Things to do in Llandrindod Wells

The charming Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells is a must visit destination, not far from Discover Parks Rockbridge Country Holiday Park in Presteigne. 

Llandrindod became a ‘wellbeing’ resort destination for the Victorians who came to ‘take the waters’. It’s a great place to visit today but for some different reasons. The town has outstanding architecture, a huge ornamental lake and the UK’s National Cycle Museum. But you can still drink from the spa waters and wander parkland just like the Victorians did. However, in 2026 there’s so many other things to do in Llandrindod Wells, it’s well worth the trip over the border!

It’s a lovely drive too via the A44. A winding road with rolling hills on either side.

Llandrindod Wells – a quick history 

The name means ‘Trinity Parish’ in Welsh, referring to the church and also the town’s saline and sulphur waters. Nicknamed ‘Llandod’ or the ‘Dod’ by locals,  it’s the administrative centre for Mid-Wales.

‘Llandod’ came to prominence in the mid 1700’s as a result of the discovery of mineral springs in the town. The waters contain saline, sulphur, chalybeate (iron), and magnesium. People believed that “taking the waters” offered health benefits, especially for digestive and rheumatic conditions.  

By the 1800’s ‘Llandod’ was one of Wales’s most fashionable spa towns. Increased numbers of visitors led to boarding houses, bathhouses, and pump rooms being built. However, when the railway arrived, the ‘Dod’ became accessible to wealthy visitors from all over the UK.

The popularity of the spa led to a pump room being built in the late 19th century. Visitors would take the waters at set times, often accompanied by music! Around the pump rooms, a landscaped, therapeutic area was created, called Rock Park. Here gentle exercise could be enjoyed once the waters had been endured! 

Although spa water treatments declined in the 20th century, Rock Park can still be visited today. The pump room no longer operates although you can still drink the water as it trickles from the rock. But be warned…it’s absolutely foul and the taste lasts for days! 

Find out more about the history of Llandod.

Top attractions in Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells lake  

This is a man-made lake created in the early 1870’s near the pump house area of the town. It’s within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre with parkland all around.  

Due to the town’s growing reputation as a spa, Victorian planners formed the lake by draining marshland. The lake offered boating and promenading for the Victorian visitors who came to take the waters. Victorian’s loved to promenade – we’d call it going for a stroll!  

The area is now a central recreational spot in Llandod. In 2005 a 40m long copper sculpture of a dragon/serpent creature was installed.  Designed by local coppersmith and sculptor Richard Taylor, it spouts water from its mouth into the lake during good weather.  

There’s plenty to do and see on and around the lake. You can hire kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), pedaloes, bikes and electric scooters. You’ll also find crazy golf and giant chess nearby. The Lakeside Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and offers a wide range of food from breakfast to afternoon tea.  

Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells 

This is the area around the springs that the town is famous for. By the 1820’s the land that is now Rock Park was used by visitors for gentle exercise after taking the waters. In the 1860’s Rock Park was properly developed into landscaped gardens with bridges and gentle climbs.  It’s possibly one of the oldest public parks in Wales too.

Rock Park fell into disrepair during the late 20^th century but since the 2000’s it’s been restored and improved. Now it’s a great place to explore, with paths, wetlands, and woodlands and picnic areas covering about 12 acres. Impressive walks take you above the River Ithon as it tumbles past and of course drink from the Chalybeate Spring.

Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club  

You don’t have to be adept with wood and jack to take a look at the town’s bowling club.  

Situated inside Rock Park, it’s the largest bowling club in Wales with stunning views from its three greens. All the greens are of international standard, and the club hosts national and international events during the season.  

Cycle Museum  

This is the UK’s National Cycle Museum and is one of the leading cycle’s museums in the world! 

The museum is housed in the old Automobile Palace showrooms built in the 1900s by local entrepreneur Tom Norton, where cars and bikes were sold together.  

The museum traces cycling over 200 years with 260 examples of ancient bikes to modern sports bikes. From boneshakers to penny farthings, police bikes to folding bikes – if it’s got 2 wheels – you’ll find it here! 

**The 2027 Tour de France Stage 3 passes through Llandod on July 4^th 2027** 

Watch the Tour & Stay at Discover Parks – but book early! 

Stay with us and be ready to get a glimpse of very slim men in Lycra astride carbon fibre bikes. Discover Parks’ Rockbridge Country Holiday Park is just half an hour away from Llandrindod Wells where the Tour de France will be whizzing through. 

At Rockbridge you can bring your tourer, tent or motorhome. You can also stay in one of our luxury lodges with a hot tub.

Hotel Metropole, Llandrindod Wells 

There’s an awful lot of history to the Metropole, which is why it’s well worth a look, even if it’s just from the outside.  

Originally opened in 1872, just as the town was at its height as a spa destination. First named the Coleman Hotel, it later became the Bridge. In 1897 it changed hands for £7,850 when it was bought by Elizabeth Miles, whose family were innkeepers in Pontypridd. The Miles family would be at the helm for 5 generations!

