Severn Valley & 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 Dyfi Valley.

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

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 Machynnleth in the Heart of the Dyfi Valley, you can make an afternoon visit to nearby Corris, visit the Centre for Alternative Technology, all you need to know about eco technology and lifestyles, CAT have a fast charge point for visitors. Still in Corris, try King Arthurs Labyrinth and follow the legend of Arthurs travels or for something completely different Corris Mine Explorers will take you into the abandoned workings of an old slate mine.
If you need that shopping fix, Corris Craft Centre has 9 studios with resident crafts people, a wonderful place to browse around.
For afternoon tea, try Y Crochan Cafe,

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

If Paddy & Sue can't tempt you to an evening meal with them, there are a number of restaurants nearby.
A few suggestions are Number Twenty One Bistro in Machynlleth or maybe The Penrhos Arms in nearby Cemmaes.

The Penrhos Arms

The Penrhos Arms offer a 'Fine Dining Menu' available at weekends only in the restaurant. The restaurant is located just off the bar has seating for 48. For the more formal occasion or private hire our restaurant seats up to 50.

Number Twenty One

Using the finest locally sourced Welsh ingredients, we offer an exciting mix of traditional & modern cuisine, served in a relaxing, contemporary venue situated in the historical town centre.

Overnight

Re-charge your batteries and your car at The Old Coach House, a 4* B&B with a Gold Grading in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Sue and Paddy also offer evening meals made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. And of course you can charge your car up overnight before enjoying a freshly cooked breakfast and setting off for another days exploring

The Old Coach House

4* Bed & Breakfast in The Old Coach House. One double bedroom and one double/twin both with full en-suite. A choice of Welsh/Continental Breakfast, using locally sourced produce whenever possible. Beautiful location overlooking River Dyfi

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.

The Information centre has a good selection of OS maps, National Trails of Wales books and a wide range of tourist information for Welshpool and further afield.

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!

Located next to the town's main car park.