Ty Newydd has a long and rich history. Built in the sixteenth century with significant Georgian additions, it was the last home of Prime Minister David Lloyd George, who commissioned the famous architect of Portmeirion, Clough Williams-Ellis, to adapt it to his tastes.
In April 1990, Ty Newydd Writing Centre, in Llanystumdwy, opened its doors to its first poetry course. Since that all-important course tutored by poets Gillian Clarke and Robert Minhinnick, hundreds of adults and young people have visited Ty Newydd each year to take part in residential creative writing courses and retreats. The beautiful grounds looking out over Cardigan Bay and the Eifionydd hills provide the perfect setting for writing in peace and quiet.
The course programme covers a broad range of genres, forms and styles. Most courses are tutored by two professional tutors who are experts within their fields. There are also retreats for those who value solitude and the time and space to explore. Course costs range from £27 to £575, and are dependent on course type and length (day, weekend or week). Weekend and week-long course costs include food and accommodation, while day course costs include a light lunch. To browse the courses, go here: http://www.literaturewales.org/courses/
There are also one-off evening events, like guest readings, with ticket prices starting at £5.
There is a Lloyd George exhibition and panels detailing the history of the house will be installed shortly, as well as a shop.
Visitors who do not want to attend a course are welcome to visit the house and explore grounds but must telephone in advance.