Latest news with #OwainGlyndŵr
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Wales Online
This market town has mountain biking, bookshops and some of the best food in Wales
This market town has mountain biking, bookshops and some of the best food in Wales This historic hotspot is packed with indie shops, biking trails and is home to the only restaurant in Wales with two Michelin stars. While many small UK towns have succumbed to chain stores and bland shopping options, this quirky town has plenty of independent shops and cafes to explore (Image: Portia Jones ) The Market town of Machynlleth, affectionately known as "Mach" to locals, is a historic hotspot packed with indie shops, forested biking trails and is home to the only restaurant in Wales with two Michelin stars, Ynyshir. Located in the Dyfi Valley, this small, forward-thinking town was formally the seat of Owain Glyndŵr's Welsh Parliament in 1404 and is often cited as the "ancient capital of ales." It also holds the accolade of being one of only two UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sites in the UK. Despite its small size, Mach has an impressive number of independent retailers; you won't find a Starbucks or a Tesco here. Instead, you can buy books, clothes and antiques from local businesses and get unique items to take home. Outside of shopping, there's plenty to do and see in Mach, from outdoor pursuits to destination dining, arts, and culture. There are also some marvellous places to eat and feast on local produce. Here's why you should head to Mach for a weekend break. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Shopping clocktower on Main Street, Machynlleth Wales, Great Britain (Image: Michael Pasdzior /getty ) Article continues below One of the key attractions in Machynlleth is its array of independent shops that line Heol Maengwyn, the main street. The town prides itself on its unique, locally-owned stores, which include a variety of antique shops, bookstores, homeware shops, shoe stores, delis, and even a record store. Additionally, galleries display local Welsh art and crafts, providing a deep dive into the region's artistic heritage. The vibrant market held every Wednesday is another highlight, offering everything from local produce to handmade crafts. I love a good bookshop! (Image: Portia Jones ) Pen'rallt Gallery Bookshop, housed in a charming building, provides a wide range of new and second-hand books and regular author events and readings. Another notable shop is Corrie's Cabin, a popular destination for fishing supplies and outdoor gear. Elsewhere in town, there are independent bookstores, junk shops, and high-end antique dealers. This is the town to visit if you want to furnish your home with vintage items or classic pieces. Ayurveda Apothecary is also located on the high street, selling a range of organic face & body natural beauty products. Machynlleth fashion With a dressmaker and bespoke shoe shop, Machynlleth is the ideal place to update your wardrobe and seek a new style. The town is home to the Original Shandals Co. and RED (Ruth Emily Davey) Shoes, known for their carefully crafted footwear. Ruth's charming shoe shop is located on the main high street. Here, you can buy the world-famous 'Shandals', designed by Alan James Raddon in 1992. The unique shoes result from a creative collaboration between Alan and his former apprentice Ruth, who now owns her own brand, RED shoes. They are designed to last, be repairable after years of wear and tear, and come in vibrant colours. Nearby, you'll find Anderson Apparel, which specialises in custom apparel, clothing designs and pattern-cutting services. It's a small, quantity clothing design and manufacture company run by Christine Anderson, an award-winning qualified Designer and Pattern Cutter. They have a made-to-measure service for private clients only by appointment, so you can spoil yourself with custom-made clothes on a fun shopping trip to Machynlleth. What to do in Machynlleth The town prides itself on its unique, locally-owned stores (Image: Portia Jones ) Machynlleth also hosts several events that significantly boost its independent shopping scene. The Machynlleth Comedy Festival is held annually and attracts thousands of visitors, benefiting local businesses. During the festival, local shops and cafes report a surge in patronage, providing a vital economic boost to the town. