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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

Number of results: 149

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By the Wye | Treehouse Cafe

Address

By the Wye, 1 Wyeside Cottages, Hay On Wye, Powys, HR3 5RS

Telephone
01497 828166

hello@bythewye.uk

Hay On Wye

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Treehouse café near Hay-on-Wye, Powys, serving locally sourced food, homemade cakes and barista coffee in a woodland setting overlooking the River Wye. A welcoming stop for walkers, visitors and locals looking to relax and enjoy the surroundings.…
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.
Spring Rock Fishery

Address

Ffaldau Lane, Llandegley, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5UE

Telephone
0797 0092 160

enquiries@springrockfishery.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Spring Rock Fishery is a carp specimen lake aimed at the experienced carp angler looking for a challenging and technical water. Our fishery is 2.5 acres stocked with mirrors and commons from 14lb to 30lb (and some say even bigger) along with some…
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…
Metropole Hotel | Spencer’s Bar & Brasserie

Address

Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DY

Telephone
01597 823700

info@metropole.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

The Brasserie can offer light snacks to more extensive meals, the choice is yours.
The Tithe House

Address

Cwm Mawr, Glascwm, Between Hay-on-Wye and Builth Wells, Powys, LD1 5SE

Telephone
07917786274

ndarbari1@gmail.com

Between Hay-on-Wye and Builth Wells

The Tithe House is a luxury self-catering retreat located between the market towns of Hay-on-Wye and Builth Wells. Sleeping up to 12 people, it provides the perfect place for family and friends to gather, unwind and get back to nature.
Brynglas Cottage

Address

Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0PE

Telephone
07891 323547

info@brynglascottage.com

Llandovery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Beautiful cottage with amazing views, wood burner, walks and cycle routes from the door and 2 pubs within short walking distance. Situated in a tranquil valley overlooking the river Towy, on the edge of the wild Cambrian Mountains, area of…

Price
Price £910.00 per unit per week
Llandrindod Wells Golf Club

Address

Clubhouse, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5NY

Telephone
01597 823873

secretary@lwgc.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Founded in 1905, the golf course was designed on a gently undulating plateau overlooking the town of Llandrindod Wells, by six times Open Champion Harry Vardon.
Nannerth Nature Reserve

Address

Nannerth Country Holidays, Nannerth Fawr, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HA

Telephone
01597 811121

info@nannerth.co.uk

Rhayader

Nannerth Country Holidays have small private nature reserve with a nature trail and a Badger Watching hide and on Nannerth Fawr Farm near Rhayader and the Elan Valley.
The Bell Country Inn | Meeting Room

Address

The Bell Country Inn, Llanyre, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6DY

Telephone
01597 823959

thebellcountryinn@outlook.com

Llandrindod Wells

Small meeting room venue near Llandrindod Wells, Powys, seating around 12. Wi-Fi, screen and flipchart available. Suitable for meetings and training sessions. Enquire for details.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre | Meetings & Events

Address

Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

rangers.elan@dwrcymru.com

Rhayader

Elan Valley in the heart of Mid Wales could be just the place to get the most out of your awayday, meeting or conference. The Visitor Centre meeting & event facilities are well equipped for your corporate needs.
Kilsby Cottage

Address

Kilsby, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4TL

Telephone
01591 610 126

kilsbyhouse@btinternet.com

Llanwrtyd Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A delightful luxury cottage on the edge of 2.5 acres of garden and private woodland with spectacular views and a huge variety of birds. Paradise for walkers, birdwatchers, cyclists , fishermen and horse riders. Children welcome.

Price
Price £85.00 to £105.00 per unit per night
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.
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…
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.
Elan Valley | Fishing

Address

Nr Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810383

hafodhardware@btconnect.com

Nr Rhayader

Dates

Elan Valley Reservoirs and Dams are situated in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, 3 miles west of Rhayader. Each of these reservoirs support an abundance of wild brown trout and are also stocked. Fly fishing only.

Price
Price £10.00 to £22.00 per adult
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…
Broomfield House

Address

Glasbury On Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5NS

Telephone
01497 842970

info@broomfield.wales

Hay-on-Wye

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Broomfield is a Grade II listed Georgian house of Italianate Regency style, standing in an elevated position commanding stunning views across the Wye Valley to the hills beyond.

Price
Price £150.00 to £275.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
The Metropole Hotel | Meetings & Conferences

Address

The Metropole Hotel, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DY

Telephone
01597 828590

adele@metropole.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Managing Director Justin Baird-Murray, his Management Team and staff are all dedicated to providing you with a professional service in a relaxing and welcoming manner. Your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority.
Heart of Wales Railway Line | Trails

Address

Shrewsbury - Swansea, Shrewsbury - Swansea, Powys, LD1 6BG

Telephone
01597 822053

Shrewsbury - Swansea

The Heart of Wales Line Trail is a 141-mile long-distance walking trail that weaves its way between stations along the line, from Craven Arms to Llanelli, one of Britain's most scenic rural railways.
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