If you're coming to study with us, then you may need to know where you can stay, or where the local restaurants and places of interest are. Here we've listed a few of the Hotels, restaurants, pubs and local tourism sis that may interest you to visit.

Accomodation:

   If you’re in need of a place to stay while you study with us, then this link will take you to a comprehensive list of the hotels and Bed and Breakfast facilities available near Swansea. Many of these however, are in the city of Swansea, whilst we are located just outside. The nearest facilities to our office that we would recommend are:

   The Abercrave Inn:

   Clean, well furnished rooms, with friendly staff and a wonderful dinner menu. Many of the locals go to The Abercrave Inn for a good meal in good surroundings.

   Merlyn’s:

   The closest accommodation to our offices, Merlyn’s offers comfortable rooms with disabled access from just £11 per person per night. Definitely worth considering!

   The Copper Beech Inn:

   The Copper Beech (located just next to the Abercrave Inn) is another place we would recommend. If Curries are your thing – they do a lovely one!

   If for any reason any of these aren’t available, the other hotels listed are still within easy reach of our offices –however you will certainly need transportation.

Aberglasney

The Brecon Canal

   Pubs and Restaurants:

   Food in the daytime is included in our residential training, however if you’re planning on staying a little longer, or looking for somewhere to go at night, this list should give you a few names to bear in mind when you come to us.

   Pub Lunch

   The Ynyscedwyn Arms do a wonderful lunch menu, in smoking and non-smoking areas – full of simple food with big portions and good prices! The staff are kind and welcoming, and the place is easy to find. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a quiet afternoon, this is the place.

   Merlyn’s (mentioned above) also do a wonderful lunch menu – complete with full table service. The prices are fair and the food is delicious – one to bear in mind.

   There are other Inns and Pubs to visit during the afternoon/night – they’re not difficult to find – all based in or around the same area as our offices.

Tourism

   Sure, you’re coming to take part in the course, but that doesn’t take up the whole day! If you’re coming from further away, there’s no reason why you should miss out on what South Wales has to offer you while you’re with us.

   The National Showcaves Centre for Wales offers a range of activities, as well as tours of three different natural caves deep inside the heart of the mountains of South Wales. Visit their site (link at the bottom of the page) for more information.

   The Brecon Beacons National Park covers 519 square miles over half of which is 1,000 ft above sea level – Miles upon miles of beautiful walks, stunning sights and tremendous beauty.

   Craig-Y-Nos castle, home of the famous opera singer Adelina Patti, offers accommodation and entertainment – if you’re lucky you could even catch their ghost watch! The castle grounds have been turned into a public garden – full of wildlife and natural beauty. Entrance is cheap and your time isn’t limited there – a nice place to spend a quiet afternoon.

   Of course we haven’t listed everything here – nowhere near! But if you want to look for more attractions yourself, try a few of these links to see what’s available to you:

   Visit Wales
   The Trip Advisor 
   Visit Swansea Bay

Caving in South Wales

The Coast at Mumbles, Swansea

Transport:

   If you’re not bringing your own car with you, or if you don’t own any transport, then you’ll need to know how you can get around. Luckily enough there taxi services in Ystradgynlais (We’ve got names and numbers for the two best services below) as well as a reliable bus route. There are a number of companies who offer car rental too, but we’d suggest that you shop around for the most convenient service for you – as it really depends on where you’re staying.

   If you’re travelling by bus – there is a very useful search engine for the timetable at this site - the office postcode is SA9 1DT, place name Ystradgynlais. Just find out where you’re staying and we’re sure you’ll find a nearby bus route. 


   If you’re likely to need a taxi during your stay, we suggest you save these numbers:

   Ystradgynlais Taxis: 01639 845333
   JJ Cars: 01639 849836

Links to sites that may interest you:

   The Abercrave Inn – Accommodation, good food and service with a smile.

   Pen-Pentre Guest House – Offers good quality bed and breakfast accommodation. 

   The UK Hotel Network – provides a comprehensive list of accommodation in the UK, as well as a forum with ratings on hotels and B ‘n’ B’s. Worth a visit if you’re planning to stay in Wales for a few days.

   Limesearch – Need a rented car? Travel insurance to make your journey more secure? This is a UK-based directory of products and services which may prove useful.

   Craig-Y-Nos Castle – The Castle and country park was the former estate of the famous operatic soprano Adelina Patti. It now hosts weddings, conferences and live entertainment.

   The National Showcaves for Wales – has won 5 tourism awards, and is one of South Wales’ major attractions. It maybe worth the visit.