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Centre For Alternative Technology
Summer Holidays 2017Details
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) located in the heart of the Dyfi Biosphere, is a pioneering eco-centre with exciting interactive displays that demonstrate the incredible power of wind, water and sun. It has working examples of sustainable living, environmentally responsible buildings, energy conservation, organic growing and composting.
The Centre for Alternative Technology is a great place for children, with an eco-adventure playground and a programme of holiday activities which are both fun and educational. During term-time visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings: experiencing the flora and fauna that flourishes around the site, taking a stroll around the fascinating organic gardens or enjoying a leisurely meal in our wholefood restaurant. The CAT Café offers vegetarian menus with vegan and gluten-free options. Our chefs aim to use seasonal produce, much of which is grown on site.
Making a trip to CAT is well worth it. Come to the Centre to gain practical tips on sustainable building techniques, gardening, alternative energy sources and land management all while entertaining the kids.
CAT works hard to devise positive and practical solutions to the climate change challenge and we believe that giving helpful advice for free on all matters of sustainability will encourage people to make green living a part of their everyday lives.
WISE Centre and Residential Courses
CAT's award winning WISE building is home to a variety of exciting activities that feed into the visitor experience. CAT offers a selection of MSc courses for postgraduates looking to specialise in sustainable industries, and unique short courses in a wide variety of green activities.
A wide choice of variety of short residential courses covering a range of sustainability issues are offered including courses on renewable energy, environmentally friendly building techniques, and water and sanitation solutions can help you learn more about sustainable ways of living, and allow you to put your ideas into practice. Check website for details.
Assisted Access, Coach Access. Group Rates available. Special offers for visitors arriving by train, bus, bike or foot.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Opening Times
Winter - Monday 9th January - Friday 31st March 2017. Access via Garden Steps (or drive up) with Reception in Shop.
Open 10am - 4pm daily including Shop and Cafe.
Summer - Saturday 1st April - Saturday 4th November 2017. Access via the water balanced Cliff Railway and the Garden Steps.
Open 10am - 5pm daily including Shop and Cafe.
Last entry one hour before closing time. The restaurant closes half an hour before the visitor centre.
Prices
Ticket Prices
Winter - Monday 9th January - Friday 31st March 2017
Adult: £6.50, Concessions: £5.50, Child: £4.00 (under 4 free)
Summer - Saturday 1st April - Saturday 4th November 2017
Adult: £8.50, Concessions: £7.50, Child: £4.00 (under 4 free)
CAT Wholefood Restaurant
CAT Eco Store
WISE Centre
Meetings
Wedding Venue
Electric Vehicle Charge Point
Centre for Alternative Technology Walk
Quarry TrailEvents at this Venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sat 21 Jul - Sat 1 Sep | Summer Holidays at CAT |
| Fri 27 Jul | Three Legg'd Mare at CAT |
Buy souvenirs and tickets
Enquire now
visit.cat.org.uk
email a friend
Address
Llwyngwern Quarry,
Pantperthog,
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 9AZ
Directions
Plan route using Google mapsMap reference: SH 755044 Lat: 52.62305 Long: -3.84062
CAT is located three miles north of Machynlleth on the A487, look out for the brown signs.
Bus services run from Machynlleth and other major towns. The T2 runs regular routes from Aberystwyth to Bangor. The T2 also passes the centre as well. It's worth looking online if you're planning to travel by bus and ask the driver about the best place to alight for the centre.
National Cycle Network Route 8 passes via CAT's entrance and the road from Mach to CAT is quiet and safe (see map above).
Trains are frequent and it doesn't take long to get from the Midlands to Machynlleth.
We have free car parking at our reception and there are plenty of spaces.
EV Car Charging point free to Cat Visitors, please notify reception on arrival and they will assist you with the charging facilities.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 3 miles from Machynlleth station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Pushchairs available
Regional Tourist Board Member
Telephone (public)
Welcome Host
Wheelchairs available
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Smoking not allowed
Assisted Access, Coach Access. Group Rates available. Special offers for visitors arriving by train, bus, bike or foot.
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities- Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
- is gravel
- Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
- Has a ramp
Designated parking for guests with disabilitiesPublic Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
- From the entrance to reception / ticket area
- To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- To the gift shop
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
- Baby changing facilities
- Visitor information available in large print (14pt and over)
General
- Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
- Clear signage
- Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
- Wheelchairs provided
- Free
- Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
- Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
- Audible alarm system
Entrance
- Steps to the main entrance
- 30Number of steps to entrance
- Handrail by steps
- Ramp to entrance
- Handrail by ramp
- Entrance is well lit
Food
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Menus available in large print (14pt and over)
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
- Sugar free (diabetic)
- Gluten free (coeliacs)
- Lactose free (dairy free)
- Nut free
- Additive free
- Organic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
- High chairs for children
- Children's menu
Notes
There is disabled parking at the top of both driveways. Please don't hesitate to call us on 01654 705989 for more information.
