Autumn in Mid Wales

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Autumn in Mid Wales runs from late September to the end of November. It's the season for golden valleys, waterfalls in full flow, red kites over the hills and evenings by the fire. Across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), the lanes go quiet after the summer holidays and the places that were busy in August have room again. In Welsh, autumn is hydref.

Is Mid Wales good for an autumn break? Yes, if what you want is walking, quiet and somewhere warm to come back to. Most people come for a few days of walks in the hills and valleys, a pub supper and a proper night's sleep. Here's where to go and what to look out for.

Where to see autumn colour

The Elan Valley near Rhayader in Central Powys is one of the best places in Wales for autumn colour. Oak and birch woods run down to a chain of reservoirs built more than a century ago to supply Birmingham, and the road past the Caban Coch, Garreg Ddu, Pen y Garreg and Craig Goch dams turns copper and gold through October. Start at Cwm Elan, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, for maps, a café and the riverside path.

Hafren Forest, west of Llanidloes, is where the River Severn begins. Waymarked trails follow the young river through the forest, where the larch turns orange in late autumn, down to the waterfall known as Severn-break-its-neck.

The Mawddach Trail follows an old railway line for about nine and a half miles from Dolgellau to Barmouth along the estuary in Southern Eryri. It's flat, so it suits most walkers and cyclists, and the oak woods around Penmaenpool are at their best in October. Colour usually peaks from mid October into early November, depending on the weather. Find more routes on our walking routes page.

Waterfalls in full flow

Autumn rain means the waterfalls are at their loudest. At Devil's Bridge in the Ceredigion uplands, 12 miles inland from Aberystwyth, the 300ft Mynach Falls drop through a wooded gorge below three bridges built one on top of another. The steps on the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls nature trails are steep, so wear good boots. You can get there from Aberystwyth on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a narrow-gauge steam line that climbs 680ft over 12 miles.

Dolgoch Falls in Southern Eryri sits on the Talyllyn Railway between Tywyn and Abergynolwyn, with a path up through the woods from Dolgoch station. In Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), the Four Falls Trail near Ystradfellte passes four waterfalls on the Mellte and Hepste rivers. Paths get slippery after rain, so take your time.

Dark skies and stargazing

Longer nights make autumn a good time for stargazing. The Elan Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, Bannau Brycheiniog is an International Dark Sky Reserve, and so is Eryri, which takes in the hills around Dolgellau and Bala. On a clear, moonless night away from the towns you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes.

Hay Bluff, on the eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, is a good spot with a wide horizon. For a guided evening, Serydda runs stargazing experiences and night photography workshops near Tregaron in Ceredigion. The Spaceguard Centre near Knighton is a working observatory with afternoon tours. Our stargazing page has more places to go.

Wildlife in autumn

Red kites are easy to see in Mid Wales all year. At Gigrin Farm, half a mile from Rhayader, the kites are fed every day of the year, at 2pm from the end of October, and around 500 come in during the colder months.

Grey seals have their pups from September to November. Look down into the coves from the Wales Coast Path around New Quay on the Ceredigion coast, keep well back from the cliff edge and keep dogs on a lead. Red squirrels still live in the Tywi Forest, though you'll need patience to see one, and the Mawddach estuary fills with wading birds as the weather turns. See our wildlife and nature page for reserves and trails.

Cosy stays, pubs and log fires

After a day out, most people want a fire, a good meal and a comfortable bed. Plenty of self-catering cottages across Mid Wales have wood burners, and country pubs light the fire when the evenings draw in. Browse places to stay with open fires and log burners, or find somewhere with a hot tub for an evening under the stars.

Autumn is quieter than summer, so there's usually more choice. School half term weeks go first, and midweek stays are often easier to find.

Food and drink in season

Autumn is harvest time. Farm shops fill up with local apples, squash and root vegetables, game appears on pub menus and Sunday roasts come into their own. The season closes with the Royal Welsh Winter Fair at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, at the end of November, with livestock, a food hall and early Christmas shopping.

October half term

Half term is a good week for steam trains and woodland trails. The Talyllyn Railway, the Vale of Rheidol Railway and the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway all run through Mid Wales, so check their autumn timetables before you go. For wet days, King Arthur's Labyrinth and Corris Mine Explorers near Machynlleth take you underground. Keep an eye on our family events listings for Halloween trails and half term activities.

Good to know

The Cambrian Line runs from Shrewsbury through Welshpool, Newtown and Machynlleth to Aberystwyth, with a branch along the coast through Tywyn and Barmouth. The Heart of Wales Line crosses Powys through Knighton, Llandrindod Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells. Days are shorter, so plan walks to finish before dark and carry a torch. Some attractions change their hours after October half term, so check opening times before you travel.

