Machynlleth is surrounded by mountains, the most famous being Cader Idris. This dramatic scenery falls from the craggy tops down to the lush, gentle valley of the Dovey River. It's a country ideal for walkers and all lovers of the great outdoors.
A royal charter dating from the 13th century grants Machynlleth the right to a street market. This tradition continues; every Wednesday throughout the year, the town hosts one of the largest markets in Wales.
It was in Machynlleth that Owain Glyndwr was proclaimed Prince of Wales and held his parliament in the 1400's. The parliament building is found in the main street.
The town boasts a wonderful array of independent shops, so very different from the usual collection of national retail chains found in most places today.
Book Shops
Coch-y-Bonddu - fishing and game books.
Dyfi Books - second hand books.
Mach Books - recent publications.
Ian Snow - Ian Snows for Ethnic clothes and furnishings and Lots More.
Kelvin Jenkins - Welsh Gold Jeweler.
A China Shop; The Fabric Shop for brilliant fabrics and make up service; various clothes shops & an excellent traditional shoe shop; four gift shops; the pottery shop, selling locally made pottery; two antique shops two cycle shops, the Aga shop for cookers and accessories; an enormous selection of dolls house miniatures; a toy shop; traditional ironmongers. All this as well as various food shops. Over twenty five independent shops, making Machynlleth the most interesting shopping centre for many, many miles.
Galleries
Tabernacl - The National Museum of Modern Art in Wales. An ever changing exhibition of the very best of contemporary Welsh art. Mostly paintings but some sculpture.
Spectrum - Sells paintings, vibrant ceramics, model boats and pottery.
After Machynlleth the Dovey river widens into a spectacular estuary. Miles and miles of wonderful clean sand. On the south shore, Ynys-las is vast, wild and abounds with shells and sea birds; Aberdovey, on the north shore, is perfect for families and sailors; an unspoilt seaside village.
Leisure centre with indoor pool and gym just two minutes from the hotel.
