Sarah Christopher
18 September 2024
Book a break in Mid Wales and discover what makes this scenic region so epic; rolling hills and mountains with breathtaking views, lush valleys, picturesque rivers and a huge stretch of coast begging to be explored.
The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, soak up some history, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of rural life, you’ll discover the ideal destination and plenty to do in Mid Wales.
In need of some inspiration? Look no further. We’ve put together this handy guide showcasing the 10 best places to stay in Mid Wales, ranging from pretty Hay-On-Wye cottages to spacious retreats in Rhayader, perfect for habitual adventurers.
Skip to:
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is a spectacular mountain range stretching across 520 square miles from South to Mid Wales. Renowned for its dramatic peaks, including Pen-y-Fan, the highest in the south, the area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the challenging hikes and cycling trails.
Another draw to the area is its famous waterfalls and bodies of water; Four Waterfalls Walk is a popular route that takes you past some of the most beautiful falls in the region, whilst reservoirs such as Llangorse Lake and the Talybont Reservoir are the perfect spots for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful picnics.
Top things to do:
- Four Waterfalls Walk: This well known, popular trail is found in an area of the park known as Waterfall Country, featuring Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira falls.
- Brecon Mountain Railway: This vintage tourist railway showcases some of the park’s most amazing vistas with stops along the way, a brilliant day out for all the family.
- Dark skies: An International Dark Sky Reserve, stay overnight in Bannau Brycheiniog and you might witness meteor showers, constellations and bright nebulae.
Hay-on-Wye
This charming market town sits along the border of England and Wales and is renowned for its literary festival. Often called 'the town of books', Hay-on-Wye boasts an array of second-hand bookshops which also specialise in rare editions, making it a honey-pot location for bibliophiles who travel from all over the world to seek out literary adventures.
The town's picturesque setting along the River Wye, combined with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, offers a quaint and inviting atmosphere, with the surrounding landscape providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures too – such as hiking, cycling and canoeing.
Top things to do:
- Hay Festival Global: This literary festival is a vibrant event for those passionate about literature and the arts; a 10-day programme featuring appearances by popular authors and celebrities.
- Hay Castle: This beautiful 17th-century mansion house is a cultural hub, offering arts, crafts and the chance to delve into local history.
- Browse the book shops: There are too many fantastic second-hand Hay bookshops to list, but you can choose your genre with specialists in cinema, music, children’s books and more.
Builth Wells
Located on the banks of the River Wye, surrounded by lush countryside and rolling hills, Builth Wells is a tranquil, small but vibrant, market town. The perfect destination for those wanting a relaxing break in pretty surroundings with access to independent boutiques, welcoming cafes and traditional pubs.
Perhaps best known as the hosting town of the Royal Welsh Show, one of the most popular agricultural events in the UK, annually it draws in visitors to showcase the best of Welsh produce, including livestock, rural crafts and local fare.
Top things to do:
- Royal Welsh Showground: The famous Royal Welsh Showground is open year-round for a plethora of popular events, from the annual agricultural show to antique and craft fairs.
- Groe Park: For scenic walks and the chance to enjoy a picnic with tranquil views of Wye Bridge.
- Builth history: From the imposing mound of Builth Castle ruins, to the tranquil atmosphere of the captivating stone circle … or lace up your boots and take a walk up to Llewellyn's monument, there’s an abundance of rich history to discover.
Machynlleth
This historic market town is often regarded as the gateway to the Dyfi Valley and Snowdonia National Park and, known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, Machynlleth offers an appealing blend of modern and traditional attractions. Back in mediaeval times, Machynlleth was the capital of Wales, where Owain Glyndŵr held a parliament in the early 15th century – and this rich history is reflected in the town’s many heritage sites.
The area is now seen as a hub for sustainability and the arts, with the famous MOMA gallery showcasing contemporary welsh art and the annual Machynlleth Comedy Festival drawing crows from far and wide. The town is also home to The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) which offers visitors an educational walk through modern ecology and green living.
Top things to do:
- Visit MOMA Machynlleth: For inspiring exhibits of modern Welsh masterpieces such as Mervyn Levy’s Dylan Thomas 1932 and Josef Herman’s Miner visit The Tabernacle, home to Moma Machynlleth.
- Eat at Ynyshir: For an immersive culinary experience with Asian/Welsh fusion made up of fresh, mainly seafood produce visit Ynyshir. Booking in advance is necessary.
- Dyfi Biosphere Reserve: UNESCO designed, promoting conservation and sustainability; explore the wildlife rich landscape at the amazing Dyfi Biosphere Reserve.
Rhayader
The oldest town in Mid Wales, set along the banks of the River Wye, Rhayader is utterly charming. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Elan Valley, which is known for its natural beauty and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Rhayader itself offers an appealing mix of quaint streets, historic buildings and a good selection of shops; it’s a traditional Welsh town.
Also known as the outdoor capital of Wales, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities, from woodland walks to cycle tracks and water-based activities, such as fishing and canoeing – there’s even the chance to witness rare red kites take flight, so you won’t be short of ideas.
Top things to do:
- Cwmdeuddwr Wildlife Walk: Taking in the natural beauty of the town, discover the rich flora, fauna and wildlife living amongst its buildings, parkland and gardens.
- Pump Track Wales: Experience the UK’s first split sprint pump track, open all year round and free of charge.
- Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre: A bird watcher's paradise, Gigrin Farm is famous for its red kite feeding (daily), when you can witness hundreds of the birds feed within spectacular scenery.
Crickhowell
A beautiful Georgian town, nestled into the Usk Valley, Crickhowell sits in the eastern range of Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons National Park, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding countryside. A thoroughly pretty destination, meander through its streets and take in Georgian and Victorian architecture, explore quaint shops and boutiques, or find a cosy nook in one of the welcoming pubs.
One of Crickhowell's most notable landmarks is the 13th-century Crickhowell Castle, also known as Alisby's Castle and though now in ruins, the castle's remains provide a fascinating glimpse into the town's mediaeval past. Another historic local landmark is the 17th-century stone bridge over the River Usk, known for its twelve arches, each having a different span, adding to the town's unique character.
Top things to do:
- The Table Mountain Walk: Take a hike up Table Mountain – with its steep ascent of 380 metres this 4.5-mile climb to its flat top will reward you with spectacular views.
- Eat at The Bear Hotel: Offering a warm and friendly atmosphere as well as over 500 years of trade, The Bear Hotel serves up quality local fayre.
- Pick up supplies: The Black Mountains Smokery is a fantastic place to stock up on local artisan fine foods including smoked meat and fish, cheeses, deli food and wine.
Elan Valley
A picture-perfect location known for its dramatic wildlife-rich landscapes, The Elan Valley is home to a number of dams and reservoirs, including Claerwen, Craig Goch and Pen y Garreg, which are set amidst rolling hills and lush forests. The scenery is so picturesque, the area is often referred to as the 'Welsh Lake District'. Dating back to the Victorian era, the dams are certainly impressive feats of engineering, with each one sitting beautifully within the landscape – Pen y Garreg features a unique central tower accessible by a tunnel, which offers stunning views from the top.
Part of the Elenydd-Mallaen Special Protection Area, the Elan Valley is well known for its red kites, peregrine falcons and other bird species and it is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, and photography, as well as birdwatching. So, whether you want to enjoy a leisurely walk, embark on a challenging hike, or simply take in the breathtaking views, the Elan Valley offers a perfect escape into nature.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Dams: There are a number of routes to follow if you want to visit the Elan Valley Dams – all but the Dol y Mynach are accessible by car.
- Elan Valley Sculpture Trail: Created by Simon O’Rourke through an abandoned Douglas fir plantation, the beautiful Elan Valley Sculpture Trail features carvings of the wildlife you’d expect to see in the area.
- Look up and stargaze: The Elan Valley was designated an International Dark Sky Park back in 2015 and offers lots of easily accessible sites to visit within the estate.
Knighton
This charming market town is perhaps best known for its unique location – Knighton is actually set on Offa’s Dyke which is the ancient earthwork built in the 8th century to mark the boundary between Mercia (now known as the Midlands) and the kingdoms of Wales. The dyke runs right through the town, creating part of the Offa’s Dyke Path, a popular trail for walkers. And who was Offa? He was the King of Mercia and the first ruler to be called 'The King of the English'.
Beyond its rich and intriguing history, the town itself is abundant in old-world charm, with timber-framed buildings lining its narrow streets housing creative boutiques and cosy cafes. Knighton also offers a packed calendar of community events hosted throughout the year, including the popular Knighton Carnival and Show, which showcases local crafts, livestock, and entertainment. Perfectly positioned as a gateway to the picturesque surrounding countryside, explore nearby Radnor Forest and the Shropshire Hills for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
Top things to do:
- Walk Offa’s Dyke: This short trail retraces the steps of the ancient king, exploring the dyke's mysterious origins, winding across moorlands and mountains along the border between England and Wales.
- Observe: Plan a visit to the incredible Spaceguard Centre with its working observatory set within the dark skies of the Welsh Marches.
- Knighton Museum: Spend time discovering fascinating insights into the local history and the significance of Offa's Dyke. Entry is free to the volunteer-run Knighton Museum – donations welcome.
Llandrindod Wells
Known by the locals simply as 'Landod' this pretty spa town is famed for its beautiful landscapes. The heritage of the town dates back to the Victorian era, when it was established as a popular health resort, featuring grand hotels and elegant parklands – most of which can still be witnessed and enjoyed today. Llandrindod Wells' picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere make it the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a touch of nostalgia in beautiful surroundings.
The famous Rock Park is a historic parkland that features a variety of mineral springs – once believed to have therapeutic properties – a big draw for its visitors circa the 19th century and you can still see the original pump rooms and wells that drew Victorian-era tourists. Those with a love of the outdoors will also enjoy the town's proximity to the scenic Elan Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park, with their opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Top things to do:
- Take to the water: Llandrindod Wells Lake is the perfect place to visit for a walk or cycle. The incredible dragon sculpture is sure to stop you in your path!
- Take a ride: Visit the National Cycle Museum showcasing a fascinating collection of bicycles and cycling memorabilia, celebrating the town’s significant role in the history of cycling.
- Visit Rock Park: Twelve acres of mature woods and parklands to explore, as well as three international standard bowling greens.
Newtown
The largest town in Powys, Newtown (Y Drenewydd) is a bustling market town known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene. Set along the banks of the River Severn, the town offers an appealing blend of historic charm and modern living, featuring a number of notable attractions including the Robert Owen Museum (about the life of Britain’s first social reformer) and the renowned Oriel Davies Gallery for contemporary art.
Aside from these town-based attractions, many flock to the area to enjoy its beautiful but challenging landscape with the surrounding countryside providing excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring nature. Wildlife spotting is a popular activity in the local area and there are a series of walks that have been created to make the most of this, taking in the various parklands and waterways.
Top things to do:
- Falconry Experience Wales: Meet the birds of prey, including Bald Eagle Lakota, or Oslo, a Northern Hawk Owl at Falconry Experience Wales.
- Oriel Davies Gallery: Nestled along the River Severn, the inspiring Oriel Davies Gallery showcases a diverse range of contemporary visual arts and is a fantastic place to visit for all ages.
- Visit Greynog: A historic estate boasting 750 acres of gardens and woodlands to explore – Greynog is a haven for gardeners and lovers of the great outdoors.
Map of the best places to stay in Mid Wales
See our best places to stay in Mid Wales on our handy map below.
Our Mid Wales holiday cottages
Lapwing Stargazing Hot Tub Retreat
Picture yourself waking up in one of our cosy cottages surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Mid Wales, whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, an exploration of cultural heritage, or you’re simply on the hunt for a peaceful retreat, we’ve got you covered.
Our vast selection of Mid Wales cottages ranges from romantic retreats for two with dogs also welcome, to sprawling abodes on impressive estates, perfect for cross-generation stays and milestone events. Have a browse of our impressive collection of cottages and book your perfect break today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.