Llanfyllin Workhouse
Llanfyllin, Powys
About Llanfyllin Workhouse
Llanfyllin Workhouse is one of Britain's finest examples of an authentic Victorian workhouse. Today it's used for all kinds of community activities. Entry and parking are free. Dogs are welcome.
In the History Centre your family can watch 'Ghosts of the Workhouse': a moving film aimed at all ages. There are Welsh and English versions. The ghost of the first Master shows us round the building and introduces us to other ghosts – young children and adults who lived and worked there. We see a family arriving and find out what happened to them.
The bilingual displays provide an insight into life in Llanfyllin Workhouse. Children can pick oakum, write on a slate or dress up in workhouse costumes - you can photograph them doing all three. For grown-ups and older children the experience raises more challenging issues of how poor or disadvantaged people should be treated.
Families can follow a visitor trail around the building with its four courtyards. Children can pick up a quiz leaflet in Welsh or English. There's a good cafe, open daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays, a second-hand bookshop, and one of our tenants runs a pirate-themed escape room (entry to this must be booked and isn't free).
The impressive stone building, known locally as Y Dolydd, is listed Grade II*. It belongs to a charitable trust which rescued it from dereliction and is restoring it as a community enterprise. Work has been ongoing since 2004. There's a venue and gallery, a 20-bed bunkhouse, 20 workshops and studios (not normally open), a garden, a 5-acre field with plenty of space to run around, and picnic tables. Varied events take place, especially on summer weekends.
Llanfyllin Workhouse stands in the beautiful Cain Valley, typical Welsh border country, beside the road to Lake Vyrnwy. The ancient borough of Llanfyllin, half a mile away, is well worth a visit.
Parking/Public Transport
Free parking on site, off the A490 on the right when approaching Llanfyllin from the east. Public transport is very limited.
Suggested Time
half a day
Ticket Options
No tickets needed
Other Info
Restoration of the building is in progress: some ground is uneven so please take care.
Wales' only workhouse museum
One of Britain's finest examples of an authentic Victorian workhouse, and the only one in Wales open to the public. Our film and activities are aimed at all ages, but make us think about what it meant to be a poor family in Victorian times.
A free all-weather attraction
Visits to Llanfyllin Workhouse, indoors and out, are self-guided. Families can see the displays, watch the 30-minute film and follow the visitor trail: all without an entry charge. If you've enjoyed your visit, leave us a donation.
Practical activities for children
Kids can dress up in workhouse costume, pick oakum or write on a slate. There's a quiz sheet to go round with - and plenty of space to run about.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Onsite Parking
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Monday: 10.00 - 17.00
Tuesday: 10.00 - 17.00
Wednesday: 10.00 - 17.00
Thursday: 10.00 - 17.00
Friday: 10.00 - 17.00
Saturday: 10.00 - 17.00
Sunday: 10.00 - 17.00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : Free
No charge for entry or parking. The workhouse is owned by a charity run by volunteers: a donation (cash or card) is always appreciated. Prices in our cafe are affordable for families.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Llanfyllin Workhouse by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
A few examples: Small Welsh Breakfast: £4.95; panini with chips and salad: £6.95; sausage roll: £2; chicken burger: £8.95; two crumpets, butter and jam £1.75; banana and chocolate pancakes £5.95; cappucino £3.25; soft drinks £1.50. See Meadows Cafe website for more.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Llanfyllin Workhouse
Y Dolydd
A490
Llanfyllin
Powys
SY22 5LD
Wales
On the right approaching Llanfyllin from the east on the A490
Tel: 01691649602
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
There are occasional bus services between Llanfyllin and Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Welshpool
Verification
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Llanfyllin Workhouse Reviews
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