Nick & Gail's Sightseeing Guidebook
Sightseeing
Just a few spectacular places that are well worth a visit. Don't forget your camera.
Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park
In 2015, the Elan Valley Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status and became the first privately owned but publicly accessible park in the world to do so.
Here on the Estate we were granted the silver-tier status by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) based in Arizona, USA. This status now means that the entire 45,000 acres of the Elan Valley are protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work here, in addition to the many visitors each year. The status also provides sanctuary for the abundance of wildlife and nature which can be found by day or night here on the estate.
Popular with stargazers and astro-photographers, the Elan Valley's Craig Goch Dam near Rhayader has easy parking. Stargaze from the dam itself or take the path on the east side of the reservoir to find stunning views of the night sky.
Search elanvalley where-to stargaze
About Elan Valley.
The Elan Valley Reservoirs are about 35 minutes 27 miles from our property, a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan Valley in Mid Wales. The reservoirs, which were built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, provide clean drinking water for Birmingham in the West Midlands of England. The five lakes are known as the Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg, Garreg-ddu, and Caban-coch.
Water from the reservoirs is carried by gravity to Frankley Reservoir in Birmingham via the Elan aqueduct. Pumping is not required because the network drops 52 metres (171 ft) along its 73 miles (117 km) length from its source to Frankley. A gradient of 1:2300 maintains a flow of less than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h); water takes one and a half to two days to reach Birmingham. The aqueduct, which was started in 1896 and opened in 1906, crosses several valleys and features numerous brick tunnels, pipelines, and valve houses.
50 vendasit rekomandojnë
Elan Valley Visitor Centre
Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park
In 2015, the Elan Valley Estate achieved International Dark Sky Park status and became the first privately owned but publicly accessible park in the world to do so.
Here on the Estate we were granted the silver-tier status by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) based in Arizona, USA. This status now means that the entire 45,000 acres of the Elan Valley are protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work here, in addition to the many visitors each year. The status also provides sanctuary for the abundance of wildlife and nature which can be found by day or night here on the estate.
Popular with stargazers and astro-photographers, the Elan Valley's Craig Goch Dam near Rhayader has easy parking. Stargaze from the dam itself or take the path on the east side of the reservoir to find stunning views of the night sky.
Search elanvalley where-to stargaze
About Elan Valley.
The Elan Valley Reservoirs are about 35 minutes 27 miles from our property, a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan Valley in Mid Wales. The reservoirs, which were built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, provide clean drinking water for Birmingham in the West Midlands of England. The five lakes are known as the Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg, Garreg-ddu, and Caban-coch.
Water from the reservoirs is carried by gravity to Frankley Reservoir in Birmingham via the Elan aqueduct. Pumping is not required because the network drops 52 metres (171 ft) along its 73 miles (117 km) length from its source to Frankley. A gradient of 1:2300 maintains a flow of less than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h); water takes one and a half to two days to reach Birmingham. The aqueduct, which was started in 1896 and opened in 1906, crosses several valleys and features numerous brick tunnels, pipelines, and valve houses.
About Elan Valley.
The Elan Valley Reservoirs are about 35 minutes 27 miles from our property, a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan Valley in Mid Wales. The reservoirs, which were built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, provide clean drinking water for Birmingham in the West Midlands of England. The five lakes are known as the Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg, Garreg-ddu, and Caban-coch.
Water from the reservoirs is carried by gravity to Frankley Reservoir in Birmingham via the Elan aqueduct. Pumping is not required because the network drops 52 metres (171 ft) along its 73 miles (117 km) length from its source to Frankley. A gradient of 1:2300 maintains a flow of less than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h); water takes one and a half to two days to reach Birmingham. The aqueduct, which was started in 1896 and opened in 1906, crosses several valleys and features numerous brick tunnels, pipelines, and valve houses.
Elan Valley Waterfall Trail
National Cycle Route 81 About Elan Valley.
The Elan Valley Reservoirs are about 35 minutes 27 miles from our property, a chain of man-made lakes created from damming the Elan and Claerwen rivers within the Elan Valley in Mid Wales. The reservoirs, which were built by the Birmingham Corporation Water Department, provide clean drinking water for Birmingham in the West Midlands of England. The five lakes are known as the Claerwen, Craig-goch, Pen-y-garreg, Garreg-ddu, and Caban-coch.
