Llanfyllin Workhouse

Y Dolydd welcomes visitors from 1 August 2020. You can book a visit to the Workhouse History Centre and some other parts of the site. Please phone 01691 860549 or email history@llanfyllinworkhouse.org at least a day before you plan to visit. Only one household group (or two if in an ‘extended household’) can view the displays and film at a time. Please use hand sanitisers and maintain 2 metres social distancing. Our bunkhouse can also be booked to accommodate a single household group or ‘extended household’.

Llanfyllin Workhouse is a developing community centre and venue for the arts, music, creativity and education. The Workhouse is owned, managed and supported by the Llanfyllin Dolydd Building Preservation Trust (registered charity no.1091097).

Built in 1837, this imposing stone building served as a workhouse for up to 250 inmates until 1930, when it became a local authority institution and later a care home. It finally closed in 1983.

The Workhouse enjoyed a brief period of rejuvenation as an outdoor pursuits centre, before being left empty from the mid 80’s. The historic yet rather austere buildings remained empty and derelict until local residents formed a charitable body to save the buildings. eventually taking full ownership in 2008. Work began soon after, clearing the site and preparing to renovate led by local volunteers as well as visitors from afar.

The buildings and surrounding land is now owned and run by the community, for the community.

The aim is to strive to be a leading force in the integration of education, arts, entertainment and employment using a holistic and sustainable approach based upon sound social and environmental principles. The Workhouse is developing as an exciting hub for education, music, local produce, green crafts and arts.

Permaculture study group at the Workhouse in 2009

We want to attract people locally, across Wales, from the UK and beyond in creative events, courses and gatherings. We aim to provide valuable learning experiences for all ages and will have a broad spectrum of educational and training courses including green crafts, gardening, creative arts and performance skills. Besides generating its own activities,

The Workhouse makes available space and facilities for community organisations and for creative enterprises. We are encouraging local initiatives and contributing to rural regeneration.

The Workhouse History Group is carrying out research into the history of the building and of the Llanfyllin Poor Law Union. It has collaborated with The National Archives to catalogue the extensive, untapped collection of material held at Kew and has digitised the minutes of the Llanfyllin guardians in Powys Archives.This led in 2016 to the opening of the Workhouse History Centre, Wales’s only workhouse museum funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and now open daily free of charge.

Refurbishment of the building is in progress, with much of the work carried out by volunteers using recycled materials wherever possible. A Conservation Management Plan has been drawn up, and all work is designed to accord with established conservation principles and with the building’s listed status.

The restoration of this historic building presents a huge challenge and we cannot do it without the help of our supporters. We are currently seeking to raise £10K for our Master’s House Roof Appeal and you can help by sponsoring a slate. Or become a member for only £1 a month!!! Download the form from this website, fill it in and send it to us at:

Membership, Workhouse, Y Dolydd, Llanfyllin, SY22 5LD

Thank you! Small yet regular donations from our supporters are essential for the project

Llanfyllin Workhouse is set in a beautiful rural location, only 1/4 mile from the small rural town of Llanfyllin itself and has the added benefit of being within easy access of the M54 and M6 motorways. Visitors can extend their visit and stay in our bunk house accommodation. See the events section for the latest up coming events See our Press and Newsletter archive for latest information about the project.

Dogs with well behaved owners are welcome to visit. Please keep dogs on a lead and pick up after them. Bins are provided. Our dog policy differs between events so please check with event organisers before bringing your pet to an event. Diolch! Thank you.