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, featuring nearly 300 shows and drawing over 8,000 visitors a year. From comedy to culture and biking, here's what to do in Machynlleth once you've exhausted all your shopping options. Have a laugh The market town is probably best known for the famous Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which has grown year after year into one of the significant events on the UK comedy circuit and has put Mach on the entertainment map. Every year, thousands of comedy fans flock to Machynlleth for the three-day event, which some of Britain's most recognisable comedians use to try out much of their new material. Previous performers include Aisling Bea, Jon Richardson, Stewart Lee, David O'Doherty, Mark Watson, and Josh Widdicombe. Machynlleth Comedy Festival (Image: Machynlleth Comedy Festival ) Discover Modern Welsh Art at MoMA Machynlleth Home to contemporary Welsh art and culture, Machynlleth's MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a must-visit attraction. The museum is housed inside a converted chapel with seven galleries and an intimate concert venue. It hosts various events throughout the year, including Machynlleth Festival events, recitals for children, jazz concerts, and musical renditions. Throughout the year, MoMA exhibits an impressive array of Modern Welsh Art, featuring leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection and selected entries from the Tabernacle Art Competition. Go biking at Dyfi Bike Park World-class biking can be found on the forested trails of nearby Dyfi Bike Park. This impressive bike park results from years of hard work by the Atherton family and the local community to create diverse and challenging trails that cut through the Esgair Forest. Confident riders can buy an uplift pass for £43 and use the uplift from 10am to 4pm to explore long descents over varied terrain. Make sure to swing by their on-site cafe for a home-cooked lunch and an excellent cup of gourmet coffee. Riders take on the exciting trails at Dyfi Bike Park (Image: Portia Jones ) Attempt the Cader Idris summit at sunrise At 893 m (2,930 ft), Cader Idris is one of the highest mountains in Eryri National Park. It is a challenging trek for keen hikers who want an alternative to wildly popular Yr Wyddfa. Trek up the distinctive peak of Cader Idris in Southern Eryri just before dawn and watch as the National park is bathed in golden sunlight. There are three recommended routes to conquer Cader, all of which are pretty strenuous. So, ensure you are prepared for this adventurous hike through the dramatic ridges. If you are relatively new to hiking, why not take a guided walk up Cader Idris with adventure experts Wild Trails Wales and navigate the mountain safely? Where to eat and drink Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms (Image: Ynyshir / Instagram ) Machynlleth is on the border of Mid Wales and Southern Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and is filled with foodie options and local produce. Whilst Southern Eryri has a stellar reputation for rugged landscapes, epic hiking trails, and adventure activities, less is known about its bountiful local produce and impressive dining options. The southern fringe of the national park offers a surprising bounty of local produce, craft gin, wild foraging opportunities, and even Michelin-starred dining. It's also home to the only UNESCO Biosphere in Wales, with its nature reserves, lowland, wet grassland, and salt marshes that provide a variety of sustainably sourced produce. Take a gastro-journey through Southern Snowdonia and feast on succulent venison loin, local samphire-infused seafood dishes and cym dyfi lamb. Try the tasting menu at Ynyshir Welsh Lamb Spare Rib (Image: Heather Birnie ) Located just outside of Mach in Eglwysfach, Ynyshir is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant with room, helmed by Chef Gareth Ward, offers an immersive dining experience that lasts several hours and features multiple courses. The menu is a playful blend of Welsh and global ingredients, meticulously crafted into dishes that are as much about the experience as the taste. The restaurant's unique approach and luxurious rural setting make it a must-visit for serious foodies. Ynyshir comprises accommodation and a destination Michelin-starred restaurant, which the Good Food Guide has named one of the country's top five restaurants. Chef Patron Gareth Ward serves a bold, self-proclaimed 'ingredient-led and flavour-driven' tasting menu. This innovative restaurant with rooms offers diners an ingredient-led and flavour-driven tasting menu, including around 30 courses. The menu is also interactive. You can touch and ask about the ingredients while watching them cook over the fire. Exquisite dishes are heavily fish—and meat-based and inspired by the locale. Gareth uses as many local and Welsh products as possible, including lamb from Aberystwyth, ducks from Fishguard, and vegetables from Anglesey. Chef Patron Gareth Ward serves a bold, self-proclaimed 'ingredient-led and flavour-driven' tasting menu. (Image: Heather Birnie ) Cafes in Mach and beyond Y Gegin Fach is a beloved local spot where you can enjoy traditional Welsh dishes in a warm, homey setting. The hearty breakfasts and comforting lunches here make it a favourite among locals and visitors. Next, take a stroll to Blasau Delicatessen in the town centre. This deli is a treasure trove of local flavours, offering a curated selection of Welsh cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal products. It's the perfect place to grab a gourmet sandwich or some treats to take home. The atmosphere is inviting, and the passion for local produce