Llanidloes is a small historic town in central Powys, and is the first town along the River Severn. While it was given a charter to hold market in 1289, its history stretches back at least 400 years before that.

An ancient half-timbered market hall still stands at the cross roads of the four medieval streets of the town. Built around 1600, it is the only surviving building of this type in Wales. In addition to housing markets, the hall also held Assize Courts around 1605, and in 1748 John Wesley preached from a pulpit stone on the open ground floor. Other traces of the towns' medieval history can be seen in the many notable timber framed buildings as well as the fifteenth century parish church with its hammerbeam roof. The church of St Idloes in the town centre incorporates some of the pure early English archways from the nearby Abbey Cwm llir which was dissolved in 1547.

The hills and mountains around Llanidloes were once very important centres of lead and silver mining, and remains from this industry can still be seen on the landscape, particularly on the scenic mountain road connecting Llanidloes to Machynlleth. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the town also developed a thriving flannel industry, but this went into decline in the first half of the nineteenth century. The collapse in the local textile industry led to a campaign for democratic rights and the town became notorious as a crucible of industrial unrest during the Chartist revolt in 1839.

Amongst the towns more curious attributes is a famous two headed sheep on display at the local museum, and its population to pub ratio.

In 2007, Llanidloes had a population of 2314. At the time, the town had 17 licensed drinking establishments. This seems a very high ration for a small town steeped in Methodist and Baptist traditions.

Today's visitors to the area enjoy the stunning mountain scenery that surrounds the town, and it has become the haven for bird watchers interested in spotting red kites in the nearby Hafren Forest, and for other wildlife enthusiasts. Hikers enjoy the scenic footpaths in the hills, including Glyndwr’s Way, which is linked to Offa’s Dyke path and forms a 160 – mile circuit around mid Wales.

The town is closely linked with Laura Ashley the fabric and dress designer. It was in Llanidloes that she began her first business, in a small shop on the main street. Perhaps fittingly therefore, the Quilt Association of Great Britain has its headquarters at the Minerva Arts Centre. Llanidloes is also famous for it annual fancy dress festival in July.