Machynlleth

Travel Guide

Photo by Charlotte
Photo by Anthony Steele
Photo by Fay Nicoll
Photo by Fay Nicoll
Photo by Madi
Hometo the 15th Century Welsh rebel parliament, the town of Machynllethis known locally as the “Ancient Capital of Wales”. Skirtingthe southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, it is an ideal retreat anddelightful spot from which to explore the best of rural Wales.

Whileremote, the area has a surprising diversity of activities on offer. Machynllethhas grown very little over the centuries, but it is nevertheless a thrivingtown that offers unrivalled outdoor sports, a popular weekly market, a historicsteam train and perhaps unexpectedly – the Welsh Museum of ModernArt.

Architecturein Machynlleth

Thestreets of this quaint little town exude history. At its centre is the VictorianTown Clock. Recently restored, this remarkable timepiece is thelocation of a bustling weekly market. Machynllethis also known for its timber-framed buildings, the oldest of which is amerchant’s dwelling dating back to the 1500s. Understated but neverthelessimpressive, the architecture here is a must-see for any keen historian.

Shoppingin Machynlleth

Amongits architectural heritage, Machynlleth has some quirkylittle curiosity shops, perfect for picking up a gift or souvenir. The townalso hosts a weekly market, which has been running for more than 700 years. Themarket has remained remarkably unchanged, although it now incorporates a broadrange of international food stalls to complement its delicious local produce.You’re certain to find something to whet your appetite.

Festivalsin Machynlleth

Ifyou prefer your rural retreats with a bit of edge, Machynllethwon’t disappoint. Every May, the sound of laughter pours from the town’s bubblingbars and pubs as Machynlleth Comedy Festival takesover. Good fun for anyone who likes a giggle, this is a great way to spend anevening. Come in August to catch the more family-friendly MachynllethFestival, offering theatre, jazz and children’s entertainment.

Artin Machynlleth

Believeit or not, this tiny rural town is in fact home to the WelshMuseum of Modern Art. Located in an old chapel here, known asthe Tabernacle, MoMAopened in the 1980s and has steadily grown since then. The museum has aperpetually changing exhibition of modern Welsh art, as well as a 350-seattheatre for music, lectures and cinema showings. Art lovers will be spoiled forchoice.

CorrisRailway in Machynlleth

Thefirst narrow gauge steam train railway in Wales, Corris Railwayopened in the 1850s, but was dismantled in the 1940s. However, a group of localenthusiasts banded together and in 2002, a section of the railway reopened witha replica steam train. Run by passionate staff, this great afternoon visit isboth educational for the grown ups and fun for the kids, and is a wonderful wayto experience the heritage of this quirky little town.

EnjoyMachynlleth

Thissmall but culture-packed Welsh town makes the perfect getaway for the family,for a couple or just for you. Search online for deals to Machynllethand book your trip with Expedia today.

Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
3.5 out of 5
Pennal, Machynlleth, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Machynlleth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"Property (No9) was good and clean and we very much enjoyed our stay. However We were told there were only 5 small steps, but the steps were not small, there were eight large ones in total. (If we had both been unable to get up steps we would have found it impossible to check in or both of us to use ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
The Brigands Inn
The Brigands Inn
4 out of 5
The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, Machynlleth, Wales
The price is S$200 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$200
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star inn in Machynlleth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
"Nice hotel, service good and breakfast excellent."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

The Brigands Inn
Glan Yr Afon Riverside
Glan Yr Afon Riverside
3 out of 5
Pennal, Machynlleth, Wales
The price is S$250 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$250
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Machynlleth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Cors Dyfi and Ynys Hir Wildlife ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Glan Yr Afon Riverside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
3.5 out of 5
Pennal, Machynlleth, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Machynlleth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"Property (No9) was good and clean and we very much enjoyed our stay. However We were told there were only 5 small steps, but the steps were not small, there were eight large ones in total. (If we had both been unable to get up steps we would have found it impossible to check in or both of us to use ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun, 2025

Macdonald Plas Talgarth Holiday Resort
The Fanny Talbot
The Fanny Talbot
3 out of 5
High Street, Barmouth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Barmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Barmouth Beach and Ty Crwyn are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Nice and clean with ample car parking and good shower, a great location too positioned close to the beach and restaurants. My only feedback is the room felt abit dark as it lacked sunlight but other than this it was a great stay."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The Fanny Talbot
Lodge House
Lodge House
3 out of 5
Rhiw Goch Inn, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Eryri National Park and Llyn Gelli-Gain ...
Lodge House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Machynlleth

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 19%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 4%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Ample parking. Pleasant one night stay with delicious breakfast.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Dining options v limited.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We like it because it is very quiet and unassuming. It feels like stepping back in time. You can walk the streets at any time and feel safe. People are very friendly.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful area, traditional market in the town, lovely for browsing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Easy to reach attractions like the Tallylyn Railway and King Arthur's Labyrinth.