The reporter had one surprise she wasn’t expecting
There is plenty of open countryside nearby to Llanwrtyd Wells(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
Just over two hours drive away from Bristol is Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys – the smallest town in Britain.
The town – which is surrounded by hills and gorgeous open countryside – has fewer than a thousand residents.
WalesOnline reporter Bethany Gavaghan paid it a visit and this is what she found:
Around 850 people live there, making it the smallest town in Wales by population – with some people claiming that also makes it the smallest in the UK, even though Forwich in Kent also has a claim to be the smallest.
Everything in Llanwrtyd Wells revolves around a short high street with the river Irfon running through the middle, but what I loved most is that it’s a complete paradise for pastel coloured houses.
Every road features gorgeous pastel shaded buildings which was a stunning surprise and a few brightly coloured homes also dotted around as well, but until visiting I had no idea what it looked like or what to expect.
Wandering around, there’s an old stone bridge which seems to link up both sides of town for cars and pedestrian and there are plenty of benches beside it which I could imagine being the go-to spots if you were a local and wanted somewhere to stop and chat or sit with a takeaway coffee.
There are pastel-coloured houses everywhere you look in Llanwrtyd Wells(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
It’s also in no way touristy, which I actually love, as it definitely feels like it’s shaped by the people who live here – so even though it’s notably quiet- you can say you’ve officially visited the smallest town in Britain without marching your way through a sea of selfie takers if you’re heading there.
The pace feels steady and visitors blend in with locals easily, as anyone I saw seemed super friendly and content to be there. It definitely feels like somewhere where people have quite a strong connection with the outdoors as it’s positioned right next to all you could want when it comes to country walks.
I was staying at the amazing Victoria Wells Motel site up the road which was genuinely like nowhere I’ve ever been before (but that’s a story for another day), and the open countryside up there, close to the town is also just to die for, so it’s totally worth the walk down the river until you reach the open fields. On the path I went down, which leads along the river, I didn’t see another soul for the entire walk.
The buildings, all in different colours are super vibrant and bring lots of life and personality to the quiet town(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
Even just after a brief wander around I was intrigued to learn more after visiting Llanwrtyd, and found out it’s known for its odd annual events from bog snorkelling in August, the mountain bike chariot racing, and the man vs horse marathon in June.
The Heritage and Arts Centre is small and open most days. It covers the town’s history from its time as a Victorian spa resort to the arrival of their railway line.
Almost everywhere you go, you’re met with incredible long views across the valley, but it’s not just nature which is on your doorstep.
Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, which is one of the smallest towns you’ll find when it comes to population(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
If you’re keen to head out for a bite to eat, The Neuadd Arms Hotel is one of the older buildings, with a bar, rooms upstairs, and a small brewery on site. It’s also apparently where a lot of the town’s events are organised.
Coffee wise, you’ve also got Caffi Sosban is a cafeĢ on the high street that serves hot meals, cakes, and drinks – I was really eyeing this up and it’s on the list to pop in one day as it looks like the perfect place with a mix of cute and cosy vibes which I always crave after a long walk.
The Drovers Rest is another place to eat or have a drink and is slightly quieter and is set just beside the river. There’s even a bike hire place (Llanwtyd Wheels) that caters to the many cyclists who pass through, so all things considered – what’s not to love?