Water from the reservoirs is carried by gravity to Frankley Reservoir in Birmingham via the Elan aqueduct. Pumping is not required because the network drops 52 metres (171 ft) along its 73 miles (117 km) length from its source to Frankley. A gradient of 1:2300 maintains a flow of less than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km/h); water takes one and a half to two days to reach Birmingham. The aqueduct, which was started in 1896 and opened in 1906, crosses several valleys and features numerous brick tunnels, pipelines, and valve houses.
Water break its neck is on the A44 and about 29 minutes 15 miles from our property.
Part of Radnor forest. Beautiful waterfall with 3 walks, all sign posted, one is easy and short straight to the waterfall the others are longer walks. Don't forget your camera.
18 vendasit rekomandojnë
Water Break-Its-Neck
A44Water break its neck is on the A44 and about 29 minutes 15 miles from our property.
Part of Radnor forest. Beautiful waterfall with 3 walks, all sign posted, one is easy and short straight to the waterfall the others are longer walks. Don't forget your camera.
Knucklas is 14 minutes 5.7 miles from Llanbister Road.
Knucklas is a village in Powys, Wales, previously Radnorshire. It lies in the upper valley. Knucklas Viaduct, on the Heart of Wales Line, and the village of Knucklas
The Viaduct
The spectacular 13-arch span was completed by the Central Wales Railway in 1865 and recorded in an engraving from the IIIustrated London News.
Knucklass Viaduct
Knucklas is 14 minutes 5.7 miles from Llanbister Road.
Knucklas is a village in Powys, Wales, previously Radnorshire. It lies in the upper valley. Knucklas Viaduct, on the Heart of Wales Line, and the village of Knucklas
The Viaduct
The spectacular 13-arch span was completed by the Central Wales Railway in 1865 and recorded in an engraving from the IIIustrated London News.
This is a beautiful park with information boards to explain the history of the spa's, town and park. Lots of paths to explore and benches perfect for a picnic. Within easy walk of the town. There is also a cafe. Perfect place for a stroll.
Park Terrace,
Llandrindod Wells
LD1 6AU
Rock Park & Spa
Park TerraceThis is a beautiful park with information boards to explain the history of the spa's, town and park. Lots of paths to explore and benches perfect for a picnic. Within easy walk of the town. There is also a cafe. Perfect place for a stroll.
Park Terrace,
Llandrindod Wells
LD1 6AU
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 1hr 22 mins or 59 miles from us.
It took 10 years to design and build the aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in north east Wales. Even today it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 18-arched bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.
This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat. It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.
For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.
Location: Llangollen Wharf
Official site: www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
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Akuedukti i Pontcysyllte
Station RoadPontcysyllte Aqueduct is 1hr 22 mins or 59 miles from us.
It took 10 years to design and build the aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the wide valley of the River Dee in north east Wales. Even today it's considered a significant feat of civil engineering and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 18-arched bridge is built of stone and cast iron, its arches soaring 100 feet above the river, and is more than 1,000 feet in length. In 1801, when the aqueduct was built, canals were an important means of transport for manufactured goods and raw materials, and aqueducts were a more efficient means of carrying them across deep valleys than staircases of canal locks.
This one is the longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world. A narrow walkway with a railing allows pedestrians to cross the bridge, but it's far more fun to cross it on a canal boat. It's not for those with a fear of heights, however, as your boat sits high on the shallow canal, and it's a long way down to the river.
For a less vertigo-inducing ride, horse-drawn canal boats take tourists on a tree-shaded stretch of the canal from nearby Llangollen Wharf. A fun alternative is to take a guided kayak tour across the aqueduct.
Location: Llangollen Wharf
Official site: www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
Ludlow Castle is 45 minutes 26 miles away from our house
Ludlow Castle became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years
Welcome to Ludlow Castle, one of the finest medieval ruins in England. Set in the glorious Shropshire countryside at the heart of the superb, bustling black & white market town of Ludlow. Walk through the Castle grounds and see the ancient houses of kings, queens, princes, judges and the nobility – a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society
The Castle, firstly a Norman Fortress and extended over the centuries to become a fortified Royal Palace, has ensured Ludlow’s place in English history – originally built to hold back unconquered Welsh, passing through generations of the de Lacy and Mortimer families to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. It became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years, during which time the Council of the Marches was formed with responsibility for the Government of Wales and the border counties. Abandoned in 1689 the castle quickly fell into ruin, described as ‘the very perfection of decay’ by Daniel Defoe
Since 1811 the castle has been owned by the Earls of Powis, who have arrested further decline, and allowed this magnificent historical monument to be open to the public. Today the Castle is the home to Ludlow’s major festivals throughout the year and open for all to enjoy
Other things to do
The Castle is surrounded by a wealth of independent shops and eateries, some hidden away in the medieval streets so make time to wander around whilst you are here. There are plenty of walks starting from the outside of the Castle and down to the River Teme. From short walks like The Bread walk along the river to medium and long walks through Whitcliffe and into Mortimer Forest. All accessible from the riverside.
