Mid Wales
Towns & Villages
Many inland towns and villages in Mid Wales are market towns that follow the course of the two great Welsh rivers, the River Severn and the River Wye. Both rivers rise in the central uplands of the Cambrian Mountains.
On the Mid Wales coast, the most southerly town in the region is the historic town of Cardigan sited at the mouth of the River Teifi. Aberystwyth, in the centre of the region, lies on the mouth of the the River Ystwyth and in Southern Snowdonia you will find the seaside resorts of Aberdyfi, Tywyn and Barmouth on the Mawddach Estuary.
The University town of Aberystwyth, with a population of approximately 15,000, is the largest town in the Mid & West Coast Wales region.
Featured Inland Towns
Newtown
Newtown is the largest town in Powys with a population of just 13,000. The source of the River Severn which is the longest river in the UK, starts just up the road in Llanidloes.
MACHYNLLETH
Machynlleth sits at the mouth of the Dyfi estuary in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Bioshere, an area of outstanding natural beauty and diversity. In order to celebrate and protect this unique environment it has recently been made one of only two UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sites in the UK.
Montgomery
Although Montgomery has a small population of around 1300 you won't find a more livelier community; with cafes, inns and restaurants, 2 castles, numerous attractions, and the award-wining Monty's Brewery.
Builth Wells
Builth also provides an excellent base for exploring the beautiful countryside - either on foot or on horseback, and for delving into the history of Wales's last prince, Llewelyn, who was murdered just outside Builth in December 1282. An impressive monument to Llewelyn is located in Cilmeri where he fell, a ten minute drive from the town.
Welshpool
Welshpool is close to both Newtown and Montgomery and is only 4 miles from the shropshire border - With a population of just 6000 it is home to the famous Powis Castle and gardens.
LLANDRINDOD WELLS
Local attractions include an 18 hole Golf Club, an international standard outdoor bowling green dating from 1912 which regularly hosts national and international events, along with a newer indoor bowling centre. There are also two museums: the Radnorshire Museum and the National Cycle Museum
BRECON
This is a town where you'll enjoy losing yourself...not only in the narrow streets and passageways lined with Georgian and Jacobean shopfronts, but in the sense of timelessness about the place.
RHAYADER & ELAN VALLEY
Rhayader, the first town on the River Wye, is said to be the oldest in mid Wales. Sitting in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains at the upper end of the Elan Valley, Rhayader has a long history as a market town.
Devils Bridge
Discover Devil’s Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
Take a wander up the Devils Bridge Falls or just relax in the beautiful countryside. Devils Bridge is a stones throw from the bustling university town of Aberystwyth which is located on the Mid Wales coast.
Dolgellau
This former slate town in the shadow of Cadair Idris has more listed buildings than any other town in Wales - more than 200 of them. Some of the most elegant date back to Dolgellau's time as a regional centre for the Welsh woollen industry.
Bala
Bala & Penllyn is situated in the Snowdonia National Park, Wales, in an area known as the Welsh Lake District. The area has dramatic scenery with mountains almost touching 3,000 ft high, deep valleys, fast flowing streams, rivers, waterfalls, forests and many lakes. Visitors can enjoy the Bala & Penllyn area or use it as an excellent base to explore both Mid-Wales and North Wales including Snowdonia.
Lake Vyrnwy
Cycle the 12 miles all the way around the lake and take in the remote mountains, ancient woodlands, expansive waters and the iconic neo-Gothic water tower. Bike Hire is available.
Stroll along one of the 6 woodland walks, through mysterious forests dating back to the last ice age and walk the award winning Lake Vyrnwy Sculpture Trail.
Featured Coastal Towns
ABERYSTWYTH
Aberystwyth is a University town and the largest town in Mid Wales. It is home to the prestigious National Library of Wales which has the largest collection of books, maps, archives, bibliographies, pictures, photographs and rare manuscripts in Wales. It also holds guided tours, events and several different exhibitions at any one time.
NEW QUAY
New Quay is a picturesque town on the Mid Wales coast is a great place to visit any time of the year. Golden sandy beaches that extend in an arc around the bay and a sheltered harbour make New Quay a delight to visit and enjoy a walk along the front to the end of the Quay and watch the boats sail by. Or just sit back and enjoy one of the cafes overlooking the harbour.
BARMOUTH
Barmouth, or Abermaw or even Y Bermo as it is known in Welsh, is southern Snowdonia's most popular seaside resort with breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and the picturesque harbour. The town's beach, Abermaw, is west facing with a mixture of sand and some fine shingle and is ideal for bathing and watersports.
CARDIGAN
There is a wealth of local food producers in the surrounding area, and their produce is found on many menus throughout the town. For the intrepid gastronome, Cardigan also offers a bustling River and Food Festival in August each year.
ABERDYFI / ABERDOVEY
Aberdyfi is a small seaside village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary in southern Snowdonia. It is where the river Dyfi meets the green-blue waters of Cardigan Bay. Aberdyfi is one of those simple, seductive little resorts that hits the right spot. All the ingredients are here – a golden beach, crabbing and fishing from the quayside, yachts in the bay and views across the estuary to die for.
ABERAERON
Aberaeron offers everything one might expect from a seaside holiday destination with shops, restaurants, beaches and a picturesque harbour. Aberaeron has its own Seafood Festival to complement its annual Carnival and the Cob Festival, showcasing the very best of the Cardigan coast.
