National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
Mid Wales Culture
Described by one enthusiastic visitor as ‘Radnorshire's hidden gem’, The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir (Abbey-Cwm-Hir, Powys - www.abbeycwmhir.com) recently opened its doors to the public for the first time in 150 years. A Grade II listed building, the Hall is one of the country's finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture featuring 52 opulent rooms and stunning gardens.
Built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson the great Victorian improver, the house was doubled in size by the Philips family in 1869. It is set in 12 acres overlooking the ruins of the 12th century Cistercian “Abbey of the Long Valley” which includes the grave of Llewellyn the Last, the last native Prince of Wales.
The owners organise guided tours throughout the year but these are proving to be so popular that booking in advance is highly advisable!
Of course, we can’t talk about culture without mentioning a trip to the National Library of Wales in Aberystywth (www.llgc.org.uk). One of the world's great libraries, it has a huge collection of works about Wales and the other Celtic countries as well as thousands of manuscripts and archives, pictures and photographs, maps, sound recordings and moving images (all the resources are available free of charge to the over 16s). There are also numerous events and activities including a special exhibition, ‘In this Place’ (March 19 onwards), which will exhibit a hundred years of Welsh history through the Library's extensive collections.
Another option for book lovers is a trip to Hay on Wye in Powys, the place with more books per head than anywhere else in the world. Over ten days in early summer, the annual literary festival draws around 80,000 visitors to see and hear big literary names from all over the world. The town also hosts a number of other events throughout the year including October's ‘Hay-on-Fire’ spectacular.
With Wales having more castles than anywhere in the world, it's a good idea to mention a couple of the area's best examples. The unique Powis Castle near Welshpool is built from red gritstone and was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis. Sited on a hill and dominating the landscape, the castle also features magnificent gardens complete with Italianate terraces.
Meanwhile, Harlech Castle – probably one of the greatest castles in the UK - sits high on cliffs overlooking Tremadog Bay in Snowdonia offering amazing views of the Llŷn Peninsular. One of just five World Heritage Sites in Wales, this medieval castle and grounds, with its remarkable gatehouse and four round corner towers, was built by Edward I as part of his infamous ‘iron ring’ of fortifications across Wales.
Wales has traditionally been famed as the land of song and for the budding soprano in you a night's stay at Cwm-Moel B&B (Aberedw, Builth Wells, Powys) hits the high notes as the owner, Eleanor Madoc Davies, offers guests professional singing lessons!
Meanwhile, the intricate Welsh art of quilt making, which has been passed down through Welsh families for centuries, is on show at Jen Jones' shop at Llanybydder, Ceredigion (www.jen-jones.com). Jen has a stock of over a thousand handmade quilts and blankets mostly made between 1820 and 1939.
For homely Welsh architecture, Under the Thatch (www.underthethatch.co.uk) has properties across Mid Wales including traditional cottages, traditional gypsy caravans, retro-themed woodland log cabins and even a converted railway carriage by the edge of the sea!
Wales is full of traditions and heritage that make up our unique culture – why not try Welsh lessons; art and furniture making workshops at Stanway Woodcraft, Tywyn,Gwynedd (www.stanwaywoodcraft.co.uk/); a trip to the Dambusters' training grounds at Elan Valley Reservoir; Brecon Jazz; even panning for Welsh gold !
