A Country Store with plenty to see and buy! (Coed y Dinas)

Member Name: nixtee

Product:	Coed y Dinas
Date:	04/09/08 (113 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything you could ever need/want!

Disadvantages: It may take you some time to get around the store and you may want to spend lots!

The Coed y Dinas store near Welshpool (Powys) is part of the Charlies Stores group, a well established Mid Wales company. Coed y Dinas is much more extensive than the other Charlies shops and is described as a Garden, Home and Country centre in which you can find practically anything and everything.

Coed y Dinas is split into two parts - The Country Store and The Garden Centre.

I've only been in The Country Store part a couple of times since it opened, but that's mainly because The Garden Centre side is where they sell the items I'm more likely to buy. The Country Store holds equestrian items, animal products (such as feed etc), hand & power tools, garden sheds, fencing, paving, garden accessories and machinery.

The Garden Centre is where my purse tries (and usually fails) to clamp itself shut! It's a rare occassion when I come out of Coed y Dinas without buying anything. In fact, I don't think I've ever left there empty-handed! You could almost do with a map when entering the Garden Centre as it's a sizeable place.

Upon entering the store (wheelchairs provided for those in need) there is a reception desk for those after something specific or wanting to order things.

The giftware and jewellery section is first on the tour, with little niknaks from local company Silver Scenes and other beautiful jewellery on sale. Bags, moneyboxes, mugs and other gifts are aplenty.

Don't forget the candles, soaps and bath stuffs hidden around the corner!

Next up is the wonderful kitchenware with everything from aprons and oven mitts to cake tins and steamers. If only I could afford it I would buy my whole kitchen range from there!

Along from the kitchenware, (appropriately) the restaurant can be found. Coed y Dinas is a big store, so a drink and a meal or snack may just be the ticket, but do be careful as it can get quite busy at peak times. Lovely food though!

The next area is sometimes changed around depending on the season. Here, you can find outdoor garden lights, indoor plants and flowers, garden furniture, camping gear and the like. On the run up to Christmas, Father Christmas can also be found camping out in a corner of this area.

Walking further on through and you can find cushions and chairs, picture frames, wall hangings, paintings, bedroom furniture etc.

Next up is the pet area with all kinds of fish, fish tanks, birds, rabbits, other little pets and all kinds of pet accessories and treats. I love taking a look at the fish as do most people by the look of it as there are often people taking a look.

Further along is the book section including kids books, recipe books, hobby books and more. You'll often find some bargain books there.

Moving along and we're in the cards & craft section. There's rows upon rows of quality greetings cards for great prices (often cheaper than the high street stores). There's also lots of craft goodies such as wool, paper, card, canvases, paints, stamping goods, sewing, kids crafts and more. I can often be found browsing this section! Last time I was there I bought my Nan 10 big balls of wool at £1 each... Bargain! Here, you'll also be able to find cuddly toys, puppets, etc.

Making your way to towards the other side of the store you'll find shoes and clothes such as coats, jackets, socks, shirts, t-shirts, hats, shorts etc. Ideal for walking, hiking, camping and everyday.

Moving along we find the food & drink area with local real ales, wine, whiskey, jams, sweets, baking goods, fruit & nuts, regridgerated goods, frozen goods such as pies, locally-made meals, etc.

At this point you're near the tills, so don't forget to pop outside and have a look around the garden area for plants, statues, bird baths and other garden goods.

During the summer, you'll often find a welcoming ice cream cart selling delicious ice creams. After you've taking time to walk around the Coed y Dinas store I'm sure an ice cream is just what you'll be needing.

Coed y Dinas also holds regular events such as Birds of Prey where you can see them up-close.

The staff are always very helpful are are often on-hand to help you with whatever you need, whether it be helping you find something or helping you take your newly purchased goods to the car.

If you're ever in the area, I would definitely recommend a trip to Coed y Dinas. There is plenty of parking, just make sure you have plenty of time to look around as there is lots to see... and buy!

Summary: A wonderful store where the odd bargain can be found!