From Rhayader drive east by either the A 470 or the A 44 to reach the county town of Powys, Llandrindod Wells (pop. 4,065), the leading spa of Wales, with magnesium, sulfur, chalybeate and other springs. In its heyday the town attracted some 80,000 visitors every year to take the cure, mainly for rheumatism and gout. From this period it has preserved a legacy of Georgian houses, wide streets, spacious parks and numerous hotels. There are excellent facilities for sport and entertainment, while the museum on Temple Street has an interesting archaeological collection. The golf-course, 1,100ft/335m above sea level, with fine views of the valley below, is one of the highest in Britain. There is good fishing in the River Eithon and the lake in the middle of the town.
From Llandrindod Wells the A 483 runs south to Builth Wells, where the Irfon flows into the Wye, passing through the quiet little village of Howey. Formerly it was a town of some consequence, with four markets a year, near the drove road on which the cattle were driven from Wales into England.
This annual week-long festival takes place in mid- to late August, when the town turns back the clocks to the Victorian ages. Street theater and bandstand concerts are only some of the events offered during the Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival.
Address: Llandrindod Wells Festival Office, Wadham House Middleton Street
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Presteigne, Wales