shines through in every bite. For a different foodie vibe, head to Cletwr in nearby Tre'r Ddôl. More than just a café, Cletwr serves as a community hub, offering a menu of homemade soups, cakes, and other hearty fare, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The setting is relaxed, and you'll find locals catching up over coffee or enjoying a slice of cake in this warm, welcoming space. Foraging for wild marsh samphire at Dyfi Estuary Dyfi Estuary, with the expansive and golden sands of Ynyslas Beach at its mouth, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and plants. The River Dyfi catchment area is unique in Wales, having been designated a Biosphere by the United Nations 'Man and Biosphere' programme. In the spring, the salt marshes are awash with sea pink, whilst marsh samphire and sea aster can also be seen in summer. It's a relatively serene spot for wild foraging for wild marsh samphire, with a crisp texture and salty taste that works well with seafood and pasta dishes. Several cafes and restaurants in Southern Snowdonia utilise this bright green sea bounty in their fish dishes to add colour and crunch. To forage the samphire yourself, pinch or use scissors to snip the tips of the stems, leaving the tough, yellow lower stalks intact. Clean and lightly steam the samphire before serving with butter atop seafood dishes. Ynyslas Beach is a beautiful place for wild foraging (Image: Portia Jones ) Go gin tasting at Dyfi Gin Corris Craft Centre is a unique collection of nine individual craft studios where visitors can purchase food, drink, crafts and gifts from talented producers and designers. It's also home to Dyfi Distillery, which creates premium Welsh gins - Dyfi Gin. The multi-award-winning gins are perfectly crafted with wild Welsh foraged botanicals. Pollination Gin is one of the few gins in the world produced from mostly foraged botanical ingredients and has a very reasonable price point. You'll find the former slate village of the same name near the craft centre, the Centre for Alternative Technology, King Arthur's Labyrinth, and the narrow-gauge Corris Railway and Museum. Article continues below
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'Spectacular' Eryri estate dating back 1,000 years on sale for £15m
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of the most historic estates in Wales has been placed on the market with a guide price of £15m. The 'spectacular' Nannau estate in Gwynedd has its roots in the 11th century and featured in Owain Glyndŵr's 15-year rebellion. In the early to mid-20th century, the estate was split up with much of its land sold off. What's being offered now is a large in-hand farming and forestry enterprise covering around 2,837 acres – three quarters of the total estate. It includes a range of lodges and cottages, three of which are now holiday lets. Also bundled are three let farms, and several 'unique' traditional buildings offering scope for further development. A further 498 acres is potentially available in-hand in from March 2027. Located at Llanfachreth, near Dolgellau, the upland estate lies on coastal hills above the Afon Mawddach. It encompasses no fewer than three mountains, including Foel Offrwm and Rhobel Fawr. Its landscape tapestry is described as typical for the region, with mature woodland, pasture, ffridd and hill grazing, interspersed with numerous streams. Agents Savills said it was a 'unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant rural holdings in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park'. Describing Nannau as 'exceptional', Savills said the mixed-use business had a growing holiday accommodation enterprise. 'In recent years significant investment has been made in three unique, high-quality holiday cottages, a business which could be expanded further,' said the agents. 'The location and diversity of environments at Nannau presents potential to incorporate an eco-tourism business at the heart of the National Park, building on the growing reputation of Nannau as a centre for walking and other outdoor pursuits.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Savills) The estate's vast woodland cover also provides excellent stalking and shooting opportunities, said Savills. In addition, it offers scopes for environmental projects such as woodland creation and peatland restoration, as well as biodiversity enhancements. Not included is Nannau Hall, a once magnificent mansion owned separately and now a shadow of its former glory. The Georgian house, completed in 1796, has stood empty for more than 20 years. Efforts to restore the property have been hindered by break-ins and thefts. