Machynlleth is a quaint and historic market town in close proximity to the coast and Snowdonia National Park. Surrounded by farms and adventure hubs, the town center has a bohemian ambiance, attracting people with alternative lifestyles. Wander through the historic center for a glimpse into this town’s intriguing past and current lifestyle.
Visit the MOMA Wales in the center of the town for its works of modern art. Admire the majestic façade of the gallery’s building, the Tabernacle, whose former incarnations include a chapel and a center for performing arts.
Nearby is the historic Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament House, where the namesake prince of Wales held a parliament in 1404. Look around the well-preserved building, which is today a social center.
Many of the region’s attractions lie outside the town. Enter Snowdonia National Park for its range of activities, such as Coastriders Kitesurfing. Try a kitebuggy ride sit in a vehicle attached to a large kite that powers it along the shore, occasionally lifting it off the ground, in nearby Aberdyfi. Another intriguing site is the Falconry Experience Wales, where you can handle birds of prey.
Among the region’s highlights is the Centre for Alternative Technology, which complements the townspeople’s progressive attitude. Learn about features of sustainable living, including renewable energy and organic farming, at this eco-friendly site. View the displays on solar and wind power in the visitor center.
Note that the town is often referred to by locals as Mach or the Ancient Capital of Wales, in unofficial reference to Owain Glyndŵr’s 15th-century parliament.
The town is in Montgomeryshire county, just south of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. Take a train to the Machynlleth Railway Station, a little northwest of the town. You an also fly to the airports of Cardiff or Liverpool and drive here within 2 to 3 hours.
Use Machynlleth as a base for activities in Snowdonia National Park and learn about the town’s key role in the rich tapestry of Welsh history.
