Elan Valley Visitor Centre — Attraction in Rhayader

Been visiting this centre for many years.

Lovely place to visit with a children's play area, lots of walks (including an accessible walk) and of course a gift shop.

There is an area with information on how the dams work, what they are for and history on the area.

Wonderful views, especially the view from in footbridge in front of the dam.

Bike hire is also available.

But there are some negatives.

The restaurant is not what it used to be (now just a glorified cafe). The menu is very very limited now being just a single page, the quality is OK but expensive for what you get.

The kids meals are £5 (chicken nuggets pictured) but what you get is not really worth it. And everything comes in those cardboard takeaway boxes instead of plates (saving on employing someone to wash up but adding to waste).

The pot of tea we purchased was weak and needed a good stir to get it anywhere near drinkable, in fact I didn't bother to put milk in it (see picture).

Disappointing really as it used to be a great place to eat but all changed a few years ago for the worst. Thought we'd give it another go as it has been 2 years since we last went inside the centre.

The car park costs £3 though its hard to see why to bother as there is a free car park at the top of the dam. So £3 to park for a gift shop and a mediocre (at best) cafe is not worth it.

On a plus note the wifi is fast and can be accessed outside so great for those who don't like the scenery and want to keep their eyes glued to a device.

Wish they'd sort these issues out and it would be back to its...

Elan Valley/Rhayader Dams

Postcode LD6 5HP

As you enter the Elan Valley you will see the Elan Village/Visitor Centre (located on the left) where there are a series of large Carparks. Situated at the base of the Caban Coch Dam the village has a large play area for young children, toilets and somewhere to get something to eat and drink. The Elan Village is an ideal base from which to walk (long walks) or prefurably ride push bikes from. You can park a car there all day for £2.50. If you can't or don't want to walk/ride there are plenty of pull ins along the main roads where you can park and walk a short distance to any particular landmark. Be aware, the roads can be quite narrow in places, especially for larger vehicles/campers, the traffic can be busy and slow moving and please be aware of the Motor Cyclists.

If you are riding push bikes there are Cycle tracks that link some of the Dams so you don't have to go on the narrow roads much of the time. On a sunny day its nice to pack some food and drinks, cycle along the track and stop at some of the numerous picknik benches to eat.

There are x4 main Dams with another located further South West of Caban Coch which I did not visit. They are,

Caban Coch Dam

Garreg Ddu Dam

Pen Y Garreg Dam

Craig Goch Dam

The Weather can play a big part here. Lots of rain, the Dams are more likely to be open meaning, lots of water running over them but not so nice for walks/picknik. Hot and Sunny, not so much water running etc. Worth checking the weather with the MET Office if you are travelling any sort...

We moved to Wales and run a B&B so have been exploring the area so that we can recommend trips for guests. We went to the Elan Valley today and were blown away by the stunning beauty of the area but unfortunately the Visitor Centre was predictable in that it is a complete rip-off for eating. We promised ourselves lunch out but were not prepared to pay the extortionate prices for mediocre looking food. £9.50 each for a burger and £2.50 for a small bowl of chips; £3 for a piece of cake or lemon meringue pie and overpriced drinks. I picked up a can of Pepsi which was £1.10 and a very small bottle of raspberry lemonade which was quickly put back when I found it was £2.50! So we shared a can of Pepsi and ate when we got home in the evening. There is a garden area, handy because we had the dog (who was pleased with the free dog water bowls!) but there is only one in the shade right next to the building and no umbrellas so you have to sit out in full sun in the middle of the day. A little way up the road there are ample picnic spots with shade and benches so we will be advising our guests to take their own picnic. The problem with the cafe is that it is a captive audience situation in the middle of nowhere and with guaranteed victims coming in by the coachload they take the only opportunity they will get to relieve them of their cash and many were complaining about it outside. Those of us who live locally will be taking a flask and...