If you’ve suddenly realised that Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, it’s not too late to book a last minute break to Mid Wales, or treat your loved one to a special gift or a voucher to visit later in the year. They say that everyone can hug, but only the Welsh can cwtch. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, one of the top beauty spots in Mid Wales, is promising guests ‘The Vyrnwy Cwtch’ when they book a midweek winter break in February and March. Midweek overnight breaks for two start from £199 with a second night at half price. Included in the one night stay are luxurious accommodation, a Welsh breakfast, £35 per person towards dinner in the award-winning Tower Restaurant, a bottle of fizz in the room on arrival as well as a cuddly sheep to cwtch on the way home with happy memories of Mid Wales. Cwtch is an old Welsh word and means to hug, cuddle or embrace, all blessed with love. Lake Vyrnwy is the perfect place for couples to enjoy a cwtch on a romantic lakeside walk, beside a tumbling waterfall or sipping champagne while watching the sunset over the mountains. Rates are based on two adults sharing a double/twin room and the offer is from Sunday to Thursday between February 7 to March 31, subject to availability. Room prices range from £199 to £249. https://www.lakevyrnwy.com/offers-and-packages/ Experience something different How about a pottery experience for you and your loved one? Think Demi and Patrick from Ghost, perhaps? Valentine’s Day vouchers and pottery wheel sessions for two are available from Alex Allpress Pottery – https://alexallpress.co.uk/ - in Builth Wells, and take place in a stunning stone chapel. There are lots of fabulous independent businesses in Builth Wells to make a day of it.
Find more experience days in Mid Wales at https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/ Valentine’s Day gifts from Wales Treat your loved one (or yourself) to a piece of Welsh jewellery from The Rhiannon Centre - https://www.rhiannon.co.uk/rhiannon - centre in Tregaron. In the heart of this small, Welsh speaking town surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Rhiannon Welsh Gold Centre was established in 1971 by Rhiannon Evans, a jewellery designer with an international reputation for her original and unique interpretations of the Welsh and Celtic artistic traditions. If you’re visiting Tregaron, this very special attraction has been extended to include even more facilities. You can watch Rhiannon's jewellery being handcrafted by Welsh speaking goldsmiths in the Exhibition Workshops, where they create special jewellery in silver and gold. They also use rare and precious Welsh Gold, mined a few miles away in North Wales. As well as original Celtic knotwork and traditional Welsh images, many of Rhiannon's distinctive jewellery designs draw their inspiration from the landscape and wildlife of Wales. If you’re in Welshpool, be sure to visit independent shop, Gits of Wales - https://giftsofwales.co.uk/ - on Church Street or visit online for a Welsh gift delivered to your door. Owner, Kathryn, works with artisans and business across Wales, to offer a selection of some of the best products available. Many of their gifts are handmade, some are unique and all are made with care and attention to detail – perfect to show your loved one you care. Make sure you see their ceramic love spoons and curved heart dishes. Visit https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk to find craft centres and specialist shops in Mid Wales Romantic Meals for Two Dine out in Mid Wales. Celebrate Valentine's Weekend at The Lion Art Hotel and Restaurant in Berriew - https://www.lionhotel-berriew.co.uk/ - this February, with their carefully curated Valentine's Menu. Call 01686 640452 to book, or reserve a table online. Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen Hotel in Llanidloes - https://www.trewythenhotel.wales/book-a-table/ - will be serving their new evening menu from February 10-14. You could celebrate Valentine’s in one of their beautifully decorated outdoor private pods and extend your stay for the perfect Valentine’s weekend. They are now offering Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rates from £160 per night, per couple. The Elephant and Castle Hotel in Newtown - https://www.elephantandcastlehotel.co.uk/dining.html - has a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 12. The Valentine's evening meal will be served in the St Mary’s Restaurant overlooking the River Severn, and the Cocktail Bar will also be open, serving a range of specially chosen cocktails for the occasion. To book a table, contact 01686 626271.
Find more restaurants at https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk . Picture Captions: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, Cwtch break Alex Allpress Pottery workshops – for something different this Valentine’s Spring jewellery collection at The Rhiannon Centre The Trewythen Hotel in Llanidloes
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An aerial view of how the new Dyfi View development will look. Imagine owning a holiday home alongside a popular Mid Wales nature reserve which is home to spectacular ospreys and other rare wildlife.
