Plans revamp outdoor education centre in Llangollen
A planning application has been lodged with Denbighshire County Council for Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre - located near the Horseshoe Falls World Heritage Site.
According to its chief executive officer Chris Eastabrook, the intention is to revitalise the site while preserving its historical significance.
The application is proposing the building of a new workshop and alterations and extensions to existing buildings, including the main hall, lodge building, hub building and the gate house to provide for improved facilities and increased accommodation space.
The plans also incorporate general improvements to the layout of access and drainage arrangements, along with the additional use of the centre as a wedding venue for a maximum of six weddings a year.
The hall was the summer residence of Sir Theodore Martin, the author of Life of The Prince Consort, the official biography of Prince Albert, and of his wife, Shakespearean actress Lady Martin (Helena Faucit).
And Mr Eastabrook believes the most exciting aspect is the restoration of the missing 'West Wing', where Queen Victoria stayed when she visited Llangollen in 1889.
He said: 'Bryntysilio, a cherished landmark in Llangollen, has taken a critical step toward securing its future for the next 60 years with the submission of a long-awaited planning application.
'Following extensive work that considers conservation, heritage, environmental, and practical aspects, the proposals aim to revitalise the site while preserving its historical significance.
'The design process has been complex, allowing little room for flexibility, but every detail has been carefully assessed to ensure the best possible outcome for Bryntysilio and the wider community."
He said without approval, the listed building faces an "uncertain future", potentially "jeopardising local jobs and vital charitable initiatives".
'Years of underinvestment have led to this rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a world-leading outdoor centre - one that will serve young people and adults for decades to come," Mr Eastabrook said.
The plans for Bryntysilio Lodge. (Image: Planning documents) MORE NEWS:
He added: 'It has taken a lot of work to get this application submitted, and I am grateful to the design team, the county council and everyone else who has taken the time to discuss the proposals with us.
'As a charity, we haven't been able to access any financial support until we are granted planning permission, so it's been a really challenging time finding the funds to do this application properly, however, once we achieve this milestone, a lot of doors start to open for organisations that want to support Bryntysilio, but we need local support to get there.
'We humbly ask for the support of our community. A letter advocating for Bryntysilio's renewal could make all the difference in securing the next chapter of its story."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Best hotels in Liverpool: Where to stay for style, location and value for money
Liverpool is a master of reinvention. The city on the Mersey has continued to boom since its successful tenure as the European Capital of Culture just over a decade ago. Today, the range of places to stay is huge – from budget crash-pads to stylish heritage properties that reflect the city's seafaring heyday. This vibrant city has a strong cultural scene and a hedonistic nightlife, plus a rich heritage of classical architecture, notably the Unesco World Heritage-listed sweep of the waterfront. In 2023, 162 million viewers from around the world tuned in to watch Liverpool play host to the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, an event that has reportedly added an additional £11.1 million to the local economy in the past year alone. So whether you're after a style-on-a-budget weekend, an explosive night out on the town, a live music extravaganza, or a genteel glimpse into the city's history – be that as a world trading port or the beginnings of its musical icons – these stays have you covered. The best hotels in Liverpool are: Neighbourhood: Georgian Quarter Liverpool's original boutique hotel predates the 2008 Capital of Culture but, like the city, has moved with the times with updates over the years. Rooms have a Manhattan loft feel with hardwood floors, exposed beams and brick features. The terrace suite is the room to book with spa baths for two from which to watch the skyline city views. The restaurant, The London Carriage Works, continues to offer modern British cuisine in a brasserie setting, plus a cocktail bar and good-value prix fixe menu. With The Philharmonic Hall opposite and a sense of quiet refinement, it's business as usual — only more so. Neighbourhood: Georgian Quarter This highly individual, still somewhat-under-the-radar, guesthouse offers a design-led counterpoint to the chain hotel and late-bar scene. There