Ystradgynlais & District
South Wales' Best Kept SecretDiscover Ystradgynlais and the Surrounding Area
Welcome to Ystradgynlais and District, nestled between two rivers and the foothills of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) in the Upper Swansea Valley. An area steeped in history and traditional industry and always a vibrant and welcoming community.
Shopping
Eating & Drinking
Trades & Services
Accommodation
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Leisure Time
Events
There is so much going on all year round, from regular markets to sporting, arts, community and charity events, to suit all tastes. You will never be bored. Take a look at our calendar and find an event for you!
About Ystradgynlais
From boutique shopping to pampering, with a few stops for refreshments in-between, the centre of Ystradgynlais offers a pleasant day out, whether it’s meeting friends or a bit of retail therapy!
The local scenery can’t be beaten either, from manicured parks to rugged mountains, bridges over flowing rivers, cute stone cottages – it’s all here, just 30 minutes north of Swansea or 40 minutes south of Brecon.
There is so much going on in the area, from singing to sport, from gardening to glamping, from charities to churches and chapels, from arts and crafts to ancient monuments.
Did you know?
Ystradgynlais is famous for its 19thC historic ironworks, but there is evidence of ironworking on the site, going as far back as 1612?
At the height of the coal mining industry in the late 19thC, there were more than ten separate collieries in just this area?
The Dan Yr Ogof show cave system is reputedly the largest in the UK?
Craig Y Nos Castle, renovated by renowned opera singer Madame Adelina Patti, was the first private house in Wales to be wired for electricity?
The internationally acclaimed artist Josef Herman came to Ystradgynlais for a fortnight’s holiday in 1944 and ended up living in the Pen Y Bont Inn for four years!