That’s exactly what’s on offer with an exclusive development of 16 pitches for holiday lodges and static caravans on the five star Morben Isaf Holiday Home and Touring Park, near Machynlleth in the beautiful Dyfi Valley. The Dyfi View development - https://www.morbenisaf.co.uk/dyfi-view - represents a £750,000 investment by owner Bywater Leisure Parks and increases the number of holiday homes at Morben Isaf to 100. The new development adjoins the Dyfi Wildlife Centre and Dyfi Osprey Project on Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve and lies within the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Wales and is only a short drive to the Cambrian Coast beaches. “Dyfi View has been designed sensitively, with serenity at its heart, to complement the stunning natural environment, with foliage and trees surrounding the development to embrace its tranquil location,” said Ed Glover, Bywater Leisure Parks’ associate director. “This new development is the epitome of a peaceful, country escape. The cul-de-sac layout ensures there is no through traffic near the lodges and each pitch is positioned to maximise sunlight.” The Dyfi Osprey Project and Wildlife Centre, part of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, welcome visitors from around the world every year. They visit not only to see ospreys, which are breeding again in the Dyfi Valley after an absence of 400 years, but also the other rare wildlife on the reserve. The UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Wales is one of only six UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the UK. They are recognised sites of excellence which inspire communities to work together to connect people with nature and cultural heritage, while strengthening local economies. Morben Isaf Holiday Home and Touring Park is situated at Derwenlas, between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, on the A487. For more information about Dyfi View and the park, contact the park on Tel: 01654 781473 or email: info@morbenisaf.co.uk . The Montgomery Canal Triathlon, the canal’s biggest event of the year, is set to return om May 7 after two years of disruption caused by the pandemic.
The triathlon, organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and supported by the Canal & River Trust, is one of the most popular cross border events, starting in Newtown and ending in Shropshire. This annual event supports the canal’s restoration and ran for eight years before the coronavirus in 2020 caused a postponement to 2021. The ninth triathlon took place on September 4 last year and, owing to ongoing restoration works at Crickheath, was a special ‘marathon’ length of about 27 miles, shorter than the usual 35 miles. This year, the triathlon will be similar to last year, starting at Open Newtown’s new Riverside venue and finishing near restoration works at Crickheath, near Oswestry. There will be a 12-mile cycling section from Newtown to Belan, 5.5 miles by canoe through Welshpool to Pool Quay and 9.5 miles on foot to the finish at Crickheath. Christine Palin, Friends of the Montgomery Canal chairman, said: “We are really looking forward to the triathlon and hope that this year it will not be affected by any restrictions. Conditions last year meant we had to move the event to the autumn. “There has been so much interest already, even before bookings have opened, that we hope we won’t have to limit the numbers taking part. “Last year’s alternative format was enjoyed by many who took part so we shall repeat that, starting again from the new Open Newtown base – we hope that exciting project will be finished by May. “The new arrangements mean canoeing through the centre of Welshpool which draws attention to what the canal will bring the town when it is connected to the rest of the waterway system. “The event also shows what has been achieved in reopening the canal so far. After closure, many road bridges were removed, blocking the canal. The cycling section includes five of these crossings. “By contrast, canoeists will see the bridges north and south of Welshpool which are again open for navigation. The final section on foot, over the section to the Welsh border and through Llanymynech, includes the four road blockages which can be reopened with recently-announced government grants as well as Schoolhouse Bridge, which is to be rebuilt this year as one of the most exciting projects of the restoration.” “The Montgomery Canal Triathlon has always been very successful in raising funds for restoration. The Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal is raising the final funds for the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge which is the biggest project volunteers have yet undertaken on the canal. “The triathlon is popular with families as well as the more athletic, with entrants aged from eight to 80 coming from across the country – and occasionally beyond! We are sure this year’s will be as enjoyable.” Booking for the triathlon will open soon and will be available only through the website https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk/friends/montgomery-canal-triathlon/ . Picture caption: Competitors enjoying last year’s Montgomery Canal Triathlon. A historic garden in Welshpool is opening its gates for curious and creative youngsters this February half term.
The popular National Trust activity trail, ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, is returning to Powis Castle from February 19 to 27. Guaranteed fun for all the family, the trail is free and open for everyone. Exciting activities on the trail include getting to know a tree, making friends with a bug, welly wandering and wintry adventures. Sarah Johnson, visitor operations and experience manager at Powis Castle and Garden, said: “The whole team is excited to see ‘50 things’ back at Powis Castle for some half term fun. It’s always a well-liked activity and the sheet encourages youngsters to let loose in nature and learn something new as they go. “We are delighted to offer this trail for free, so we hope it will appeal to lots of families who need to entertain the children for a couple of hours.” The ‘50 things’ trail was created by the National Trust to encourage children to get outside and enjoy everything nature has to offer. The activity sheet can be used all year round, at various National Trust places, and many of the activities can be done in a garden at home. No pre-booking is required, as trail activity sheets can be collected from the welcome cabin in the car park. The trail is free to take part in and standard admission prices apply. Powis Castle and Garden is open from 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). The courtyard café is open for drinks, cakes, light bites and sandwiches. For further information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle-and-garden Picture caption: The 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ activity trail at Powis Castle and Gardens is perfect for families. Image: ©National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, and the value they bring to employers and learners across Wales.