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday (Image: Hidden and Forgotten Wales/England) The first house at Nannau was said to be 'the stateliest structure in all North Wales'. Another was said to have been burnt to the ground by Owain Glyndŵr when a Nannau lord, Hywel Selau, joined with Henry IV instead of Glyndŵr, a distant cousin. Attempts at reconciliation gave rise to the legend of the Demon Oak – a hollow tree in which Glyndŵr hid Selau's body after killing him, probably in 1402. The estate was founded by Madog ap Cadwgan, son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn. Descended from the Princes of Powys, Cadwgan fought alongside Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd and a key figure in Welsh resistance to Norman invasion. (Image: Savills) During its long history, a total of six grand houses were built for the Nannau family. Savills notes that the upland section now affords an opportunity for another. 'The estate, which already provides excellent temporary accommodation for owners, also offers several options to develop an impressive main residence,' said the company. Welsh for 'the place of many streams', Nannau is overlooked by Cadair Idris, the tallest mountain in southern Eryri. Dolgellau is less than a mile southwest and the area hosts a range of high-quality shoots and sporting hotels. Nearby is Coed y Brenin and Savills notes the Llŷn Peninsula's beaches are not too far away. Potential owners with deep pockets are advised the A470 provides good transport links and Manchester Airport is within an 89-mile reach. Property specifics can be found here. Further details from Jack Cooper, Savills, on 01952 239539. Find properties for sale or let near you
North Wales Live
30-04-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Spectacular' Eryri estate dating back 1,000 years on sale for £15m
One of the most historic estates in Wales has been placed on the market with a guide price of £15m. The 'spectacular' Nannau estate in Gwynedd has its roots in the 11th century and featured in Owain Glyndŵr's 15-year rebellion. In the early to mid-20th century, the estate was split up with much of its land sold off. What's being offered now is a large in-hand farming and forestry enterprise covering around 2,837 acres – three quarters of the total estate. It includes a range of lodges and cottages, three of which are now holiday lets. Also bundled are three let farms, and several 'unique' traditional buildings offering scope for further development. A further 498 acres is potentially available in-hand in from March 2027. Located at Llanfachreth, near Dolgellau, the upland estate lies on coastal hills above the Afon Mawddach. It encompasses no fewer than three mountains, including Foel Offrwm and Rhobel Fawr. Its landscape tapestry is described as typical for the region, with mature woodland, pasture, ffridd and hill grazing, interspersed with numerous streams. Agents Savills said it was a 'unique opportunity to acquire one of the most significant rural holdings in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park'. Describing Nannau as 'exceptional', Savills said the mixed-use business had a growing holiday accommodation enterprise. 'In recent years significant investment has been made in three unique, high-quality holiday cottages, a business which could be expanded further,' said the agents. 'The location and diversity of environments at Nannau presents potential to incorporate an eco-tourism business at the heart of the National Park, building on the growing reputation of Nannau as a centre for walking and other outdoor pursuits.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The estate's vast woodland cover also provides excellent stalking and shooting opportunities, said Savills. In addition, it offers scopes for environmental projects such as woodland creation and peatland restoration, as well as biodiversity enhancements. Not included is Nannau Hall, a once magnificent mansion owned separately and now a shadow of its former glory. The Georgian house, completed in 1796, has stood empty for more than 20 years. Efforts to restore the property have been hindered by break-ins and thefts. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday The first house at Nannau was said to be 'the stateliest structure in all North Wales'. Another was said to have been burnt to the ground by Owain Glyndŵr when a Nannau lord, Hywel Selau, joined with Henry IV instead of Glyndŵr, a distant cousin. Attempts at reconciliation gave rise to the legend of the Demon Oak – a hollow tree in which Glyndŵr hid Selau's body after killing him, probably in 1402. The estate was founded by Madog ap Cadwgan, son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn. Descended from the Princes of Powys, Cadwgan fought alongside Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd and a key figure in Welsh resistance to Norman invasion. During its long history, a total of six grand houses were built for the Nannau family. Savills notes that the upland section now affords an opportunity for another. 'The estate, which already provides excellent temporary accommodation for owners, also offers several options to develop an impressive main residence,' said the company. Welsh for 'the place of many streams', Nannau is overlooked by Cadair Idris, the tallest mountain in southern Eryri. Dolgellau is less than a mile southwest and the area hosts a range of high-quality shoots and sporting hotels. Nearby is Coed y Brenin and Savills notes the Llŷn Peninsula's beaches are not too far away. Potential owners with deep pockets are advised the A470 provides good transport links and Manchester Airport is within an 89-mile reach. Property specifics can be found here. Further details from Jack Cooper, Savills, on 01952 239539.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Michael Sheen to portray the 'true Welsh prince' Owain Glyndŵr
