Centre For Alternative Technology

Book Tickets Online

About

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).

CAT Eco Store

The perfect complement to a visit to CAT, the gift shop stocks eco-friendly and ethical products and books and is housed in a sustainable building.

Wellbeing in Nature: Short Courses

Take a journey of self-discovery while developing practical skills in a beautiful immersive environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT).

Experience Days at CAT

Being immersed in nature while learning how to care for it is the perfect pairing for a memorable day out at the UK’s leading Eco Centre.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£8.50 per adult
Child (4 -16 years)£3.50 per child
Concession£7.50 per concession

Under 4s free | All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Students, people over 60 years and unemployed people_

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Wheelchairs available

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome
  • Pushchairs available

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • EV Charging
  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Telephone (public)

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member
  • Welcome Host

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

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. 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.

Accessible by Public Transport: Machynlleth station is 3 miles away.

Public Transport Directions

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

Centre For Alternative Technology

Type:Theme Park

Centre for Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Add Centre For Alternative Technology to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01654 705950

Opening Times

* Open 10am – 5pm with last entry is between 3.30 and 4.00pm.

Awards

  • Visit WalesVisit Wales VAQAS Visit Wales VAQAS 2016
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2022

Related

WISE Centre | AccommodationCentre for Alternative Technology | Stay, MachynllethCAT’s on-site accommodation is housed within the WISE building, a beautifully designed and award winning eco facility right in the middle of the Visitor Centre. Visitors can dine in CAT's vegetarian café and enjoy free access to the Visitor Centre.

Centre for Alternative Technology | Eco Cabins, MachynllethCAT's Eco Cabins offer a fantastic and affordable self-catering choice for large families and active groups looking to explore the local area. Each cabin can sleep up to 18 people and have communal lounge areas and kitchens.

WISE Conference CentreCentre For Alternative Technology | WISE Conference Centre, MachynllethWISE Conference Centre has impressive facilities that can deliver successful conferences, in memorable spaces. The Sheppard Theatre comfortably holds 180 delegates within its circular, rammed earth walls and has an adjoining exhibition/reception space, overlooking the tranquil courtyard garden –…

Centre for Alternative Technology | Vegetarian Cafe, MachynllethTreat yourself at CAT with a delicious meal, baked treats, barista coffee and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages at CAT's vegetarian café.

Centre for Alternative TechnologyDyfi Discovery Walk | Centre for Alternative Technology Walk, MachynllethStart: Centre for Alternative Technology (C.A.T) car park Grid Reference: SH 754 044 Distance: 7.1 km – 4.4 miles Grade: Moderate (some steep sections) Terrain: Firm tracks, roads and open grassland Maps: OS Explorer OL23 or 215

What's Nearby

  1. Ride in an old fashioned steam train on a journey that is enjoyable for everybody and…

    2.11 miles away
  2. Navigate the snaking paths of this outdoor maze to find 8 mythical stories, intriguing…

    2.17 miles away
  3. Discover quality craftsmanship and the unique stories behind the handmade designs in 9…

    2.17 miles away
  4. Abercorris Nature Reserve

    Abercorris Nature Reserve in southern Snowdonia is a three acre site of remnant…

    2.17 miles away
  1. Sail underground, through the magical veil of a waterfall, and pass into a mythical world…

    2.18 miles away
  2. The award-winning Dyfi Distillery is run by brothers Pete and Danny Cameron who…

    2.19 miles away
  3. Throughout the year MOMA WALES shows Modern Welsh Art, in a series of constantly changing…

    2.23 miles away
  4. Experience the Wonder of Dyfi Biosphere: A Natural Gem Recognised by UNESCO

    Discover the…

    2.41 miles away
  5. Y Plas Machynlleth is a Grade 2 listed building, set in parkland offering a unique…

    2.42 miles away
  6. The Dyfi Valley opens wide as it approaches Cardigan Bay Coast and ends in sandy beaches…

    2.42 miles away
  7. Located at the foot of Cadair Idris, Tal-y-llyn Lake is north of Machynlleth and…

    4.15 miles away
  8. Cadair Idris Visitor Centre & Tea Room is 250 metres from the car park and the Minffordd…

    4.42 miles away
  9. The Dyfi Wildlife Centre near Machynlleth is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project at the…

    4.96 miles away
  10. The Cors Dyfi reserve in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere is a mixture of bog,…

    4.96 miles away
  11. Deep in the mountainous heart of mid Wales, nestling at the foot of Cadair Idris, lie the…

    5.82 miles away
  12. RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a wildlife haven in the heart of Mid Wales . Explore oak…

    6.86 miles away
Previous Next

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss