Local THings to Do

Plas yn Dinas is located in the village of Llanfechain, close to the market towns of Llanfyllin, Oswestry and Welshpool and just 20 miles west of Shrewsbury. The building’s history dates back to 1702 and has proudly served the community, first as a courthouse, and then as a public house ever since.

At Plas yn Dinas, we love being at the centre of the community and providing locals and visitors to the area with an opportunity to experience locally grown food and brewed beers.

Whether you’re passing through whilst visiting the nearby market towns, looking to refuel after hiking a nearby scenic trail, or a pit stop as you take a leisurely drive through the picturesque Welsh countryside, at Plas yn Dinas, we look forward to welcoming you.

To provide some inspiration on the Best Things To Do In And Around Llanfechain, we have put together a list of our favourite attractions and nearby towns.

Discover the charm and history of the market towns and villages surrounding Plas yn Dinas. Each offers unique attractions, from ancient landmarks and vibrant local markets to scenic trails and family-friendly destinations, providing a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of this area.

Llanfechain, previously known as Llanarmon ym Mechain, is a quaint and vibrant village that sits in a picturesque valley close to the Wales-England border.

Surrounding the River Cain which flows through the centre of the village, Llanfechain is flourishing with natural wildlife, a large variety of bird species and river otters.

It is unknown when Llanfechain first became a settling point, however, it has several key historical landmarks that show Llanfechain’s historical significance.

Including St Garmon’s Church which dates back to Norman times and reputedly sits on a circular pre-Christian pagan site at the centre of the village and the remnants of an ancient Motte & Bailey fort: Domen Gastell.

Welshpool (Y Trallwng in Welsh), is a historic market town that is just a short drive from Llanfechain. Known for its charming high street, independent shops, and regular market stalls it is a popular day trip destination where you can pick up everything from fresh local produce to handmade crafts.

Welshpool is also home to the magnificent Powis Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning terraced gardens that overlook the Severn Valley. Now a National Trust-managed site, its history dates as far back as the 13th century, and houses an impressive collection of art and artefacts and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

At the top of Welshpool town is the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. A still-running narrow-gauge steam railway that offers visitors a historical and magical scenic journey through the mid-Wales countryside. For nature lovers, Welshpool has the Montgomery Canal and Offa’s Dyke path passing through, perfect spots for all kinds of walks or wildlife spotting.

Located just over the border in England, Oswestry is a vibrant market town in the county of Shropshire with a rich history that goes back over 3,000 years. Known for its bustling markets and independent shops, Oswestry has a unique blend of traditional and new independent businesses among quaint historical architecture.

Oswestry’s charm stems from its historical past. It was once a highly contested strategic point in battles between England and Wales throughout British history. You can still see many remnants of these times including the largest Iron Age hillfort in the UK and Oswestry Castle remnants.

Enjoy a walk through Cae Glas Park or the old cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, to experience Oswestry’s mix of historical architecture, including St. Oswald’s Church.

For family-friendly days near Oswestry, you can visit The British Ironwork Centre which is filled with unique iron sculptures, art, walking trails, shopping, and a cafe; or Park Hall Countryside Experience, an open farm with plenty of close-up animal experiences, indoor and outdoor play areas, a cafe and more.

Only 4 miles away in the Berwyn Mountains is the small yet lively market town of Llanfyllin. Dating back to medieval times, the town centre hosts several examples of traditional Welsh architecture, including St Myllin’s Church, first built in the 13th century.

Surrounding Llanfyllin, the rolling hills and unspoiled countryside are popular spots for walkers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. There is also the nearby reservoir of Lake Vyrnwy, with its impressive Victorian dam and nature reserve, which is a popular spot for birdwatching, cycling, and picnicking.

Throughout the year, Llanfyllin hosts a series of regular events such as the Llanfyllin Show and a lively arts scene centred around the Llanfyllin Workhouse, a restored historic building that now hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

Explore the breathtaking natural wonders and historical landmarks that surround Plas yn Dinas. From stunning waterfalls and ancient castles to beautiful lakeside trails, these nearby attractions offer a variety of adventures for you to make memorable days out in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

Discover Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall situated just 30 minutes drive from Plas yn Dinas in the Berwyn Mountains. An astonishing 240 feet high, this enchanting waterfall draws visitors from far and wide, with a variety of scenic walks throughout the surrounding mountains and hills – which are suitable for nature enthusiasts of all levels.

For day visits, parking is available for £5, with toilets at 50p per visit. If you are looking for a fully immersive experience, you can even camp with the special memberships available on the Pistyll Rheadr website.

Guarding the town of Welshpool, Powys Castle is a 13th-century fortress that is still largely intact today. Occupied by the Herbert family and run by the National Trust, it houses lavish rooms adorned with Elizabethan to Edwardian décor, including tapestries, antique furniture, and the remarkable Clive Collection of South Asian artefacts.

Outside, the stunning visitor gardens, overlook the Severn Valley and retain a lot of the original 17th-century features. These include Italianate terraces with colourful borders, 30-foot yew trees, and an Edwardian garden with century-old apple trees and rose beds.

Offering activities for all the family, between the castle itself, picturesque gardens and castle courtyard, you can easily spend a day getting lost in its magical history.

Lake Vyrnwy is surrounded by RSPB-protected woodlands and is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and birdwatching spots. Discover waterfalls, explore hidden inlets, or simply enjoy the 11-mile lakeside walk or cycle with scenic picnic areas and RSPB hides around the lake.

For those seeking a water sports adventure, Lake Vyrnwy is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and canoeing. Anglers can also enjoy Lake Vyrnwy’s century-old trout fishery, the largest in England and Wales, with fly-fishing available from boats.