Itinerary Planner

Spring in Mid Wales | Lambs, Bluebells and Country Gardens

Spring comes to Mid Wales in stages: lambs in the fields from March, ospreys back on the Dyfi in April, bluebells in the oak woods in late April and May, and the big gardens at their best in May and early June. This three-day trip follows the season from the Severn valley west to Ceredigion.

Day one: Powis Castle and Gregynog

Start at Powis Castle and Garden above Welshpool, where the Italian-style terraces from the late 1600s step down the hillside below the castle, and the great yew hedges are clipped into shape. In the afternoon, drive to Gregynog Hall near Tregynon, north of Newtown. The black-and-white hall sits in woods and gardens with rhododendrons and azaleas in flower in May, and the Courtyard Cafe serves lunch and cakes.

Day two: gardens near Newtown and the Dyfi ospreys

Cwm Weeg, near Dolfor, has three acres of garden around a medieval farmhouse, plus 20 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow; check the open days. Nearby, the Mid Wales Arts Centre and Sculpture Park at Maesmawr near Caersws has sculpture in the grounds of an old farm estate. In the afternoon, head west to the Dyfi Wildlife Centre near Machynlleth, where ospreys return in early April and lay eggs later that month.

Day three: Cae Hir and lambing

Drive south to Cae Hir Gardens near Lampeter, a Welsh garden made by a Dutch family, divided into separate colour-themed rooms. Families can finish at Fantasy Farm Park at Llanrhystud, south of Aberystwyth, where children can bottle-feed lambs in spring.

Where to see bluebells

Bluebells flower from late April to mid May in the oak woods of the Dyfi, Rheidol and Wye valleys. Stay among them at Belan Bluebell Woods near Llanidloes, or look for them on the woodland paths at Gregynog and Hafod.

Good to know

• Several private gardens open only on set days, so check before you go.
• See our garden attractions page.