are only four rooms, each with its own individual flourishes. Our pick is the attic for the best views of the city's landmark Anglican Cathedral illuminated by night. Most of all, the homely ambience and accomplished but discreet service makes for a rarefied stay. And, if you're looking for something more cerebral from your weekend break, then this part of the city is home to both the Everyman Theatre and Philharmonic. This Titanic-themed hotel has plenty of Liverpool bling with its subterranean spa and rooftop champagne bar. But the former White Star Line headquarters is also full of maritime heritage, the hotel has many Grade II-listed features and display cases exhibiting salvaged cruise memorabilia. The rooms are styled like a cruise ship with more spacious cabins on higher decks (floors). The apex is the Titanic Floor with gold-leaf mirrors and crushed-velour walls. Ignore the bling and savour the sense of history: room 22's balcony is where the Titanic disaster was announced in April 1912. Neighbourhood: Moorfields This super-contemporary four-star is housed in the old Post & Echo Building, a stone's throw from Moorfields station. Design is slick, all light-wood floors, white walls and matte-black finishes with dashes of slate grey, while the Millennial touches come thick and fast: rooms come with yoga matts so you can keep up with your practice; free mini-bar snacks and drinks plus Nespresso coffee machines; soft, grey cloth robes to lounge around in; floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains; and rainforest showers with mood-boosting toiletries. On reception level, there's Gino D'acampo Old Hall Street restaurant, serving unadventurous but tasty Italian fare, such as burrata and spinach and ricotta ravioli. Head up to the 18th floor, meanwhile, and you can drink in dizzying views and killer cocktails at the Gino D'Acampo 360 Sky Bar. Neighbourhood: Moorfields Style and affordability are the keywords at this four-star hotel, tucked inside the Moorfields business district between the shopping centre and the waterfront. The hotel has contemporary-chic fittings and plenty of indigo, there's a terrace-facing cocktail bar along with a Marco Pierre White restaurant. Strong local motif with murals of the Liverpool textile trade appear throughout, plus a giant collage of Liverpool icons, while all rooms feature walk-in showers, wooden floors and free minibar items. Neighbourhood: Cathedral Quarter Of the three Epic apartment hotels in the city centre (another due winter 2018), Duke Street is the best pick. This modern conversion of a former printing office sits at the heart of Liverpool's vibrant nightlife district and offers a home-from-home experience with kitchens, lounge areas and dining tables, plus a separate bedroom. You're right in the heart of the action for a big night out, but don't worry if you need a lie in the next morning — there's good-quality soundproofing. Neighbourhood: Moorfields The stately features of the former Victorian building, originally built as the Liverpool Conservative Club, have been sympathetically adapted into Liverpool's Doubletree from Hilton. Think marbled columns and stained-glass windows, the latter depicting symbols of Liverpool's maritime heritage. Try the Eforea Spa or tapas at the Koukash Bar & Grill amid horse racing memorabilia and take afternoon tea on a Chesterfield sofa in the wood-panelled Library Lounge. Neighbourhood: Waterfront The businesslike Pullman can feel a bit corporate with its midweek meetings frenzy, but this waterfront property has a secret: it's walking distance to ACC Liverpool, home to the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena. It's also just a short walk to the Albert Dock. The 216 rooms are smart and contemporary but upgrade to a deluxe corner room with coffee machines, docking stations and an iPad to pre-order your cocktails before the support act. Neighbourhood: Cavern Quarter Heritage meets contemporary style at this millennial-friendly spin-off from the Marriott group. It feels urban with bold design, but also retains many of the heritage features of the Grade II-listed former Royal Insurance Building. The fluorescent Fatboy beanbags may be a step too far, however. The NYL restaurant andar has all-day dining, a mezzanine bar and a particularly fine line in weekend brunches, plus there are pods for impromptu creative thinking and a stage for local musicians to serenade the weekend cocktail cruisers. Neighbourhood: Waterfront The Mal was one of the original hotels for Liverpool's Capital of Culture renaissance. And it's still got it. Images of Liverpool icons and a smattering of Scouse charm with service in the Chez Mal Brasserie complement the prevailing boudoir-chic vibe of Malmaison. If you're a football fan, try a signature suite, which has a corridor leading to your own 'playroom' with a foosball table, Technogym, and armchairs with views onto Liver Buildings and the river.
