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You are here: Destinations > Central Powys

Central Powys | Heart of Mid Wales

The heart of Mid Wales.

First town on the River Wye, Rhayader aka ‘The Outdoors Capital of Wales’ is home to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys.

Llandrindod Wells, or 'Llandod' as it is known to locals, is Wales' most central town. The term 'Llandrindod Wellness' or 'Llawen-drindod' reflects Llandod’s spa town heritage and the importance of wellness. Their traditional town emblem features Hygieia, the Goddess of Health. Llandrindod Wells Lake is a peaceful place to walk, run, cycle or just sit and watch the wildlife, do a spot of fishing or hire a boat to explore the lake from the water. Visit the annual Victorian Festival and The National Cycle Museum, also in Llandrindod Wells.

The area around Knighton in Powys is perfect walking country. Knighton is unique in Wales in that two National Trails meet - Offa's Dyke Path and Glyndwr's Way. A visit to the Offa's Dyke Visitor Centre on West Street is a must. Knighton is also home to the Spaceguard Centre, an independent observatory which monitors the potential threat to our planet posed by near earth objects.

Presteigne, (Llanandras in Welsh), was once the county town of Radnorshire and is at the heart of the Marches on the border of Wales and England. The surrounding countryside is breathtaking, and the drive from Presteigne to Aberystwyth was voted one of the ten most beautiful drives in the world by the AA. Just to the west are Radnor Forest and Offa's Dyke. Go slightly south-west and you can browse the book shops of Hay on Wye.

Builth Wells is on the banks of the River Wye. The Royal Welsh Showground plays host to Wales's Royal Agricultural Show in July each year and a number of smaller shows and fairs throughout the year.

Must-See Attractions in Central Powys

Elan Valley Estate & Visitor Centre

Elan Valley is just 3 miles from Rhayader on the southern edge of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. The area is famous for its spectacular dams and Victorian architecture and it is also a designated International Dark Skies Park, perfect for stargazing. There is a large Visitor Centre at Elan Valley which is a good starting point for your visit.

Hergest Croft Gardens

Created over 100 years by three generations of the Banks family, there are hidden valleys, woodland glades, open parkland, gloreous flower borders and striking autumn colour.

The Judge's Lodging, Presteigne

Wander through the stunningly restored judge's apartments, study the books, sit in the judge's chair, even pump water in the kitchen, for this is an historic house with a difference - you can touch!

Want to Canoe?

River Wye Canoe Hire and Guided Adventure Tours.

Towns to Visit

Builth Wells hosts the Royal Welsh Show. Rhayader is the gateway to the Elan Valley dams and red kite country. Llandrindod Wells is a Victorian spa town with parks and a lake. Knighton and Presteigne are quiet border towns with strong identities.

Inspiration

Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells, or 'Landod' as it is known to locals, is the administrative centre of Powys and one of its largest towns. As the name suggests, Llandrindod Wells owes its origins to the spring waters.
Llanfair ym Muallt | Builth Wells

Builth Wells is home to the Royal Welsh Show, red kites and the final resting place of Wales' last prince, Llewelyn the Last.
Llanandras | Presteigne

Presteigne, (Llanandras in Welsh), was once the county town of Radnorshire and nestles at the heart of the Mid Wales Marches on the border of Wales and England. Presteigne and Norton have been designated by DarkSky International as the very first Dark Sky Community in the UK.
Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader

A busy, historic market town, Rhayader is named after 'Rhayadr Gwy', a Welsh name for a local waterfall on the Wye. The town is situated in the very heart of Mid Wales in the beautiful Upper Wye Valley sheltered by the Cambrian Mountains.
Tref-y-Clawdd | Knighton

Knighton is a Mid Wales Marches town with a remarkable landscape and rich history. Located on the scenic Heart of Wales railway line, it makes a great base to explore the Offa's Dyke Path or Glyndwr's Way National Trails.
Cambrian Mountains | Wild Heart of Wales

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Elan Valley Visitor Centre | Cafe

