Welsh Borders Tourist Information

Powis Castle near Welshpool

Striking Powis Castle dates from 1200, but you wouldn't think it to look at it - much remodelling has been done on this castle over the years.

The stunning gardens are a particular feature pulling visitors in. They're world famous, with herbaceous borders galore, influenced by both French and Italian styles. Within the gardens are original lead statues, an orangery, an aviary on the terraces plus the 18th century added informal woodland wilderness.

Powis Castle was originally built as a fortress for the Welsh Princes of Powys. The Herber family resided here for many generations, each making their own unique changes. Visit the on-site Clive Museum which is crammed with treasures from India.

Powis Castle & Garden, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8RF. Tel: 01938 551929. (see National Trust Weblink right)

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway and The Montgomery Canal

This delightful little 16 mile narrow gauge railway dates from 1903 and opened originally to connect Welshpool with Llanfair Caereinion. Popular with visitors, the narrow track has some tight curves and steep gradients en-route. (see weblink right for details).

The journey begins in historic market town Welshpool, ascending then up the steep Golfa Bank on into the Banwy Valley. If your visiting towards the end of June, watch out for the celebratory Vintage Weekend (usually 23/24 June). There's also an annual Steam Galer here at the beginning of September. Check the website for details.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Preservation Company Ltd, The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0SF. Tel: 01938 810441.

See also the Powysland Museum, The Canal Wharf, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7AQ. Tel: 01938 554656. A local history museum through and through, there's all sorts here from old photographs to archaeological finds. It's a superb local social history journey through Welshpool and surrounds.

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture Near Welshpool

Just outside Welshpool is a kitsch gem - the ALMS or Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture. Andrew Logan, if you didn't know, is the guy who started the Alternative Miss World in 1972. His kitsch art is renowned, blending fantasy and high colour. Fantastic it is (see some on his website linked right). Now, here just outside Welshpool you can revel in his work at this independent museum.

There's a mix of sculpture, mirrored portraits and jewellery on show. Pieces date from the mid-1960s to the present.

Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, Berriew, Nr Welshpool, Powys SY21 8PJ Tel: 01686 640689. (see weblink right for details)

Robert Owen and Chartism in Newtown & The Textile Museum

Although born in Newtown in 1771, Robert Owen the pioneer of co-operation, actually moved to Manchester in his youth (aged 10) and by the age of 19 he was running a Manchester Cotton Mill. Newtown duly celebrates it's pioneer of co-operatism and reform with a small museum in the town. Robert Owen is not the only radical link to Newtown. Once home to the Welsh flannel industry, the town was an industrial centre which declined with the onset of competition from other textile centres such as Rochdale. Workers wages started to plummet.

It fought back, and the first Chartist meeting in Wales took place here in Newtown in 1838. Find out more about Robert Owen and the Chartist Movement here in Newtown at the Robert Owen Museum, The Cross, Newtown. Tel: 626345. Admission is free and Robert Owen's biography is explored in a film on his life. Well worth a look.

The Textile Museum in Newtown also offers further insight into life in this once booming, then bust textile town. Textile Museum, 5-7 Commercial Street, Newtown. Tel: 01686 622024. The Textile museum is set within weavers' cottages.

The Textile Museum is open in the summer season only from May to September.

Newtown Attractions & Historic W H Smith Store

Other attractions in and around Newtown include an interesting WH Smith store which dates back to 1927. (it's at 24 High Street, Newtown). Upstairs in the store is a WH Smith company museum. Tel: 626280 for details - admission is again free.

Checkout too the 19th century mock-Tudor home of Gregynog Hall near Newtown. This was the home of the eccentric Davies sisters from 1924 - they bequeathed an enormous collection of art to the National Museum and Gallery of Wales. There's a music festival here annually in mid-June.