This is an opportunity for Tourism, Hospitality and Events businesses across Wales to get involved and celebrate apprentices working in the industry. A toolkit is available with information about apprenticeships for employers and individuals, along with ideas and resources for you to use and share in support of Apprenticeship Week. However you participate, please share your activity during Apprenticeship Week via your own communication channels, including newsletters, stakeholder communications and social media - using #AWWales and #theexperiencemakers and be sure to tag us on @VisitWalesBiz / @CroesoCymruBus. For MWT members: Cambrian Training Company will be joining our members' meeting on 8 February - a great opportunity to discuss skills and training and find out more about apprenticeships. A hotel at one of the top visitor destinations and beauty spots in Mid Wales is promising guests ‘The Vyrnwy Cwtch’ when they book a midweek winter break in February and March.
The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa has launched a Spring marketing campaign offering a midweek overnight break for couples from £199 with a second night at half price. Included in the one night stay are luxurious accommodation, a Welsh breakfast, £35 per person towards dinner in the award-winning Tower Restaurant, a bottle of fizz in the room on arrival as well as a cuddly sheep to cwtch on the way home with happy memories of Mid Wales. Rates are based on two adults sharing a double/twin room and the offer is from Sunday to Thursday between February 7 to March 31, subject to availability. Room prices range from £199 to £249. Cwtch is an old Welsh word and means to hug, cuddle or embrace, all blessed with love. Lake Vyrnwy is the perfect place for couples to enjoy a cwtch on a romantic lakeside walk, beside a tumbling waterfall or sipping champagne while watching the sunset over the mountains. “Lake Vyrnwy has always been a place for romance and wellness,” said Anthony Rosser, Lake Vyrnwy Hotel’s managing director. “Whether you want to go for a walk in the wild along the many paths surrounding the hotel or to snuggle down in front of a roaring fire with a hot chocolate, Lake Vyrnwy is the perfect destination for spending quality time with a loved one in the heart of Wales.” Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Picture caption: A spectacular view of Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and lake. Holiday home park managers Richard and Sue Hodgson are swapping five star caravans and lodges for the British waterways.
The couple, who have managed Castle View Holiday Park in Harlech for the last four years, are taking a career break to explore the canal and river network of England and Wales in their narrowboat. Richard and Sue have been associated with Castle View and neighbouring Min-y-Don Holiday Parks for 17 years in all, having previously taken a three-year break to go travelling. They were involved in the development of both holiday parks by owners Salop Caravans Sites and managed both. Now they are handing over the keys to Castle View to Min-y-Don Holiday Park managers Kayleigh and Zac Bradbury. “We have really enjoyed our time as park managers, as we have met lots of lovely people and we are going to miss walking the dog on the beach every day and the view of Harlech Castle,” said Sue. “It’s a lovely place to live and work in beautiful surroundings.” Castle View Holiday Park has 59 plots, with just one available as the holiday season approaches on March 1. Having spent two years exploring the waterways of England and Wales during their previous break, the Hodgsons are looking forward to discovering more new places in the coming years on their narrowboat Tarn. “We love the peace and tranquillity of boating,” added Sue. “It’s just like people tell us they enjoy about owning a caravan. You get a different view from your window every morning. “We tend to moor at little villages in the middle of nowhere, which is what we are looking forward to doing again.” Before managing caravan parks, Sue ran a hairdressing business in Shrewsbury and Richard was assistant manager at the Wynnstay Hotel in Oswestry. Castle View and Min-y-don Holiday Parks, which are both owned by Salop Caravans Sites, is ideally situated between Harlech Castle and a beautiful beach and alongside Royal St David’s Golf Club’s championship course. Picture caption: Richard and Sue Hodgson. Work is underway to remodel the track layout at Corris Railway Station and construct a new platform before train services on the Mid Wales narrow gauge line resume over Easter weekend.
