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A three-day family itinerary for October half term, mixing steam trains, waterfalls, underground caverns and red kites, with indoor options for wet days. It's based around Aberystwyth in Ceredigion and Machynlleth in Powys, with a day in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia).
Take the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth, a narrow-gauge steam line that climbs 12 miles to Devil's Bridge. At the top, the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls nature trails lead down into the gorge beside the Mynach Falls, loud and full after autumn rain. The steps are steep, so small children may need a hand. Back in Aberystwyth, the Magic of Life Butterfly House is warm and bright whatever the weather (check it is open, as it closes for the winter).
Drive north to Tywyn in Southern Eryri and ride the Talyllyn Railway, the oldest preserved railway in the world, to Dolgoch Falls for a woodland walk. In the afternoon, head to Corris near Machynlleth. King Arthur's Labyrinth takes you by boat through an underground waterfall into caverns full of Welsh legends, and Corris Mine Explorers leads guided trips into an old slate mine for older children.
The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth has hands-on displays, woodland paths and a water-powered cliff railway. If you'd rather stay by the sea, the Animalarium at Borth has rescued animals from around the world. On your way home east, stop at Gigrin Farm near Rhayader for the red kite feeding at 2pm, when hundreds of kites come down together.
Half term ends with Halloween, and several railways and attractions run evening events. See our Halloween in Mid Wales guide for this year's dates.
A self-catering cottage gives families room to spread out and dry off. Base yourself near Aberystwyth or Machynlleth to keep the driving short: Gogarth Hall Farm Holidays near Machynlleth has farm cottages, and Cefn Crib at Pennal, just west of Machynlleth, has a family cottage, cabins and bell tents. Half term weeks book up early, so check your dates soon.
Check railway timetables and attraction opening times for half term before you travel, and book the steam trains ahead in busy weeks. Pack waterproofs and a change of socks.
All aboard for an unforgettable 12 mile journey from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge travelling up 680ft through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery on a historic narrow-gauge steam railway.
Devil's Bridge Waterfalls is a spectacular 300 ft waterfall attraction at Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
The Magic of Life Butterfly Centre is a must-visitor attraction for all nature lovers! It is home to a whole host of different butterfly species and an equally fascinating collection of tropical plants, making this a fun and educational place.
Historic narrow-gauge steam railway set in beautiful, unspoilt southern Snowdonia. Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris, Mid Wales is an underground storytelling adventure where Welsh legends are brought to life. You sail by boat, passing through a magical waterfall, and deep into the Labyrinth. Guided by a hooded boatman, walk through the tunnels and caverns of the Labyrinth as…
Underground slate mine tours in Corris, Mid Wales, exploring a forgotten Victorian slate mine with expert guides. See original tools, machinery and miners’ graffiti on atmospheric trips for families, history lovers and curious explorers. Pre booking advised. Awarded our 10th consecutive Trip…
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre in Mid Wales that researches and supports greener ways of living.
The Animalarium is a hands-on animal attraction in Borth, Ceredigion, with a small selection of domestic and farm animals you can pet and feed. There are outdoor play areas, daily animal handling sessions, and a cafe open every day. Dogs are welcome and the whole site is wheelchair accessible. See…
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 of aerial piracy as red kites compete with…
Llety Cynnes is a renovated self-catering holiday cottage in Pennal, near Machynlleth, sleeping up to five guests. Enjoy modern, comfortable accommodation, a private patio and views across the Dyfi Valley. Ideal for families, couples and small groups. Check availability.
| From | To | Distance * (metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Vale of Rheidol Railway (52.41114,-4.07912) | Devil's Bridge Waterfalls (52.37701,-3.84976) | 14.44 |
| Devil's Bridge Waterfalls (52.37701,-3.84976) | Magic of Life Butterfly House (52.39022,-3.89411) | 3.02 |
| Magic of Life Butterfly House (52.39022,-3.89411) | Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway (52.58367,-4.08884) | 22.74 |
| Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway (52.58367,-4.08884) | King Arthurs Labyrinth (52.65412,-3.84965) | 16.17 |
| King Arthurs Labyrinth (52.65412,-3.84965) | Corris Mine Explorers (52.65422,-3.84966) | 0.01 |
| Corris Mine Explorers (52.65422,-3.84966) | Centre For Alternative Technology | Group Visits (52.62305,-3.84062) | 3.17 |
| Centre For Alternative Technology | Group Visits (52.62305,-3.84062) | The Animalarium (52.48663,-4.04407) | 18.45 |
| The Animalarium (52.48663,-4.04407) | Gigrin Farm | Red Kite Centre (52.29698,-3.50004) | 38.31 |
| Gigrin Farm | Red Kite Centre (52.29698,-3.50004) | Cefn Crib | Llety Cynnes Cottage (52.58038,-3.94072) | 39.13 |
| Total Distance * | 155.4 miles | |
| Estimated Journey Time | 5 hours | |
* Approximate distance by road
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