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. 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: 96

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Upper Gelli

Address

Gelli Uchaf, Gelli Lane, Golfa, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 9BB

Telephone
07949 719618

bookings@uppergelli.co.uk

Golfa, Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The perfect getaway, the stunning two-bedroom Bach, our beautiful romantic luxury two-bedroom holiday Lodge and our traditional one-bedroom Shepherd’s Huts provide the ideal base to explore the stunning Mid Wales landscape, visit extraordinary…

Price
Price £150.00 to £250.00 per unit per night
Troedyrhiw Holiday Cottages

Address

Troedyrhiw, Penparc, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 2AE

Telephone
01239 811564

info@troedyrhiw.com

Cardigan

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Troedyrhiw Holiday Cottages are situated in south west Wales approximately 5 miles north of Cardigan. The cottages are part of a 13 acre smallholding nestling in a picturesque wooded valley of the Nant Arberth.

Price
Price £495.00 to £1,995.00 per unit per week
Cefn Crib | Llety Cynnes Cottage

Address

Cefn Crib, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LB

Telephone
01654 791203

sian@cefncrib.co.uk

Machynlleth

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…

Price
Price £150.00 per unit per night
Canvas & Campfires

Address

Pant Yr Hwch, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7LY

Telephone
01570 434542

ellie@canvasandcampfires.co.uk

Lampeter

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to31 Oct 2027

Canvas & Campfires in West Wales is a luxury glamping site set on an 11-acre smallholding. The site has five safari tents, and a beautiful converted cowshed called Beudy Bach.

Price
Price £200.00 per unit per night
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
Cae Du Farm Holidays

Address

Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9ND

Telephone
01654 711234

caedufarmholidays@gmail.com

Gwynedd

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cae Du Farm Holidays - Self Catering with 2 units sleeps 6-16
Located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park the property has spectacular views over the Dysynni Valley and Cardigan coast. Perfect location for a relaxing country holiday

Price
Price £80.00 to £1,314.00 per unit per night
Coedmor Cottage and Coedmor Barn

Address

Coedmor, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1TL

Telephone
01341 430332

coedmorenquiry@hotmail.co.uk

Barmouth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Charming units nestled between the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris mountain range. Minutes away from Barmouth and Dolgellau the cottages are ideally situated for walking, fishing, bird watching or just relaxing.

Price
Price £320.00 to £530.00 per unit per week
Cliff Holiday Cottage

Address

Caerwenfor, Blaencelyn, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA446DJ

Telephone
07502 223876

angharad@cliff-holiday-cottage.co.uk

Llandysul

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Self-catering holiday cottage in Cwmtydu, Ceredigion, sleeping 4. A calm coastal spot with sea views, well placed for walks and time on the Cardigan Bay coast. Includes a hot tub. Check availability and plan your dates.

Price
Price £600.00 Per Group
Hafren Forest Hideaway (Bed & Breakfast)

Address

Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DB

Telephone
07871740514

info@hafrenforesthideaway.com

Llanbrynmair

Dates

Hafren Forest Hideaway, unique chalet-style B&B near Staylittle, Powys, in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales. Perfect for the solo traveller, groups, families, and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers comfortable rooms, a cosy lounge with wood burner,…

Price
Price £50.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
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
Mid Wales Arts Centre B&B

Address

Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SB

Telephone
07362 416973

office@midwalesarts.org.uk

Caersws

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Historic country house and farm with unique private art gallery, sculpture hall and grounds. All rooms are spacious, newly refurbished, en suite and decorated with original artworks - fishing rights and easily reached by public transport.

Price
Price £40.00 to £95.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Bechan Retreats

Address

Pant Farm, Aberbechan, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3AX

Telephone
01686 630631

info@bechanretreats.co.uk

Newtown

Bechan Retreats holiday properties comprises 4 Rural Lodges/ Cabins on our 90 acre working beef & sheep.
Providing Peace and Tranquility while being in proximity of good places to eat, shops for provisions and a host of wonderful activities and…
Hafren Forest Hideaway

Address

Hafren Forest Hideaway, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DB

Telephone
07871740514

info@hafrenforesthideaway.com

Staylittle, Llanbrynmair

Dates

From:

6 July 2017to31 Dec 2031

Hafren Forest Hideaway is a 4-star, chalet-style accommodation in the Cambrian Mountains near Staylittle, Powys. Perfect for groups of friends, families, or outdoor enthusiasts, it sleeps up to 13 guests across 4 bedrooms. Guests can choose…
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
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
Bettws Hall

Address

Bettws Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Newtown

Dates

From:

22 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027

From:

1 Feb 2027to31 Aug 2027

Luxury self-catered lodges and houses at Bettws Hall near Newtown, Powys, sleeping from 5 to 47 across Willows Lodge, Beeches Lodge, Bettws Hall House and The Granary. Willows has its own private Hideout, while Beeches includes a relaxing sauna room…

Price
Price £110.00 per unit per night to £1,950.00 per unit per week
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…
The Castle of Brecon Hotel

Address

Castle Square, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9DB

Telephone
01874 624611

castle.brecon@innmail.co.uk

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Castle of Brecon Hotel is an historic hotel of great charm and character. Occupying the site and remains of Brecon Castle close to the centre of town, it stands on a bluff of land between two rivers commanding extensive views.
Dragon Inn, Crickhowell

Address

High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BE

Telephone
01873 810362

enquiry@dragoninncrickhowell.com

Crickhowell

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Dragon is a quiet and relaxed Inn in the heart of Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is a perfect base for exploring the countryside and is very popular with walkers, golfers, birdwatchers.

Price
Price £32.50 per person per night to £130.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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 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