It was only renamed again when Elizabeth Miles bought some stock from a Metropole Hotel in Sussex. Cutlery and carpets were monogrammed ‘M’ and so the name was changed and the Llandrindod Metropole was born.

It’s a Victorian style building with turrets and intricate design features. The original turrets were copper clad however that has now weathered to green. An impressive veranda at the front of the hotel is yet another fine example of Victorian ironwork in the town.

There’s more about eating at the Metropole further down the blog.  

Llandrindod Wells Swimming Pool  

The swimming pool is part of the town’s leisure centre and offers swimming sessions for everyone. There’s lane swimming for people serious about their stroke andfamily fun sessions where you can have a good old splash about. You can also find classes to improve your technique if you’re in training.  

As with everything in the ‘Dod’, it’s close to the centre.  

Places to eat in Llandrindod Wells 

There’s a wide range of cafes, pubs, bars, and restaurants in Llandrindod Wells. Whether it’s a quick brew, a special dinner or a light (or heavy) lunch – you’ll find plenty to choose from and they’re all very close together.  

Temple Bar  

Another example of stunning Victorian architecture houses the popular Temple Bar on the Temple Street junction, close to the Cycle Museum.  

It’s a 2-roomed bar with seating outside as well. A friendly atmosphere with a good mix of locals and visitors. There’s plenty of choice whether it’s beers, cask ales, lagers, wines or shorts that’s your tipple. Known for its Sunday Carvery, it also gets solid reviews for its home-made general menu. 

Bradleys  

Set in a really iconic building in the town, the exterior screams Victorian architecture! It was originally the town’s three storey hardware store and still retains the name. Huge picture windows and plenty of intricate ironwork, makes Bradleys a delight before you even step inside.  

It’s a Cafe Tapas bar serving everything from top notch coffee to great wines. The small plates menu serves up some unusual Spanish dishes as the emphasis is on vegetarian and vegan. There’s also a great gluten-free choice.  You can also get a nice glass of Spanish sherry – something not widely available these days!

Fabian’s Kitchen and Ready Eats 

Eat in or take out, Fabian’s offers a mix of freshly cooked food that takes influence from British and Mediterranean cooking. Curries, burgers, pizzas, children’s choices, sides and fries plus cheesecakes and waffles. There’s also a good selection of wines and other tipples. 

Chalybeate Tea Rooms  

Situated in Rock Park, in the Old Pump House building, these tea rooms are a real trip back to a former age. A visit here feels really special with tea and coffee served from bone china cups, and cakes and light lunches on ‘proper’ plates. The classic afternoon tea experience is really worth it.  

Due to its location, the owners have retained plenty of the original features. These include the water pumps from which the Victorians would have drawn the ‘healing’ waters alongside the amazing iron work of the original Pump Room Pavillion.  

Chances are you’ll have just enjoyed a walk in Rock Park, therefore the Chalybeate Tea Rooms also has dog friendly areas. 

Herb Garden Cafe 

A family run cafe that offers a good choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Breakfast is served all day and the coffee has a reputation for being top notch. 

The Coach House Cafe 

Serves lots of tasty cakes. Blondies, almond croissants, lemon and blueberry loaf and more will have you drooling! But they also serve small plates and substantial meals. Located at Gwystre just outside Llandod on the A44.  

The Metropole Hotel and Spa  

With 2 restaurants – Spencer’s Brasserie and the Radnor and Miles Restaurant – there’s plenty of choice at this iconic Llandrindod Wells hotel. You can sample afternoon tea or go for a Sunday carvery. The hotel uses seasonal and local produce where possible.  

The Radnor and Miles eatery offers an exceptional dining experience. There’s local venison and seafood from the Welsh coast and the breakfast sausages are from a local butcher in Rhayader!

Arvon Ales  

Real ales, ciders and perries and lots of gin! It’s what they call a micro-pub and it was the first of its kind in Powys. The atmosphere is cosy and friendly with lots of locals popping in. However, it’s got the look of a shop from the outside because that’s what it used to be! 

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club  

Just out of the town and a short uphill walk from the lake is the golf club. The views on the walk are magnificent and there’s a little sit down spot at a small church half way up. It’s one of Wales’s favourite courses for the golf and the stunning location.

The clubhouse,with views over the town, serves food for both members and visitors. There are various menus from snacks to dinner. Importantly you can enjoy the views and a tipple from the terrace on sunny days!

Your base to explore Llandrindod Wells

Discover Parks has three parks – two in North Herefordshire and one on the Powys border in Presteigne. From Rockbridge Country Holiday Park, you can reach Llandrindod Wells in just half an hour by car. On offer is holiday accommodation including touring, tent and motorhome pitches, self catering luxury lodges and holiday homes to buy.