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Autumn in Mid Wales

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.

#6D7F8A

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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Denmark Farm Eco Lodge

Address

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, Betws Bledrws, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8PB

Telephone
01570 493358

stay@denmarkfarm.org.uk

Lampeter

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The self-catering Eco Lodge at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre provides sustainability and comfort for holidays immersed in Nature.

Price
Price £480.00 to £780.00 per unit per week
Stellar Safari @ Lon Lodges

Address

Nantmel, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5PE

Telephone
07929539874

info@lonlodges.co.uk

Rhayader

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A magical, luxury glamping experience with wood burning hot tub, set on a private farm, sleeping up to 6 guests. A private en-suite shower & toilet room. Fully equipped kitchen, wood burning stove and fire pit pizza oven.

Price
Price £120.00 per unit per night
Nyth Robin Touring Site

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Oct 2026

Small, friendly, eco touring site, just outside the pretty seaside village of Aberdovey in mid-Wales, and within the Snowdonia National Park. Secluded site set in 7 acres of private woodland with short walks.
There are just 9 touring pitches…

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Afon Rhaiadr Country House

Address

Afon Rhaiadr Country House, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AH

Telephone
01341 450777

enquiries@afonrhaiadr.co.uk

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

3 Feb 2026to30 Nov 2026

A warm welcome awaits all at Afon Rhaiadr Country House, surrounded by gardens and Woodlands with a stream and waterfall running through. Sumptuous bedrooms with luxury bathrooms. Delicious home cooking. A perfect place to relax and unwind.

Price
Price £95.00 to £155.00 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 2027to1 Oct 2027

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 £22.00 to £30.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
La Crisalida Retreats at Maesmawr Hall

Address

Caersws, Newtown, Powys, SY17 5SF

Telephone
01686 688255

infouk@lacrisalidaretreats.co.uk

Newtown

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

La Crisalida health and wellbeing retreats, at Maesmawr Hall, offers many facilities for you to relax and re-charge your batteries. Whether your focus is on yoga, life makeover, losing weight, cleansing and giving your body (and life) a kick-start,…
Aberhyddnant Farm Cottages

Address

Crai, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8YS

Telephone
01874 636 797

info@abercottages.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lovely, comfortable cottages on working organic hill farm in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Great walking from your doorstep, 200 acres to explore, have a campfire, go building, stargazing or relax surrounded by nature.

Price
Price £505.00 to £1,134.00 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
Love2Stay Mid Wales

Address

Love2Stay Mid Wales, Moat Lane, Caersws, Newtown, Powys, SY17 5SB

Telephone
01686 806384

midwales@love2stay.co.uk

Caersws, Newtown

Dates

Love2Stay Mid Wales near Newtown is a luxury Holiday and Glamping resort focused on the health and wellbeing of its ‘staycationing’ guests has opened its doors at a beautiful Mid Wales location.

Price
Price £1,052.00 per unit per week
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
Brynglas Cottage

Address

Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0PE

Telephone
07891 323547

info@brynglascottage.com

Llandovery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Beautiful cottage with amazing views, wood burner, walks and cycle routes from the door and 2 pubs within short walking distance. Situated in a tranquil valley overlooking the river Towy, on the edge of the wild Cambrian Mountains, area of…

Price
Price £910.00 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
Tylau Cottages @ Mud and Wool

Address

Tylau, Bwlch-llan, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8QR

Telephone
07539273122

mudandwoolwales@gmail.com

Lampeter

A 2 bedroom (both with Ensuites ) self catering cottage in rural West Wales, situated in an elevated position with magnificent views of the Cambrian Mountains. This barn conversion has been lovingly restored and completed to a high standard.
Y Talbot | Stay

Address

Y Talbot, The Square, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JL

Telephone
01974 298208

info@ytalbot.com

Tregaron

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Y Talbot is an historic and characterful Inn that offers excellent food and drink, comfortable bedrooms and a warm welcome.
Croeso i bawb!

Price
Price £60.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast to £130.00 per room per night
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
Garden Cottage at Torrent Walk Cottages

Address

Plas Hen, Brithdir, Dolgellau, United Kingdom, LL40 2RG

Telephone
01341 422783

richards@torrentwalkcottages.com

Brithdir, Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Dog Friendly Self-Catering Cottage - Sleeping 5 in 3 rooms with beautiful views over Cader Idris, Snowdonia.
Real log fire and Wifi available.
Great for couples, short breaks, family escapes and walking holidays. Dogs accepted at a surcharge of…

Price
Price £630.00 to £830.00 per unit per week
Mellington Hall Country House Hotel

Address

Mellington, Churchstoke, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HX

Telephone
01588 620 056

bookings@mellingtonhall.co.uk

Montgomery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Mellington Hall Country House Hotel is a Grade II Listed 19th Century house set in beautiful landscaped grounds with spectacular views in every direction.

Price
Price £195.00 to £250.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Bryn Cleifion | Bettws Hall

Address

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

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2027to30 Sept 2027

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
Gwesty Pen-y-Bont Hotel

Address

Pen-y-Bont Hotel, Talyllyn, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9AJ

Telephone
01654 782285

info@penybonthotel.co.uk

Tywyn

Dates

A 16th Century Coaching Inn with a spectacular location on Llyn Mwyngil (Talyllyn Lake) near Cadair Idris in the heart of southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Enjoy Bed & Breakfast in one of our five letting rooms, with a hearty Welsh Breakfast by the log…

Price
Price £180.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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