Travel writer Asha Rajoriya recaps her relaxing getaway to the tiny Welsh town, enjoying the slow pace of life and quaint amenities
To start off the New Year, I took a trip through the valleys of Wales to Llanwrtyd Wells, also known as ‘Britain’s Smallest Town’. This winter getaway was just what was needed to reflect on a relaxing trip before returning to the chaos of final year at UoB.
Hours 1-12
I set off from Cardiff Central at 11:30am, taking the train to Swansea then connecting to get to the getaway destination. Granted, it was a lengthy journey, however the sights as we meandered through the mountains of Wales were spectacular. We had been blessed with blue skies and sunny weather, with a gentle crisp breeze to accompany our journey through Wales. We arrived in Llanwrtyd Wells at 2:30pm, a deserted train station with two platforms, facing a row of charming small houses. We made our way to our accommodation, the Mid Wales Grain Silo. Upon first impressions, the Silo looked small, but the inside was extremely spacious and felt like entering a tardis. We truly were in the middle of nowhere! The Silo has been restored, perfect for people to rest and unwind. The open plan downstairs area felt spacious, with amenities such as a hob, kettle, large sink and microwave, all coming in handy. The fusion of the modern furnishings with authentic materials created an ambiance that honoured the rustic feel of the Silo. The fairylights complimented the low lit lamps around the Silo and the sky light at the top of the interior. After unpacking and warming up with a cup of tea in the relaxing surroundings, we ventured into the local town in search of a pint. We came across the Neuadd Arms, an inn in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells, more than 155 years old. The pub was immediately charming, with Bog Snorkelling Championship plaques framed on the walls. With an array of ales and classic beverages, we enjoyed people watching the locals of the secluded town. Post pint, we headed to the local shop to pick up some essentials for breakfast, greeted by the cashier within the shop who knew every local who entered. The shop had the usual shop necessities in addition to local produce which we perused and then walked back to the Silo underneath the stars.
“With an array of ales and classic beverages, we enjoyed people watching the locals of the secluded town
Hours 12-36
Waking up to the sounds of birds chirping was serene, until I stepped outside and was greeted with the minus degree weather. After making breakfast with our buys from the local store and lacing up my boots, we set off on a lovely walk. Although freezing, the air in Llanwrtyd Wells was crisp and the sun was still shining. We walked up a trail that a local had told us about, reaching the top of the large hill with views of the whole toy-esque town. To warm up post-walk, we enjoyed the furnace hot tub, looking over the fields and the trees around the Silo. As the day endured, the Silo had the perfect relaxing setting for taking time to unwind and read on one of the cosy bean bags. After resting we walked into the town for a pub dinner at Belle Vue. Dinner and drinks were served in this authentic Welsh pub, accompanied by the darts on TV. The population of Llanwrtyd Wells was last updated in 2011, standing at 850, with the population of this pub on a Friday night really capturing the quiet nature of the town. A group of under 10 locals were exchanging Secret Santa gifts next to the fire at the heart of the pub. The food and aura made for a calming end the second night in Llanwrtyd.
“The population of Llanwrtyd Wells was last updated in 2011, standing at 850, with the population of this pub on a Friday night really capturing the quiet nature of the town
Final Hours
After two days of sunshine and low temperatures, we woke up to greyer skies and weather warnings of snow. It was the end of the trip in the secluded town and time to head back to the city. The final walk through the town was extremely quiet, passing rustic houses and small coffee shops. Our lastmoments in Llanwrtyd Wells were spent waiting for the train under the singular shelter on the platform, awaiting our ride back to mass civilization. This trip to Britain’s smallest town was a much needed pocket of slow time and exploring. The historic pubs and houses reminded me of how temporary aspects of life have become due to social media and influencer culture. Everything is instantaneous and available on command at the touch of a button. This winter getaway was a trip needed to reset, reminding myself that goals take time and patience is sometimes key. A beautiful start of the year, a physical and mental rest prior to my return to Birmingham, and the (good) chaos that is, uni.
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