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About this place
Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells is the local history museum of the old county of Radnorshire in mid Wales. It stands on Temple Street in the town centre, inside the former Carnegie public library, and tells the story of the area through objects that range from rocks and fossils to paintings and musical instruments.
What is the Radnorshire Museum?
The museum collects, preserves and interprets the cultural heritage of the historic shire county of Radnorshire, which today lies within Powys. Its holdings cover geology, palaeontology, archaeology, natural history, social history and fine art, so a single visit takes you from prehistoric times to the modern era.
What can you see inside?
Archaeology is one of the strongest themes. The Llandrindod Wells Log Boat is among the best-known items, and the material from Castell Collen, the Roman fort site near the town, shows how the Romans used this part of Wales.
Social history includes the Kilvert Society Collection, linked to the Victorian diarist Francis Kilvert, who wrote about life in the Welsh borders. Another standout is John Roberts' Welsh Triple Harp, a reminder of the instrument that shaped Welsh musical tradition.
The fine art collection includes works by Thomas Jones and John Opie, two painters whose names are well known in British art history.
Is there anything about the World Wars?
Yes. The museum displays stories of people from Radnorshire who served in both World Wars. A WWI exhibition in 2014 was built around a Roll of Honour naming 531 local men who died, and it was formally opened by the Mayor of Llandrindod Wells. It is a good place to see how national events touched small communities in the county.
Who is it for?
The museum suits visitors interested in Welsh history, families looking for an easy indoor stop, and walkers or cyclists exploring mid Wales who want context for the landscape. Llandrindod Wells itself is a spa town with a Victorian character, and the museum fits naturally into a stroll through the centre.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the museum? On Temple Street in the centre of Llandrindod Wells, in the former Carnegie library building.
What area does it cover? The former county of Radnorshire, now part of Powys.
What are the main exhibits? The Llandrindod Wells Log Boat, finds from Castell Collen, the Kilvert Society Collection, John Roberts' Welsh Triple Harp and paintings by Thomas Jones and John Opie.
Are there exhibitions on the World Wars? Yes. Displays cover local people who served in both wars, including the Roll of Honour of 531 men who died in WWI.
What are the opening hours? Published listings differ, so check the Powys museums website or the council page for current days and times before you travel.
Is it worth a visit? If you are in Llandrindod Wells and curious about the history, geology and art of Radnorshire, it gives a compact and varied overview of the county in one building.
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