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Centre For Alternative Technology
Centre For Alternative Technology
Museum - Science, £4-£8.50
Details
Nestled in the stunning 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.
Arrive in style - Take one of Europe’s steepest water-balanced cliff railways up to the visitor centre and discover a hidden world, packed full of working examples of renewable energy, beautiful organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats.
With plenty to see and do, CAT is a great place for the kids! Run off extra energy in the eco-adventure playground, discover a world of green living on family-friendly trails and scavenger hunts or come during the school holidays for a fun-packed programme of family activities, shows and workshops.
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.
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 sustainably-managed woodlands with glorious views of the surrounding hills, the Quarry Trail Walk offers glimpses into CAT’s slate heritage and the reservoir that feeds CAT’s off-grid water system.
With a shop full of eco goodies and tasty treats or hearty lunches in CAT’s vegetarian café, CAT has everything you need for a great day out.
New for 2019 - Dogs welcome! All well-behaved four-legged friends are now welcome to come to CAT for free.
Assisted Access, Coach Access. Group Rates available. Dogs Welcome
Opening Details
Open all the time
CAT summer season starts on Monday 25th March 2019
Access via the water balanced Cliff Railway resumes on Monday 1st April.
Open 10am – 5pm daily including Shop and Cafe.
Last entry one hour before closing time. The restaurant closes half an hour before the visitor centre.
Prices
2019 Summer Season Prices:
Adult: £8.50, Concessions: £7.50, Child: £4.00 (under 4 free)
CAT Vegetarian Cafe
CAT Eco Store
Centre for Alternative Technology
Wedding Venue
Electric Vehicle Charge Point
Centre for Alternative Technology Walk
Quarry Trail
Wellbeing in Nature: Short Courses & WorkshopsEvents at this Venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sat 14 Dec | CAT's Green Christmas Fair |
| Sat 7 - Sun 8 Mar | Growing Fruit |
| Sat 7 Mar | Introduction to Horselogging |
| Sat 14 - Sun 15 Mar | Build a small wind turbine |
| Tue 31 Mar - Fri 3 Apr | Social Forestry OCN |
Enquire now
www.cat.org.uk/
email a friendAddress
Llwyngwern Quarry,
Pantperthog,
Machynlleth,
Powys,
SY20 9AZ
Location
Directions
Plan route using Google mapsMap reference: SH 755044 Lat: 52.62305 Long: -3.84062
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
Nearby
Local AccommodationFacilities
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
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Smoking not allowed
Assisted Access, Coach Access. Group Rates available. Dogs Welcome
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
Designated parking for guests with disabilitiesPublic 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
- 30Number 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.
