Centre For Alternative Technology

Water-balanced Cliff Railway

Museum - Science, £4

Phone number

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Llwyngwern Quarry,
Pantperthog,
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 9AZ

What3words:

Details

Nestled in the stunning UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in Mid Wales, The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre that demonstrates practical solutions for a sustainable future.

Discover a hidden world, packed full of working examples of renewable energy, beautiful organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats.

VEGETARIAN CAFE
As a large outdoor attraction with plenty of space for the whole family to explore, we’re confident in delivering a great day out while keeping your safety and the safety of our staff a top priority. Grab a picnic from CAT’s vegetarian café and find perfect spot for lunch - in the woods, overlooking the gardens of in front of a jaw-dropping view of the valley below.

QUARRY TRAIL WALK
Now a thriving haven for wildlife, the CAT site was once a Welsh slate quarry - signs of which can still be seen today. Weaving your way up through the broadleaf woodlands, three different trails of varying lengths allow access to never-before-seen areas of the CAT woodlands and gardens whilst offering spectacular views into the Snowdonia National Park. The Quarry Trail Walk offers glimpses into CAT’s slate heritage and the reservoir that feeds CAT’s off-grid water system.

WELLBEING & NATURE
Combining exciting practical skills with immersive wellbeing experiences, CAT truly is the home of sustainability education. Join a tour with one of CAT’s expert guides to dig a little deeper or come along to a day or week long course to explore everything from sustainable woodland management and nature connection to sustainable building practices and renewable energy (check website for tour availability).

Pre-booking before arrival is essential to help us ensure that everyone can socially distance.

Dogs welcome!

www.cat.org.uk/

Opening Details

Open all the time

To ensure safety and 2m social distancing, CAT’s water-balanced cliff railway is not currently operating. The access route to the visitor centre is via a walk up a relatively steep lane, which will take approximately 10 minutes. Accessible parking is available for those who need it.

Pre-booked tickets are within 30-minute time allocated slots. The first available entry time is between 10:00 and 10:30 and last entry is between 14:30 and 15:00. Our site closes at 17:00.

Prices

WINTER OFFER: 50% OFF

Adult: £4.25
Concession: £3.75*
Child: £1.75**
*Concession: Students, people over 60 years and unemployed people.
**Child: 4-16 years. Under 4s free.
Note: All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Also at this Venue

Events at this Venue

date	event
Sat 4 Jun	Making Pallet Furniture
Sat 25 - Sun 26 Jun	Saving the Bees

Contact

Visit

Address

Llwyngwern Quarry,
Pantperthog,
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 9AZ

Location and nearby places

Directions

Plan route using Google maps

Map reference: SH 755044 Lat: 52.62305 Long: -3.84062

What3words:

CAT is currently open for pre-booked tickets only. To book, please visit www.cat.org.uk/book
________________________________________

The Centre for Alternative technology is ideally situated right in the heart of Mid Wales, just two hours by train from Birmingham International Airport and Train Station.

CAT is located three miles north of Machynlleth on the A487, look out for the brown signs.

By Public Transport
Travel Planner - https://www.traveline.cymru/

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

By Car:
Free car parking at Visitor Centre.
EV Car Charging point: Free to Cat Visitors - 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
Electric car charging point

Children welcome
Mobility Accessibility Facilities
Dogs accepted
Smoking not allowed

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

Public 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

30
Number 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.