Address

Cwm Elan | Elan Valley & Visitor Centre, Nr Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

rangers.elan@dwrcymru.com

Nr Rhayader

The Elan Valley Visitor Centre cafe has a spacious seating area with windows all around to enjoy the view of the River Elan and Caban Coch Dam. There is a patio area with picnic tables for people wishing to sit outside in fine weather.
The Rodd - Gallery House and Grounds | Sidney Nolan Trust

Address

The Rodd, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LL

Telephone
01544 260149

info@sidneynolantrust.org

Presteigne

Rural arts centre near Presteigne set in the beautiful landscape of the Welsh borders, dog friendly. Visit atmospheric Jacobean Manor House Rodd Court, see contemporary art exhibitions, explore nature walks through the gardens and into the wider…

Price
Price £5.65 per concession to £6.30 per adult
Heart of Wales Railway Line

Address

Shrewsbury - Swansea, LD1 6BG

Telephone
01654 702653

Shrewsbury - Swansea

The Heart of Wales Line is one of Britain's most scenic rural railways. The line runs for 120 miles of dramatic scenery from Shrewsbury to Swansea, crossing two impressive viaducts at Knucklas and Cynghordy and through six tunnels, including one…
Coety Bach

Address

Coety Bach, Trawsty Bach, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5SR

Telephone
07748 121692

bookings@coetybach.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Coety Bach is a unique, romantic place to stay near Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Mid Wales. Make it extra special with add-ons like a romantic night-in box, massage therapy, a hot tub bundle, or a firepit bundle for s’mores and hot chocolate. Find out…
Tyn Y Graig

Address

Llanynis, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3HH

Telephone
07879831348

paulsmission1966@gmail.com

Builth Wells

Holiday accommodation at Tyn Y Graig, a former manor house just outside Builth Wells, set in peaceful rural surroundings with wide countryside views. Two self-catering apartments, Bell sleeping six and Woosnam sleeping four, both with ensuite…
Royal Welsh Showground | Venue Hire

Address

Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY

Telephone
01982 553683

events@rwas.co.uk

Builth Wells

The Royal Welsh Showground is located in the heart of Mid Wales in the market town of Builth Wells. With over 150 acres of ground, many different buildings, conference facilities, and exhibition space, along with super fast broadband connections and…
Gigrin Farm | Red Kite Centre

Address

Gigrin Farm, South Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BL

Telephone
07874 397787

office@gigrin.co.uk

Rhayader

The Gigrin Red Kite Centre on the outskirts of Rhayader is an upland sheep farm providing wonderful views of the Wye and Elan valleys. Gigrin is best known for wild red kites that are fed every day of the year, where you can watch breathtaking feats…

Price
Price £7.00 per child to £45.00 per adult
Cwm Irfon Lodge Holiday Cottages

Address

Cwm Irfon Lodge, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4TN

Telephone
01591 610 849

info@cwmirfon.co.uk

Llanwrtyd Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cwm Irfon near Llanwrtyd Wells offer 4 individual cottages set in 3 acres of gardens and woodlands of a Victorian Hunting Lodge. Light & airy with glorious views and direct access to network of walking, riding and mountain biking trails

Price
Price £400.00 to £600.00 per unit per week
CARAD TimeScape Rhayader

Address

Unit 2, East St Enterprise Park, East Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5ER

Telephone
01597 810194

all@carad.org.uk

Rhayader

Dates

From:

3 Apr 2026to1 Nov 2026

Explore the story of Rhayader through time - from ancient origins to modern-day life. Timescape Rhayader is a hands-on museum and experience space where history, people, and place come together. Set within the CARAD Centre, this exhibition brings to…
The Judge's Lodging

Address

Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AD

Telephone
01544 260650

info@judgeslodging.org.uk

Presteigne

Dates

From:

1 July 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026

Explore the fascinating world of the Victorian Judges, their servants and felonious guests at this award-winning Historic House.
Brandy House | Self Catering

Address

Brandy House Farm, Felindre, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1YL

Telephone
01547 510 282

info@brandyhousefarm.co.uk

Knighton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Dog-friendly self-catering cottages near Knighton, Powys, Mid Wales. Two cottages sleeping 4 (2 bedrooms) and 5 (3 bedrooms), in a quiet rural setting above Felindre. Bring your own horse breaks are welcome, with stabling and turnout available.

