Elan Valley
The dams and reservoirs of the
Elan Estate are situated within an area of outstanding scenic beauty. Explore
this stunning area along the well-marked trails suitable for walkers and
mountain bikes. For those interested in the history of the dams there is an
interesting exhibition in the visitors centre at the entrance to the valley.
The dams were originally built to provide water for the growing town of
Birmingham in the 19th century.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines
These unique gold mines are set
amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. The Romans who
exploited the site almost 2,000 years ago left behind a complex of pits,
channels and tanks. Mining resumed in the 19th century and continued through
the 20th century, reaching a peak in 1938. Guided tours take visitors through
the Roman and the more recent underground workings. The main mine yard contains
a collection of 1930s mining machinery, an exhibition about the history of gold
and gold mining, video and interpretation. Gold panning gives visitors the
opportunity to experience the frustrations of the search for gold. Other
attractions include way-marked walks and picnic areas. The Gold mines are
approx. 30 mins drive from the cottage.
Dinefwr Park and Castle
Land of power and influence for
more than 1,000 years, Dinefwr Park and Castle is an iconic place in the
history of Wales. Dinefwr Castle, which is where the Lord Rhys, Prince of
Deheubarth held court, overlooks the superb 18th-century designed landscape and
Newton House. The ground floor and basement of Newton House are furnished
c.1912 and there is a new exhibition on the first floor which tells visitors
about Dinefwr's past. Visitors will be inspired to explore the park, home to
more than 100 fallow deer and a herd of rare White Park Cattle. Dinefwr Park
and Castle is 30 mins drive from the cottage.
Carreg Cennen Castle
One of the most spectacularly
sited Welsh castles is Carreg Cennen. Spell-binding views are waiting to be
experienced from the sharp hilltop upon which the castle sits. The story of
Carreg Cennen Castle is a long one, going back at least to the 13th
century. Although the Welsh Princes of
Deheubarth built the first castle at Carreg Cennen, what remains today dates to
King Edward I's momentous period of castle-building in Wales. Carreg Cennen Castle
is 35 mins from the Cottage.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of
Wales was the first national botanic garden to be created in the new
millennium. This year is its eighth birthday. In such a short time, it has
developed into one of the most fascinating gardens in the UK. Already it is the
most visited garden in Wales and home to the largest single span glasshouse in
the world. The Gardens are 50 minutes’ drive from the cottage.
Heart Of Wales Line
If you are travelling along this
line for the first time, you will be impressed. Seasoned travellers will need
no reminding of the rugged beauty, tranquil villages and picturesque Victorian
spa towns that are dotted along one of the most scenic lines in the United
Kingdom. For 121 miles between Swansea and Shrewsbury, a feast of panoramic
views includes the beautiful Loughor estuary near Llanelli, the meandering
river Tywi between Llandeilo and Llandovery, red kite in the skies above the
Eppynt hills near Llanwrtyd Wells, the Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells
and Knighton, and the remote borderlands of the English Marches. Llanwrtyd
Wells Station is 1.5 miles from the cottage.
Aberglasney House and Gardens
Spectacularly set in the
beautiful Tywi valley of Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney House features one of the
finest gardens in Wales. Aberglasney Gardens have been an inspiration to poets
since 1477. The story of Aberglasney spans many centuries, but, the house's
origins are still shrouded in obscurity. Aberglasney and its gardens are being
restored back to its earlier glory. They are 40 mins from the cottage.