Leader Live
a day ago
- Leader Live
Plans revamp outdoor education centre in Llangollen
A planning application has been lodged with Denbighshire County Council for Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre - located near the Horseshoe Falls World Heritage Site. According to its chief executive officer Chris Eastabrook, the intention is to revitalise the site while preserving its historical significance. The application is proposing the building of a new workshop and alterations and extensions to existing buildings, including the main hall, lodge building, hub building and the gate house to provide for improved facilities and increased accommodation space. The plans also incorporate general improvements to the layout of access and drainage arrangements, along with the additional use of the centre as a wedding venue for a maximum of six weddings a year. The hall was the summer residence of Sir Theodore Martin, the author of Life of The Prince Consort, the official biography of Prince Albert, and of his wife, Shakespearean actress Lady Martin (Helena Faucit). And Mr Eastabrook believes the most exciting aspect is the restoration of the missing 'West Wing', where Queen Victoria stayed when she visited Llangollen in 1889. He said: 'Bryntysilio, a cherished landmark in Llangollen, has taken a critical step toward securing its future for the next 60 years with the submission of a long-awaited planning application. 'Following extensive work that considers conservation, heritage, environmental, and practical aspects, the proposals aim to revitalise the site while preserving its historical significance. 'The design process has been complex, allowing little room for flexibility, but every detail has been carefully assessed to ensure the best possible outcome for Bryntysilio and the wider community." He said without approval, the listed building faces an "uncertain future", potentially "jeopardising local jobs and vital charitable initiatives". 'Years of underinvestment have led to this rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a world-leading outdoor centre - one that will serve young people and adults for decades to come," Mr Eastabrook said. The plans for Bryntysilio Lodge. (Image: Planning documents) MORE NEWS: He added: 'It has taken a lot of work to get this application submitted, and I am grateful to the design team, the county council and everyone else who has taken the time to discuss the proposals with us. 'As a charity, we haven't been able to access any financial support until we are granted planning permission, so it's been a really challenging time finding the funds to do this application properly, however, once we achieve this milestone, a lot of doors start to open for organisations that want to support Bryntysilio, but we need local support to get there. 'We humbly ask for the support of our community. A letter advocating for Bryntysilio's renewal could make all the difference in securing the next chapter of its story."
Time Out
06-06-2025
- Time Out
This tiny island in the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's best hidden treasures
I'll be honest – before last year, I'd never heard of Lady Elliot Island. It was only on a trip to K'gari that I came across this breathtaking coral cay, and boy, am I glad I did. Hidden in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, this magical island is one of the only places on Earth where you can swim with manta rays and turtles in their natural habitat. But it's got so much more going for it – the island is fully sustainable, home to a wholesome family-run eco-retreat, and is more beautiful than photos could ever show. The journey to Lady Elliot Island is one of the best parts about visiting. Given that the 45-hectare island only hosts up to 100 day guests and 150 overnight guests at any one time, the flight over feels as exclusive as the destination itself. I couldn't peel myself away from the window during the entire 40-minute trip from Hervey Bay, aka the ' whale-watching capital of Australia'. Spotting these gentle giants from above is almost guaranteed during peak season (May to October), and I was lucky to see a few flapping their tails in the deep blue below. But the real showstopper was yet to come... As we neared the island, our pilot pointed out a squadron of manta rays swimming near the shore – a clear sign that we'd arrived at the 'home of the manta ray'. Fun fact: Lady Elliot accounts for roughly 70 per cent of the sightings along Australia's east coast, with more than 700 manta rays known to frequent the surrounding waters from May to July. After jumping off the plane, the 12 other passengers and I were welcomed with a quick tour and a bite-sized history lesson about the island. Lady Elliot is the Great Barrier Reef's southernmost coral cay and lies within a highly protected Marine National Park 'Green Zone'. As someone who considers themselves quite eco-conscious, I was genuinely impressed by the island's sustainability initiatives. Almost 900 solar panels power the island, seawater is turned into drinking water via a desalination plant, and all food waste and plastics are either composted or repurposed. It's all designed to minimise the ecological impact on the surrounding reef, which is a sanctuary for more than 1,200 species of marine life. Among the locals are manta rays and turtles – and Lady Elliot Island is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with both in the wild. Every visitor begins their adventure here with a guided snorkel tour, where they can make friends with the underwater residents. For me, that included schools of tropical fish, one non-threatening reef shark and an unusually friendly turtle. Despite visiting in June, the water was still in the low 20s, so comfortable enough to snorkel in a wetsuit for almost an hour. I was also given a pair of quirky reef Crocs, which came in handy when scrambling to the boat across sand made entirely of crushed coral. I've been lucky to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef a few times, departing from popular spots like Port Douglas and Cairns. However, my favourite part of this experience was just how calm and quiet it was. As I mentioned, no more than 250 guests are on the island at once, so it's not uncommon to go exploring and feel like you have the place entirely to yourself. I recommend taking a stroll to the island's 150-year-old lighthouse, visiting the nursery to learn about its native tree revegetation project, and joining a free bird-watching tour where you might even spot the rare red-tailed tropicbirds. So, is Lady Elliot Island worth visiting? Absolutely! You can walk a lap of the entire island in 45 minutes – but that forces you to slow down and actually relax. Sure, Wi-Fi on the island is limited – but that's all part of Lady Elliot's charm. And yes, it's a little more expensive than your average getaway – but you're supporting a destination that's setting new standards for sustainable travel. Do yourself a favour and stay at least two nights to soak it all in.
