Llanwrtyd Wells
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RB
Category: Place to Visit
The smallest town in Britain famous for its spa
Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest town in Britain (it has a population of just 700), Llanwrtyd Wells is one of four spa towns in the area north west of Brecon. Situated at the point where the Rivers Irfon and Cammarch meet, the town was developed in 1792 when a local scurvy sufferer discovered the curative properties of the local sulphur and chalybeate. Its heyday was the Victorian era when Welsh people from far and wide came to partake of its waters. Today, the Ffynnon Drewllyd (smelly spring) is said to have the highest sulphur content in Britain. Despite its small size, the town is also famous for its unusual events and festivals throughout the year. It’s the home of the ‘Man versus Horse’ race in May, a beer festival and the bizarre but true bog snorkelling championship that takes place every August. Competitors have to complete two lengths of a 60 yard peat bog wearing snorkels and flippers but without using conventional swimming strokes. Not surprisingly, with so much going on, the town attracts a lot of tourists but it’s also a popular base for bird-watchers, walkers and fishermen.