Price
Price £360.00 to £825.00 per unit per week
Quackers Indoor Play Centre

Address

Newmead Farm, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6HR

Telephone
01597 860111

quackersnow1@gmail.com

Llandrindod Wells

Quackers is an indoor and outdoor play centre and facilities include the Cowshed Cafe, party rooms, small meeting room, outdoor sandpit, play equipment and pedal go-cart track and a wildlife lake.
Quabbs Cabin

Address

Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1PD

Telephone
07900437229

stepmac19@yahoo.co.uk

Knighton

Quabbs Cabin, situated on a secluded sheep farm near Knighton, has been carefully designed with eco-conscious travellers in mind, using repurposed materials and incorporating off-grid elements to create a rustic yet luxurious escape. Escape to…
Drovers Retreat

Address

Graig Farm, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5TL

Telephone
07377 865123

Enquiries@droversretreat.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Drovers Retreat is a secluded 4-star converted stone eco barn which nestles in the hills of mid-Wales, some 8 miles from the English border. It is a perfect getaway, and haven of peace in the Welsh Marches.

Price
Price £114.00 to £170.00 per unit per night
Llandrindod Wells Golf Club | Meeting Room

Address

Clubhouse, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5NY

Telephone
01597 823873

secretary@lwgc.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells Golf Club has a conference/meeting facility that can accommodate up to 20 delegates in a boardroom layout or 35 persons theatre layout.
Mid Wales Holiday Lets

Address

Glandwr, Bridge Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5AG

Telephone
07843 477890

book@midwalesholidaylets.co.uk

Rhayader

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Self catering accommodation in Rhayader, Mid Wales / Llety hunanddarpar yn Rhaeadr Gwy, Canolbarth Cymru
Award Winning Mid Wales Holiday Lets have 5 luxury self catering apartments offering stylish, pet friendly, biker friendly, self catering…

Price
Price £95.00 to £260.00 per unit per night
Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales

Address

Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

rangers.elan@dwrcymru.com

Rhayader

Enjoy scenic cycling through one of Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. The Elan Valley is a hub for leisure cycling and mountain biking, with family-friendly routes, e-bike-suitable trails and challenging off-road rides. Traffic-free sections, iconic…
The Bell Country Inn | Dining

Address

Llanyre, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6DY

Telephone
01597 823959

thebellcountryinn@outlook.com

Llandrindod Wells

Restaurant and bar near Llandrindod Wells, Powys, serving freshly prepared dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Seating for up to 80. A relaxed option for meals with family or friends. See the menu.
Bryn Heulog

Address

Llanfairwaterdine, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1TU

Telephone
01547 528155

bryn.heulog@bednbreakfast.co.uk

Knighton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Bryn Heulog is a large modern guest house which stands in approximately 3/4 acre of beautiful gardens. It is situated in the village of Llanfairwaterdine in the centre of the Teme Valley. 1.5 miles walking distance from Offa's Dyke.

Price
Price £30.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast to £65.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Builth Wells Golf Club

Address

Golf Links Road, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3NF

Telephone
01982 553296

builthwellsgolfclub@btinternet.com

Builth Wells

Picturesque, easy walking parkland golf course, 18 holes, a good golfing test for all abilities.
Alex Allpress Pottery School

Address

Y Stiwdio, Church Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3BS

Telephone
07443875016

alexallpressceramics@gmail.com

Builth Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Pottery courses and experience days in Mid Wales with Alex and Blue at Alex Allpress Pottery School. Half day, full day, family sessions and pottery parties include wheel throwing and hand building with one-to-one support. Suitable for all ages and…