Centre for Alternative Technology

CAT is well worth a visit. Extremely interesting for all ages. Lots of Eco information and learning. Great Quarry walk with views over centre. Quite a long climb in places but well worth the effort.

I loved every minute - from stepping onto the water powered ‘cable’ car, the quarry walk, to the eco buildings and poly tunnels. It still has a ‘hippy’ feel about the place which I hope won’t change.

The Centre's in a disused slate quarry and is reached by a water-powered vernacular railway. Incredibly useful and informative site but the different routes visitors can take could be more clearly marked. It's easy to wander and get them mixed up. The café/shop was nice and, although the spinach dhal and rice I had for lunch was lovely, it was a mean portion for £7.25 and the little naan bread was a burnt biscuit! Service at checkout needs to be sorted better. Our meals were almost cold by the time we sat down to eat. That said, it was a very enjoyable day and I recommend going to anyone with the slightest interest in sustainability.

Very good for anyone interested in how we might reduce our collective carbon footprints whilst living in attractive buildings and eating well. We were here a morning but there is at least a day’s worth if interested.
The staff were very friendly and with infectious enthusiasm.
The cafe was good I thought. Nice food, service was excellent and good value.
The overall setting is v attractive (it was sunny) and lovely to walk around admiring the planting and clever use of water.
What I don’t understand is why CAD hasn’t become a global consultancy as every government, council, developer, property manager etc needs to know this stuff.

A very informative place to visit, the history of the area, the walks and how new technologies are paving the way to help fight climatic changes within the environment.
Activities for young and old to enjoy, learn and experience.
Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Cafe on site, could be deemed expensive but everything made is fresh, it's wholesome and quality. The smell is delightful as you walk around too. All food is vegetarian or vegan.

I cannot understate how incredibly impressed I was during my visit to the CAT centre. Everything was a dream. The staff were all so lovely and welcoming, the accommodation is beautiful and relaxing, the food is flavourful and filling and I was able to learn so much. The work they do is very innovative and definitely worth checking out. I would highly recommend visiting.

Beautiful surroundings, obvious social history and a story to tell but one statement: "4 fifths of the 2050's housing stock already exist" is really poignant (and must be so so relevant to many visitors from typical urban homes). Pity therefore that this so huge national problem is really only addressed in one corner of the site.

Visited W.C.A.T a while back and was hugely impressed and inspired by their pro active approach to putting alternative environmentally beneficial technology and practices ( many of which have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years yet forgotten by most) into and beneficial to modern living.
A fantastic day ( or two) for the whole family.
Outstanding!!