The actor Michael Sheen has said he will star as Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, in a new theatre & Henry will tell the story of Glyndŵr's rebellion against English rule in Wales during the 15th Century, in one of the first productions announced by Welsh National Theatre, Sheen's own theatre became a figurehead for Welsh nationalism and there are statues, monuments, pub and street names across Wales commemorating who previously said the Royal family should give up the Prince of Wales title, said as Glyndŵr he would portray "the true Welsh prince". "Owain & Henry is one of the origin stories of our nation, as relevant in today's complex world as it was when Glyndŵr declared Wales an independent nation six hundred years ago," said Sheen, who is from Port Talbot in south Wales. The play will be performed at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in November who as an actor is best known for transforming into characters including Prince Andrew, David Frost and Tony Blair, said he was "incredibly excited"."It's the play that tells the exact story that I want this national theatre company to be able to tell, on the second biggest stage in Europe," Sheen told BBC News. Who was Owain Glyndŵr? Owain Glyndŵr instigated a 15-year revolt against the rule of King Henry IV and claimed the title Prince of Wales, before Wales was reconquered by the than a hundred years earlier, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd - the last prince of an independent Wales - had been killed in battle and his head sent to Edward I, the English I then invested his son Edward II as the Prince of Wales, and since then the title has customarily - though not always - been given to the heir 2020, Sheen told newspaper columnist Owen Jones that when the time came for the Prince of Wales title to be handed down from Charles to William, "it would be a really meaningful and powerful gesture for that title to no longer be held in the same way as it has before". Owain & Henry is believed to be the first time the story of Glyndŵr has been tackled by a play's writer, Gary Owen, said when he began to write the story Sheen was his "dream casting" - but he had never imagined it becoming a reality."I've been saying for years that we need to do these big shows here in Wales. We need to connect with a big audience," said Owen."And now I have to actually do it. So it's some pressure but it's very welcome pressure."Sheen said he had been a "huge fan" of Owen's work for years, calling him "one of the greatest writers Wales has ever produced". "There'll be people who come along to this who have never heard of Owain Glyndŵr before, have no idea what the history is, the importance of that moment in our culture."And it starts a conversation, you know, it starts a national conversation." Sheen announced that he was funding the Welsh National Theatre in January, to fill the gap left by the folding of National Theatre company, which has received £200,000 in transition funding from Arts Council Wales, has also announced a Welsh spin on the classic American play Our Town, with Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies overseeing as creative Town will tour Swansea, Mold, Llandudno and Kingston-upon-Thames between January and March National Theatre said it had also commissioned four Welsh writers to create plays of "national significance", and created a network of talent scouts to find and develop new Welsh talent."When I used to play football on a pitch by the side of the A48 in Port Talbot, I always knew that there was the possibility that there might be someone standing on the touch line," said Sheen. "Local people who were the eyes and ears of the big clubs. There was always the potential you could end up at Man United or Liverpool. "And I've always thought, why isn't there a similar system for the arts, for the theatre? So I'm trying to create that and using the Welsh National Theatre company as the kind of engine for that."Sheen said "lots of people have been getting in touch" to support Welsh National Theatre since it was announced - including fellow Hollywood Welsh-born actor Matthew Rhys. "I had a lovely message from Matthew," said said people had also shown support in other ways, including through a surprise donation sent to his parents."The envelope just said 'brilliant actor Michael Sheen'. And it got to my parents. And inside it said 'what you're doing with the Welsh National Theatre - think it's brilliant. Would love to support it'."And I keep [the cheque] in my pocket," said Sheen."I walk around with it now."
