect place for a weekend break.

Getting there

Llandrindod Wells is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Shrewsbury and 2 hours 15 minutes from Swansea on the Heart of Wales Line. The station is right in the town centre.

(Llandrindod Wells Station)

The Heart of Wales line Community Rail Partnership have been instrumental in promoting the Heart of Wales walking trail, encouraging visitors to leave the car at home and use the train and walk to truly get a flavour of rural Wales and Shropshire at its finest.

The 141 mile trail links stations along the line, with Llandrindod Wells at the centre. More information can be found here: www.heart-of-wales.co.uk

Regular travellers can pick up a Heart of Wales line Railcard for just £10 to save 34% off every journey here.

You can also buy a circular day ranger for the line which allows you to travel from Cardiff to Shrewsbury or Swansea, before travelling on the line and coming back via the mainline. More information here.

Attractions and a bit about the town

Whilst long renowned for its spa waters, Llandrindod only really began to grow during the late Victorian and early Edwardian period following the arrival of the railway in 1865.

That economic boom lasted up to the start of the First World War as passenger services led to greater demand for the mineral rich waters.

And while many of the wells are no longer accessible, you can still try the waters of the Chalybeate spring at the centre of Rock Park for free. A short walk from the park brings you to Llandrindod lake where you can hire boats, enjoy an ice cream or simply take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter.

(A view of one of Llandrindod's famous wells in Rock Park)

(The Chalybeate Spring)

The town is distinctive for its many grand hotels and yellow brick buildings from the quarries of Radnorshire, built in the Victorian era. So it's fitting then that the town is famous for its Victorian festival, where people come from far and wide to celebrate all things 19th century. It also boasts one of the finest bowling greens in Britain, where international events have been held on a regular basis, with a number of Welsh international players still living in the area.

Key Llandrindod Wells attractions include: