Severn Valley & UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere - Day 1

A 3 day short break in Mid Wales with places to stay and things to do. Charge your car at our suggested overnight stop. Day 1 Welshpool to the Machynlleth and the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere

Morning

Start your day in Welshpool, you'll be in good company Royal visitors can be traced all the way back to Henry Tudor who camped outside the town on his way to the Battle of Bosworth in 1536. Now a thriving town with an indoor market and a range of shopping opportunities. A quick stop in the Tourist Information Centre, to find out more about the town.
Next stop - Powis Castle, the Gardens and Castle are a delight to wander around at any time of year.

Welshpool Tourist Information Centre

The expert and welcoming staff at Welshpool Tourist Information Centre offer independent assistance with the planning of routes and the booking of accommodation and of information on places or events to visit.

Powis Castle

Powis Castle, built circa 1200, began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh Princes of Powys. The world-famous gardens, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare plants laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles.

Lunch

Time for lunch, after taking in the gardens and history of this fascinating building, Lady Henrietta's restaurant at Powis Castle uses many local ingredients in cooking their delicious meals.

Lady Henrietta's Restaurant at Powis Castle

Powis Castles restaurant has long been acknowledged as an example of excellence. Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients such as organic Welsh black beef, sourced from a local farm.

Afternoon

Take your time travelling from Welshpool to Machynlleth. Enjoy the quiet roads that make the drive part of your holiday and not just a way to get about.

Arriving in the Machynlleth in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, you can make an afternoon visit to nearby Centre for Alternative Technology and discover all you need to know about eco technology and lifestyles.

Other places to visit in nearby Corris are King Arthur's Labyrinth where you can follow the legend of King Arthur's travels or for something completely different the Corris Mine Explorers will take you into the abandoned workings of an old slate mine.

Visit the Corris Craft Centre to find local craft producers including the award-winning Dyfi Distillery - a wonderful place to browse and find that perfect reminder of your visit.

For afternoon tea, try Y Crochan Cafe at Corris Craft Centre

Centre For Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre with seven acres of hands-on displays, examples of environmentally responsible building, renewable energy, organic gardens and kids holiday activities.

King Arthurs Labyrinth

Sail through the magical veil of an underground waterfall into a mythical world filled with dragons, giants, fierce battles and the legendary King Arthur. Welsh legends unfold as you're guided through the Labyrinth by a Dark Age Boatman.

Corris Mine Explorers

Delve around the secret underground world of a Welsh slate mine, with one of Wales' top Mine Explorers; abandoned and forgotten yet full of relics, stories & adventure. Get kitted up with helmet,lamp & safety clips for something different..

Corris Craft Centre

Home to 9 Craft Studios and the resident designer-makers. Find unique items handcrafted with care for your home, garden and gifts for others. You can also have fun making your own crafts.

Y Crochan Cafe

Our all-day menu features lots of fresh, seasonal and local produce. Call in for morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea whilst enjoying the surrounding 9 Craft Studios and a range of visitor experiences including King Arthur's Labyrinth.

Evening

The Wynnstay was originally built at the end of the 18th Century, as a town house, the individuality reflects the independence of the spirit that characterises the area.

An attractive award winning restaurant serving the very best of local dishes and cosy bar and lounge make a visit to the Wynnstay an absolute must.

The Wynnstay

Head Chef Gareth Johns follows the Slow Food Principles of Good, Clean and Fair and the menu represents a personal distillation of nearly 30 years experience based very firmly on fantastic Welsh produce.

Overnight

You'll find a great selection of places to stay in and around Machynlleth

The Old Vicarage, Corris

The Old Vicarage, Corris was built 1875, has been completely renovated in the last year. It has 4 large bedrooms, a guest lounge offering first class accommodation and hospitality.

Welshpool Tourist Information Centre

Welshpool Tourist Information Centre offers a full information service and can provide you with all you need to know during your visit to not only Welshpool and surrounding areas but Wales and beyond.

The expert and welcoming staff offer independent assistance with the planning of routes and the booking of accommodation and of information on places or events to visit. Services include agents for National Express and also book holidays or days out for people on local coach companies.

The centre offers a stress-free bed booking service for you throughout the UK and a 'left luggage' facility if you have travelled by public transport and would like to wander around town or go to Powis Castle without your cases!

The Information Centre is located next to the town's main car park and public toilets.

Tourist Information Services include:

Rail Tickets and Railcards - Advance Sales, 'Best Journey' options, On the day tickets, Season tickets and Railcards.
Bed Booking Service - Looking for accommodation locally or nationally? for a nominal fee our expert staff will find you the perfect place to stay.
Coaching Holidays - We are agents for Owen's Travelmaster, Celtic Travel and Tanat Valley Coaches. You can also book your National Express tickets at the centre.
Ordnance Survey Mapping Centre - If you need location plans or site maps for planning applications etc. our fully trained staff will get the right map for you.
Leaflets and Brochures - We have free leaflets and brochures for attractions and events both local and nationally.
Local Information - staff have expert knowledge of the local and surrounding area and stock a wide range of local walking books, guide books, explorer maps and local history books.
Gifts and Souvenirs - We have an extensive range of gifts and souvenirs, including locally sourced crafts and goods.