Visit The Buttercross www.ludlow.org.uk/ludlow-museum.html Museum Fridays – Sundays, St. Laurence’s Church with Medieval stained glass windows and views of the Castle from the tower http://www.stlaurences.org.uk/, Ludlow Brewery http://www.theludlowbrewingcompany.co.uk/
Set within the beautiful AONB Shropshire Hills visit their website to find other activities whilst you are visiting http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/
Prices
Adult 16+ yrs £8.00
Concession
(65 and over/Students. Student card required) £7.00
Children
6 - 15 yrs £3.50 (Aged 5 and under Free)
Family
(2 Adults & up to 4 Children Aged 6 - 15 yrs) £20.00
120 vendasit rekomandojnë
Kështjella Ludlow
Castle SquareLudlow Castle is 45 minutes 26 miles away from our house
Ludlow Castle became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years
Welcome to Ludlow Castle, one of the finest medieval ruins in England. Set in the glorious Shropshire countryside at the heart of the superb, bustling black & white market town of Ludlow. Walk through the Castle grounds and see the ancient houses of kings, queens, princes, judges and the nobility – a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society
The Castle, firstly a Norman Fortress and extended over the centuries to become a fortified Royal Palace, has ensured Ludlow’s place in English history – originally built to hold back unconquered Welsh, passing through generations of the de Lacy and Mortimer families to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. It became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years, during which time the Council of the Marches was formed with responsibility for the Government of Wales and the border counties. Abandoned in 1689 the castle quickly fell into ruin, described as ‘the very perfection of decay’ by Daniel Defoe
Since 1811 the castle has been owned by the Earls of Powis, who have arrested further decline, and allowed this magnificent historical monument to be open to the public. Today the Castle is the home to Ludlow’s major festivals throughout the year and open for all to enjoy
Other things to do
The Castle is surrounded by a wealth of independent shops and eateries, some hidden away in the medieval streets so make time to wander around whilst you are here. There are plenty of walks starting from the outside of the Castle and down to the River Teme. From short walks like The Bread walk along the river to medium and long walks through Whitcliffe and into Mortimer Forest. All accessible from the riverside.
Visit The Buttercross www.ludlow.org.uk/ludlow-museum.html Museum Fridays – Sundays, St. Laurence’s Church with Medieval stained glass windows and views of the Castle from the tower http://www.stlaurences.org.uk/, Ludlow Brewery http://www.theludlowbrewingcompany.co.uk/
Set within the beautiful AONB Shropshire Hills visit their website to find other activities whilst you are visiting http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/
Prices
Adult 16+ yrs £8.00
Concession
(65 and over/Students. Student card required) £7.00
Children
6 - 15 yrs £3.50 (Aged 5 and under Free)
Family
(2 Adults & up to 4 Children Aged 6 - 15 yrs) £20.00
55 minutes 35 miles from Llanbister Road
With an amazing collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries, you might be surprised at what you find at Powis. Every item has an intriguing story to tell.
Our Clive Museum features more than 300 items from India and the Far East in the largest private collection of its type in the UK.
Explore Italianate terraces, spectacular yew hedges, lead statues and lavish herbaceous borders. Our gardens never fail to impress.
Join us for an Easter adventure in nature at Powis Castle and Garden. Discover your local family-friendly trail with fun activities to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg at the end.
Powis Castle and Garden,
Welshpool
SY21 8RF
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle-and-garden
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National Trust - Powis Castle dhe Kopshti
55 minutes 35 miles from Llanbister Road
With an amazing collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries, you might be surprised at what you find at Powis. Every item has an intriguing story to tell.
Our Clive Museum features more than 300 items from India and the Far East in the largest private collection of its type in the UK.
Explore Italianate terraces, spectacular yew hedges, lead statues and lavish herbaceous borders. Our gardens never fail to impress.
Join us for an Easter adventure in nature at Powis Castle and Garden. Discover your local family-friendly trail with fun activities to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg at the end.
Powis Castle and Garden,
Welshpool
SY21 8RF
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle-and-garden