About

Llanfair Caereinion is in the heart of old Montgomeryshire's Banwy valley and is one of the smallest towns in Powys. The quaint and sleepy exterior of the town give it a picture book. 

Local Interest
Llanfair Caereinion was one of the first places in the country to have electric street lights, despite only being connected to the National Grid in 1950. The formation of the town’s Electric Light Society in 1914 saw the town draw power from a water turbine on the River Banwy and a diesel generator, leading to the nickname of ‘Shining Llanfair’.

Celebrating over 50 years, the nearby Foel Studio is the second oldest residential recording studio in the world with an impressive history of recording artists and producers that have visited Foel Studio.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
The Welshpool to Llanfair Light Railway operates from the eastern edge of town. Built in the early 20th century to transport people and goods from rural communities in the Banwy Valley, the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway only survived as a commercial concern until 1956. Today the leisurely two-hour round trip to Welshpool and back gives you plenty of time to soak up the countryside.  

Train enthusiasts will love getting a closer look at the collection of antique engines, gathered from far-flung locations like Hungary, Austria and Sierra Leone. Everyone else can simply enjoy the ride.

Church of St Mary's
The Church of St Mary stands in the large Churchyard in the centre of Llanfair Caereinion. The church was rebuilt in 1868 and still retains 15th century roof timbers, a fine south doorway and baptismal font from the early 13th century. There are reminders of a story that begins in the 11th century, when the church is believed to have been founded. The timber roof structure and carved stone effigy of the knight Dafydd ap Gruffyd Vychan have their roots in the 1400s, while the south porch and font date from the 13th century. At at the northern edge of the churchyard, a series of steps lead down to St Mary’s Well. No one knows exactly how long this holy spring has been in use, but its supposed healing powers attracted visitors for centuries long before a single stone of the church was laid

The Church in nearby Llanllugan is also of particular interest, dating back to the 6th Century and retaining a 15th century stained glass window of true beauty. Meanwhile the Adfa Chapel is testament to the work of one of Llanfair's most famous sons, the Methodist Preacher Lewis Evans.

Deri Woods & Goat Field Arboretum
On the western edge of the town you will find Deri Woods. This 10 acre woodland was donated to the town by Mr and Mrs Hilton, of Cefn Coch Road, to celebrate the end of the First World War and to thank the people of the town for their kindness. It porvides a thriving habitat for countless numbers of birds and animals. Wander the network of woodland trails and you’ll also stumble across the Gorsedd Stones – a circle of rugged monoliths erected to commemorate Llanfair Caereinion’s hosting of the Powys Eisteddfod – and an interpretive centre housed in an old mill building. If you fancy a longer walk, continue on to explore Deri Woods on a 2-mile/3.2km round trip that finishes back in town.

The Goat Field Arboretum on the banks of the Banwy contains over 25 different species of British trees and is an idyllic place to wander and enjoy the sound of the river rushing past.

Local Events
Every year in June, the Llanfair Caereinion Carnival proceeds through the town with a full parade of floats and dancing troupes, much to the pride of the locals.

The annual Llanfair County Show is held in late August/ early Spetember and is a cherished occasion. The one day show aims to encompass all that is best in the Montgomeryshire countryside.