(Llandrindod Wells, Wales, United Kingdom)
We are spending nearly two weeks in Llandrindod Wells, Wales. I’ll get to the “why?” later…this post is just about first impressions of this unusual town.
Llandrindod Wells is a very quiet town of about 5600 people. But it was a real boom town in the late 1800s, as English visitors rushed here to “take the waters” and engage in other spa-related activities. As a result, the town has a remarkable number of imposing Victorian buildings that seem out of proportion to its current level of activity…it is more of a government centre now.
Our hotel dates back to the glory days of Llandrindod Wells. And while some upgrades have been made, the Hotel Metropole remains a throwback to an earlier time. Ornate wallpaper, grand staircases, and eccentric room layouts abound.
We have the half-board package here, so our dinner is provided every night. In keeping with the “throwback” theme, the dinner offerings tend towards British traditional cuisine…you will have no trouble finding Yorkshire Pudding or roast meat.
While the town doesn’t really have a separate spa anymore, remnants from those days are still very much around. The Rock Park and Spa is a sprawling recreational area draping a very steep hill. We found ourselves there every day (out of necessity), and it is a very quiet and peaceful oasis in an already very quiet town.
Llandrindod Wells isn’t quite a ghost town (the grocery stores just outside the downtown core are very busy), but you really would expect to see more activity given the size of the Victorian buildings.
Access to Llandrindod Wells is spotty, however. If you don’t have a car, public transportation is available but limited. There are only two trains in each direction on Sundays, for example. And the rail line is far from a high-speed express. Once again…a throwback to an earlier time.
There seem to be many opportunities here for anyone interested in restoring imposing historic buildings. And it does have recreational opportunities (hint: that’s why we’re here). It will be interesting to see what we uncover in this low-key community.
In my next post, I will explain why I am spending an extended period of time in Llandrindod Wells!