Last autumn, new sleepers made of recycled plastic were delivered and Corris Railway Society volunteers added fittings to support the rails. The plastic sleepers are expected to have a life of 30 years before needing replacement. The volunteers planned and prepared vehicles for the works train and various components for the new track plan were prepared in the Maespoeth Junction workshops. Existing track has been lifted and sections of the station platform removed. New track has been laid between Braichgoch Farm Crossing and the station throat. Construction of the traverser, which will allow locomotives to run round their trains, is underway at Statfold Engineering near Tamworth in Staffordshire. When the traverser has been delivered and installed, the rest of the trackwork, comprising the passenger line and the run round loop, will be put in place and a new platform constructed. The station rebuild is part of ongoing work to revive the oldest narrow gauge railway in Mid Wales. The original Corris station was demolished in 1968. Site restrictions make it impossible to recreate the former station exactly, but the new structure will eventually include an overall roof, a feature that made its predecessor an iconic part of the British narrow gauge scene. Considerable fundraising will be needed to make further progress when the latest phase of the work is completed. Donations towards the station project can be made online via www.corris.co.uk or cheques payable to Corris Railway can be sent to Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH. Picture captions: Volunteers laying track at Corris Railway. Images: Patrick Jolley
Please tell other members a bit about you and your business It all started back in 2008 as we had been looking to diversify for a number of years into something that would run alongside our farming business. After a family holiday to Scotland, and seeing some lovely log cabins by Loch Tay, we thought that running a couple of self catering cabins would be an ideal adventure for ourselves. We knew nothing about being involved in the running of the hospitality industry, but had a good idea about what we liked from staying at a couple of properties, in terms of living space, kitchen, bathroom and outside area. We put an awful lot of thought into the siting of the cabins to make the most of the views, privacy and the prevailing weather conditions with regards to the outside areas, balcony, hot tub and verandah. After extensive internet searching, we came across a company in Estonia who made “real” log houses as built in the traditional Scandinavian way. We headed to Estonia, looked at some log houses and were blown away by the craftsmanship and skill of the guys that were building them by hand, and of course the sustainability of using wood. The cabins were designed and ordered. We visited Estonia again to check on the building progress, and built up a great bond with the guys who came over to erect the cabins log by log back home in Wales. We welcomed our first guests in May 2009 to our first log cabin, Ty Afal, then opened Ty Ceirios and lastly Ty Peren. Each of our cabins has three bedrooms, two ensuite with a separate twin bedroom and shower room. Open plan kitchen/dining area and lounge. Upstairs furnished mezzanine level leads onto the balcony with great countryside views. Outside sits the hot tub on a large decked area with patio furniture. A short walk from the cabins takes you to Lover’s Lake with jetty. There is also an outside fire pit area by the lake. Some members might recognise your cabins from the popular ITV series, The Cabins. Can you tell us how it all came about? I was contacted back in 2020 via an email asking whether I would be interested in the first season of The Cabins dating show, but declined. In March 2021 the same person contacted me again, when this time we decided why not! After a couple of zoom calls showing what the log cabins looked like, the production company decided they would love to use our log cabins and the surrounding area, as we have a lake, nature walks and are surrounded by beautiful trees. They were also determined to have a location in Wales for the second series of the show.
What was it like being part of the series? It was great fun being part of such a large scale tv production. The whole process took about six weeks and was quite hectic. We obviously took a great interest in the transformation of the cabins into a TV set, which by the way, was totally impractical for a holiday let! The Production village was on the farm and at some times there were over a hundred people busy on site, so we took advantage of the on site canteen! We were not allowed anywhere near the filming as it all takes place in secret. There were almost a hundred hotel and B&B rooms booked for the crew and contestants in the surrounding area with local restaurants, shops, taxi company, laundry facility, attractions and I’m sure many other businesses all benefitting from this production. Have you seen an uplift in guest bookings / enquiries since The Cabins aired? Since The Cabins aired on ITV2 we have seen a surge in enquiries via our website, and in particular many more followers on social media. However, this was never about more bookings, it was to showcase something we feel immensely proud of, our log cabins and the beautiful area we live in. Do you have any advice for other tourism businesses looking to feature on TV? What do you think it was about Dwr y Felin that made producers come to you? We did not actively look to feature on tv but it always helps to have at least one USP and if you can try to combine as many features as you can, a pond, woodland walk, and look at what you're providing from your guests point of view and compromise that with what works for you. What do you enjoy most about running your business? (in normal times, when you don’t have a film crew!) We enjoy meeting and talking with the guests from so many parts of the UK, and take great pleasure in showing them around our log cabins and promoting the many places and attractions mid Wales has to offer. We have taken great pride and satisfaction from building and running our own business, even though self catering can be very challenging at times. >> View Dwr y Felin on Visit Mid Wales >> Visit their website >> Like their Facebook page A big thank you to Sarah for taking the time to talk to us. |
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