In addition to being the perfect place from which to explore Mid Wales and the stunning Elan Valley, by car, bike, on foot or pony, Rhayader has many other delights of its own to offer. It's a thriving little town with a wide choice of shops, fine old pubs, good eating and friendly places to stay. Each season has unique appeal in this beautiful part of Mid Wales. Year round, there can be few better places to appreciate them than here.
Find the clocktower in the middle of Rhayader and you are standing at the historic crossroads midway between North and South Wales. In the mid 19th century this was the vital staging post for coaches travelling from then distant Aberystwyth to England. Twice, local men calling themselves 'Rebecca's Daughters' in a Biblical reference, dressed as women and destroyed the turnpike gates which stood here in protest at the high toll charges. Tollhouses can still be seen in the town on South Street and Llangurig Road.
Rhayader is a traditional Welsh market town so when better to see it than on market day. You'll find the general market in full swing every Wednesday in addition to a number of fairs held on various dates throught the year with traditions going back hundreds of years.
There's shopping for antiques and crafts in Rhayader too with a special treat for crystalware enthusiasts. Home of Welsh Royal Crystal - the Principality's own manufacturers of lead crystal tableware. Here you can visit the factory, see beautiful pieces being hand crafted and, if you like, buy in the factory shop. Rhayader features two high quality business parks with units ranging from 750- 10,000sq ft, plus greenfield space for larger bespoke premises.
The Elan Valley is a revelation; the dramatic heart of Wales ... meadows and woodlands ... pierced by the river Elan.The massive lakes you will see are a series of four reservoirs created a century ago to provide water for the city of Birmingham. Before the waters rose to cover it, the poet Shelley regularly stayed at a mansion here, from which he could revel in scenery he considered marvellous. Francis Brett Young also based his book, 'The House Under The Water' on the flooding of the Elan Valley.
Rhayader's market town history means that there are a number of traditional properties in the town and its surrounds. Those with more modern tastes however are also catered for and prices as a whole are below the UK and Wales averages.
The primary school in the town feeds to the high school in Llandrindod Wells approximately 10 miles away. Here also is a college of further education, Coleg Powys.
Social and recreational amenities...The countryside surrounding Rhayader is ideal for walking, mountain biking and pony trekking, whilst the River Wye offers quality fly fishing. In Rhayader itself there are facilities for cricket, tennis, bowling, football and rugby.
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