Autumn here isn't about fitting everything in. Walk in the morning, eat well, get back before the light goes and let the evening look after itself. Check your dates and come and settle in for a few days.

Plan your autumn in Mid Wales

Inspiration

Halloween in Mid Wales

Evening ghost trains, underground stories and legends older than the castles. Halloween in Mid Wales is spooky enough for the children and still ends by a fire.
Autumn Food and Drink in Mid Wales

Apples, squash and game in the farm shops, a Sunday roast in a pub with the fire lit and a local ale to go with it. Autumn is a good time to eat in Mid Wales.
Accommodation with Open Fires and Log Burners

A log burner, thick blankets and a walk from the door. These cottages, inns and B&Bs are made for autumn and winter evenings in Mid Wales.
Dark Skies and Stargazing in Mid Wales

Some of the darkest skies in Britain, with the Milky Way overhead on a clear night. Here is where to go, what to look for and when.
Wildlife Watching in Autumn in Mid Wales

Hundreds of red kites over Rhayader, seal pups in the coves below the coast path and the first winter geese on the estuaries. Autumn is a busy season for wildlife.
Autumn Walks in Mid Wales

Oak woods turning copper above the reservoirs, larch going gold in Hafren Forest and the Mawddach at low tide. These are our favourite walks for autumn colour.

Number of results: 95

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Royal Oak Hotel

Address

Royal Oak Hotel, The Cross, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7DG

Telephone
01938 552217

royaloak@innmail.co.uk

Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Part of the award-winning Coaching Inn Group, The Royal Oak is a historic Hotel that is within easy walking distance of the National Trust Castle, Powis Castle, the leisure centre, Welshpool / Llanfair Light Railway and the restored canal and canal…
Nannerth Country Holidays

Address

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

Telephone
01597 811121

info@nannerth.co.uk

Rhayader

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Choose from 3 quality self catering properties with hot tubs near Rhayader & The Elan Valley; an airy barn conversion, a traditional cosy cottage and a romantic apartment. Set on our 200 acre farm, Nannerth is set in astonishingly beautiful…

Price
Price £299.00 to £650.00 per unit per week
The Wynnstay

Address

Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AE

Telephone
01654 702941

croeso@wynnstay.wales

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Wynnstay Machynlleth is a charming old Coaching Inn. The restaurant appeals to gourmets, hungry locals and travellers. Open fires, log stoves, excellent wines and real ales. "This one is different", said Martin Bright in The Observer.

Price
Price £65.00 to £120.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Gwerniago Camping Site

Address

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JX

Telephone
01654 791227

contact@gwerniago.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

24 Mar 2026to1 Oct 2026

Gwerniago Campsite is located in Mid Wales between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi. Electric, Non-Electric, Grass & Hardstanding pitches available. Campfires allowed, Parking on pitch. Ideal base for Beaches, Mountains, Dyfi Bike Park, Mach Loop.

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Tynllwyn Farm Holiday Cottages

Address

Tynllwyn Farm, Groes-Puen, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 9BW

Telephone
01938 553 175

tynllwynfarm@btconnect.com

Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Tynllwyn Farm holiday cottages on the outskirts of Welshpool in the Mid Wales Marches provide guests with stunning views of the surrounding Severn Valley and Long Mountain.

Price
Price £400.00 to £650.00 per unit per week
Maesyfelin Cottage

Address

Tynberth, Tynreithyn, Tregaron, SY25 6LW

Telephone
01974 251217

tynberth@outlook.com

Tynreithyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

My place is close to great views and restaurants and dining. You’ll love my place because of the cosiness, the location, and the kitchen. My place is good for couples, solo adventurers, families (with kids), and furry friends (pets).

Price
Price £60.00 per unit per night
Llangoed Hall Hotel

Address

Llangoed Hall Hotel, Llyswen, Near Brecon, Powys, LD3 0YP

Telephone
01874 754 525

enquiries@llangoedhall.com

Near Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Llangoed Hall Hotel is set within 17 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. It is the 'home from home' that you would expect from your 'best friend's Country House'.

Price
Price £49.50 per person per night to £900.00 per room per night
Bryn Cleifion | Bettws Hall

Address

Bryn Cleifion Hall, Mallwyd, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9HW

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2026to30 Sept 2026

Bryn Cleifion Hall and Lodge are two self catering properties in Snowdonia National Park in Mallwyd.
Bryn Cleifion Hall sleeps up to 8 in 5 en suite bedrooms and has a modern kitchen, a sitting room with open fire and an acre of lawns. Outside…

Price
Price £850.00 to £1,750.00 per unit per week
The Secret Yurts

Address

Pantytanhouse Fach, Dolanog, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JU

Telephone
07976277245

michelle@thesecretyurts.co.uk

Welshpool

A luxury glamping experience. Snuggle down in a kingsize bed and wake to stunning views of the Mid Wales countryside. Each yurt has its own stylish heated wet room with ample hot water, fluffy towels and dressing gowns waiting for you on arrival.

