One year on and well over 100,000 visitors!

18^th June marks the one-year anniversary of the re-opening Llys-y-Frân after a major redevelopment in 2021. Following a £4million investment the site has gone from strength to strength in the past 12 months. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water were fortunate to receive £1.7 million of European Regional Development Funds through the Welsh Government. The project is part of the Welsh Government’s Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 “must see destinations” across Wales. The revamped Llys-y-Frân was estimated to attract around 100,000 visitors in the first year, which it surpassed during its ninth month in March.

Attraction Manager Mark Hillary said “Looking back over the first year, it has been incredible to see so many people visit the site again, creating lasting memories whilst enjoying our new facilities and activities we have on offer.  The site has grown and developed so much, with the addition of a new climbing wall to complement our other land-based activities and a dog agility area. We’ve recently launched regular open water swimming sessions throughout the summer season, which have been very well received. We have hosted two craft fairs, both of which were a huge success, resulting in plans for an Autumn Food & Drink Fair and a Christmas Craft Fair this year. We have been working in partnership with local organisations such as Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club and TROTs (Taf Running and Orienteering Team) to host events at the site which has been extremely successful, and we are look forward to hosting more events in collaboration with local and national sports organisations in the future.”

Millie Wilson joined Dwr Cymru Welsh Water as a Ranger at Llys-y-Frân in 2021. Millie reflected on her first year, “It’s been lovely to watch the site grow over the past year. The site has become a hive of activity both with the general public and the wildlife re-establishing and co-existing with us. We’ve been lucky to see it from both sides. It’s rewarding to see how all of our hard work maintaining the site and attending relevant training has been beneficial and is now being enjoyed by the public.”

Establishing itself as an activity centre for education activity days and team building days for organisations and groups was always a key priority for Llys-y-Frân. There has been a huge interest and feedback from organisers has been very positive with many expressing their interest in returning next year. The meeting room facilities within the visitor centre and activity centre provide a great space for meetings, training and team building, with the outdoor activities providing a fun bonding experience for school groups and colleagues. The activity birthday party packages are now available to book, which include watersports and land activities along with refreshments in the visitor centre café.

For more information, take a look at our website: https://llys-y-fran.co.uk/