By Julia from Julia’s Bookcase
Wales’ National Book Town Hay-on-Wye may be just over an hour and a half away from the Writers’ Cabin, but Machynlleth is a literary destination all in itself.
A small town in mid-Wales, Machynlleth has five bookshops for a population of around two thousand. Its tranquil location makes it the ideal place for a retreat, with plenty of inspiration to be found.
Here’s a short guide to the bookshops of Machynlleth – all of which I highly recommend you visit during your stay.
Literary Cat Books
As a cat lover, I was immediately drawn to Literary Cat Books. The shop opened its bricks and mortar premises in June 2020, after years of trading online. They stock a wide range of books on a variety of subjects, encompassing both new and used titles.
This is the perfect place for a rummage, with the shop’s special interests including history, philosophy, religion, poetry, and cookery.
There’s heaps of fiction to choose from too, as well as a variety of books in Welsh.
Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop
This beautiful bookshop first opened in 2011, also selling a range of new and used books in both English and Welsh.
The shop itself is beautifully decorated, which reflects its purpose as a bookshop and gallery space. I had a lovely time browsing here and chatting to the friendly bookshop owner who is clearly very passionate about what they do.
Using the complimentary book token left for me as a guest in the Writers’ Cabin, I ended up leaving with a copy of Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo which was promptly added to my ever-growing to-be-read pile.
Siop Lyfrau’r Senedd-dy
An offshoot of the Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop, this branch is located in the historic parliament building, which is believed to date back to the 1460s. The building now serves the community as a historical and cultural hub, with a bookshop that opened in 2021.
The books reflect the diversity of Welsh literature, with titles in both languages, a fantastic selection of Welsh children’s books and literature for visitors to the area. The space also hosts events for the Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop.
Coch-y-Bonddu Books
This bookshop in town is more of a niche option, but still well worth a visit.
Specialising in books on angling, game shooting, sporting dogs and falconry, this bookshop was founded by Paul Morgan when he issued his first catalogue in 1982. Today the shop is known to stock a comprehensive selection on these topics, and they even publish their own titles, including many that were previously out of print.
Personally, I loved the pieces of fish artwork that were hung on the walls around the shop.
Also in Machynlleth: Dyfi Valley Bookshop
This bookshop, which was closed when I was visiting, holds a large general stock, but specialises in archery, firearms, shooting, military, arms and armour.
Bonus Bookshop: The Bookshop by the Sea in Aberystwyth
While you’re in the area, make sure you pop down the road to visit this bookshop in nearby Aberystwyth.
The Bookshop by the Sea has won multiple awards, including Indie Bookshop of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Book Awards, and is known for its strong community focus. They sell a mixture of new and used books, and the shop has a cosy, welcoming feel.
Thank you to Julia for hosting me at her wonderful cabin, and for giving me the opportunity to explore the local bookshops!
You can read my full review of the Writers’ Cabin on the Julia’s Bookcase website here.
Julia is an award winning blogger, content creator and freelance writer. You can find her online at www.juliasbookcase.com and on Instagram @shereadsandtravels.
Book your next writer’s retreat today and explore all mid Wales has to offer for the literary minded.
