Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, Wales. Opening Varies. Admission Charged.
Details
Accessibility:
SEE https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67371989 AND https://cat.org.uk/update/
UPDATE November 2023
The centre has plenty of parking at the foot of the cliff railway and there are designated disability car parks situated at both the top of the cliff railway and the visitor centre/café. There are disability toilets located at the bottom of the cliff railway and near the shop at the top of the cliff railway.
The site has been made as accessible as possible, with ramps, slopes or level access to the buildings and most of the paths are compacted aggregates which are mostly level. The cliff railway carriages have space for wheelchairs, but it should be noted that this only runs during the summer months; during winter access to the visitor centre is either via a 10-minute walk on a stepped path, or by car along the drive up to the visitor centre for the less able, where the electric mobility scooters are then available.
There are electric mobility scooters and a wheelchair available to hire free of charge by calling 01654 705950 in advance of your visit.
Brief Description:
The Centre for Alternative Technology has over seven acres of hands-on displays and gardens, with over 40 years of experience in sustainability practice. There are interactive displays of working examples of environmentally responsible buildings, renewable energy generation, sustainability in the home, organic growing, composting and waste management, all demonstrating what we can do to reduce our impact on the planet.
SEE https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67371989 AND https://cat.org.uk/update/
UPDATE November 2023
Further Information:
Address:
Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, SY20 9AZ
Telephone:
01654 705950
Email:
https://cat.org.uk/contact-us/
Website:
Opening Hours:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67371989 AND https://cat.org.uk/update/
November 2023: "The closure of a technology tourist attraction to drop-in visitors has put 14 jobs at risk.
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), near Machynlleth in Powys, said the decision to shut its visitor centre was made "with a heavy heart".
It blamed increased running costs, reduced visitor numbers since the Covid pandemic and funding delays.
The centre will still be open to booked group visits, such as school trips.
CAT, which was founded in 1973 in a disused quarry near the village of Ceinws, has become world-renowned for pioneering environmental innovation and education.
It also has an environment school providing specialist postgraduate courses, which CAT said would not be affected.
Despite closing the visitor centre day visitors, CAT will remain open for bookings from group visits such as school trips, and booking from colleges, universities, community groups and other organisations.
It said the closure would "allow CAT to focus on strengthening economically viable aspects of its operations — helping deliver on its mission to create and share practical solutions to tackle the climate and nature emergency"."
PREVIOUSLY:
Visitor Centre and Shop open 10am - 5pm daily
Cafe open 10am - 4.30pm daily
Info Desk open 11am - 5pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays plus occasional other days.
Ticket Prices
Adult - £8.50
Concession - £7.50
Child - £4.00
Carers and Under 4’s – Free
Access to the Visitor Centre is via our water balanced Cliff Railway and the Garden Steps. Tickets can be purchased from reception at the bottom of the train.
Winter
November - March
Open 10am - 4pm daily including Shop and Cafe.
*Closed for two weeks over Christmas.
Ticket Prices
Adult - £6.50
Concession - £5.50
Child - £4.00
Carers and Under 4’s - Free
Directions:
To get to the Centre for Alternative Technology you follow the A487 from Machynlleth to Dollgellau. About 2.8 miles out of Machynlleth take the right turn – which will be signposted to the centre as well as to Ceinws/Esgairgeiliog. After another 300 metres follow the road to the right and the centre will be at the end of this road.
OS SH755044
Transport:
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Amenities:
SEE https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67371989 AND https://cat.org.uk/update/
UPDATE November 2023
The centre has a vegetarian café where you can buy meals, snacks and drinks and the shop also sells snacks, ice creams and drinks.
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
Tan Y Coed, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys
897 metres*
1.82 miles*
1.96 miles*
St Gwrin’s Church, Llanwrin, Powys
2.00 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.