Price
Price £180.00 per unit per night
Ty Llewelyn Glamping | Luxury Glamping & Camping near Llanidloes, Mid Wales

Address

Ty Llewellyn, Cwmbelan, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6QD

Telephone
07483846101

maria@tyllewelyn.com

Llanidloes

Dates

From:

2 Apr 2026to1 Oct 2026

y Llewelyn Glamping and Camping offers luxury Safari Tents and Lotus Belle tents in the heart of Mid Wales near Llanidloes. Set within 13 acres of woodland and pasture, it’s the perfect Powys retreat. We also feature campervan and camping pitches…

Price
Price £15.00 per pitch per night to £95.00 per unit per night
Ffynnonwen

Address

Plwmp, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6EY

Telephone
07904258814

info@ffynnonwen.com

Llandysul

Reconnect with nature in the heart of rural Wales at Ffynnonwen (pronounced Furnon Wen), 3 miles from Llangrannog beach. Off-grid camping & glamping, low-impact living and wild beauty. Dogs welcome.

Price
Price £22.00 to £80.00 per unit per night
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…
The Royston

Address

The Royston at Llwynaire, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DX

Telephone
01650 519228

info@theroystonwales.com

Llanbrynmair

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

SUNDAY TIMES BEST HOTEL IN WALES 2019
The Royston is a unique, laid back, 7-room contemporary guest house on the outskirts of Llanbrynmair in the heart of Mid Wales.

Price
Price £129.00 to £159.00 per person per night
Cynfal Farm Cottages

Address

Cynfal Farm Cottages, Bryncrug, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RB

Telephone
07971 065 953

cynfalfrm@gmail.com

Bryncrug, Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cynfal Farm in Southern Snowdonia is the perfect holiday location for couples or families seeking something rather special. Two well apointed self catering holiday homes. Own holt at Cynfal for the Tal y llyn Steam Railway.

Price
Price £450.00 to £910.00 per unit per week
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
Tynllwyn Farm

Address

Groes-pluen, WELSHPOOL, Powys, SY21 9BW

Telephone
07483344659

tynllwynfarm@btconnect.com

Groes-pluen, WELSHPOOL

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A beautiful view and warm welcome awaits you at our 19th century farmhouse. Log fires and comfortable rooms. We are close to Powis Castle and the Llanfair narrow gauge railway and the canal for boat trips.

Price
Price £40.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast to £85.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Ty Gwyn Farm | The Straw Cottage

Address

Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5NY

Telephone
07881 302319

margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

16 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026

The Straw Cottage, near Llandrindod Wells, is an off-grid glamping stay with comfortable beds, a hot and cold shower, woodburning stove and a veranda for outdoor meals. Switch off from screens, enjoy the views and spend time close to nature. The…

Price
Price £500.00 to £860.00 per unit per week
Collfryn Farm Cottages

Address

Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6TQ

Telephone
01938 590080

thebrambles2009@btinternet.com

Powys

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Collfryn Farm Cottages are five beautifully renovated Georgian farm buildings overlooking fields, orchards, landscaped courtyard and a working organic farm. They are located in an unspoilt valley in Mid Wales near the Welsh border.

Price
Price £590.00 to £890.00 per unit per week
Graig Wen | Cottages

Address

Graig Wen, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1YP

Telephone
01341 250482

hello@graigwen.co.uk

Arthog

Dog-friendly self-catering cottages near Dolgellau, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with direct access to the Mawddach Trail. Eco-conscious, peaceful and surrounded by wild scenery, they suit families seeking outdoor adventures and couples looking…
Usk and Railway Inn

Address

Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8RS

Telephone
01874 636101

hello@uskandrailwayinn.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A very friendly Inn at the centre of Sennybridge village, in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Price
Price £39.50 per person per night to £99.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Gwyliau Cegir Escapes

Address

Nant y Gaseg, Darowen, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8LW

Telephone
01650 511579

info@cegir.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Relax in a handcrafted shepherd’s hut with your own private hot tub, set in the quiet hills near Machynlleth. Dog-friendly, wood-burning stoves and panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley. A peaceful base for couples and small families to switch off.

Price
Price £500.00 to £860.00 per unit per week