Autumn in Mid Wales

To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

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

, currently showing 1 to 21.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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…
Craig Y Nos Castle | Dog Friendly Accommodation

Address

Brecon Road, Craig-y-nos, Penycae, Swansea, SA9 1GL

Telephone
01639 731167

info@craigynoscastle.com

Penycae

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Serviced accommodation Craig-y-Nos Castle stands in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the Upper Swansea Valley in South Wales.

Price
Price £140.00 to £220.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
The Bear Hotel

Address

The Bear Hotel, High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BW

Telephone
01873 810408

info@bearhotel.co.uk

Crickhowell

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A quaint individually furnished 15th century historic coaching inn in the centre of Crickhowell. Our outstanding designed bedrooms offer a range of accommodation including four poster beds and jacuzzi baths.

Price
Price £37.50 to £70.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Fraithwen Cottages

Address

Adfa, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DB

Telephone
07898 891039

gaynor33@hotmail.co.uk

Newtown

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lletty Ann Wynn near Newtown is the first Fraithwen cottage. This two bedroomed 300 year old stone cottage with extensive garden and grounds and private hot tub was built in the 1720's and extensively renovated it in early summer 2018.

Price
Price £120.00 to £160.00 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
Drovers Retreat

Address

Graig Farm, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5TL

Telephone
07377 865123

Enquiries@droversretreat.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Drovers Retreat is a secluded 4-star converted stone eco barn which nestles in the hills of mid-Wales, some 8 miles from the English border. It is a perfect getaway, and haven of peace in the Welsh Marches.

Price
Price £114.00 to £170.00 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…
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
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
Penbontbren Y Ffermdy Holiday Cottage

Address

Ponbontbren, Glynarthen, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6PE

Telephone
01239 810248

contact@penbontbren.com

Llandysul

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The holiday cottage at Penbontbren was once the original farmhouse for the farm and is located less than 3 miles to Penbryn and Tresaith beaches (safe and sandy), with many other beaches within 10 minutes drive.

Price
Price £875.00 to £1,575.00 per unit per week
Nyth Robin Touring Site

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2027to30 Oct 2027

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 £28.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Bryncoch Holidays

Address

Bryn Coch, Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5RT

Telephone
01982 570235

bevan.house@yahoo.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Bryncoch Holidays in Mid Wales is close to the Royal Welsh Showground and Elan Valley dams. Accommodation in 3 bedroom Bevan House self catering holiday home or 2 luxury lodges. All accommodation have individual hot tubs.

Price
Price £120.00 to £200.00 per unit per night
Bryn Elltyd Eco House

Address

Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3TW

Telephone
01766 831356

info@ecohouse.wales

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Eco Friendly, Bryn Elltyd is carbon neutral. All energy inputs from renewables, located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park at the foot of the Moelwyn mountains, this is an ideal location to explore North Wales.

Price
Price £166.00 to £170.00 per unit per night
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
Gwynfan Bungalow

Address

Llanyre, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6EE

Telephone
07980 157655

ruth@gwynfanbungalow.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Boasting panoramic views this very spacious well appointed single storey property enjoys a secluded rural setting on a working farm. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedroom. Sumptuous leather reclining sofas in large lounge. Hot tub and pets welcome

Price
Price £100.00 to £1,180.00 per unit per week
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
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
The Nags Head Inn

Address

Garthmyl, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6RS

Telephone
01686 640600

reservations@nagsheadgarthmyl.co.uk

Montgomery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Nags Head Inn is a Grade II listed coaching Inn. Discover a 5* welcome at the AA Welsh Pub of the Year 2018-19. Our pet-friendly Inn is awarded 5* also. In our restaurant we serve the best local produce and even grow our own herbs.

Price
Price £50.00 to £80.00 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
Old Hand & Diamond Inn

Address

Coedway, Shrewsbury, SY5 9AR

Telephone
01743 884379

enquiries@oldhandanddiamond.co.uk

Shrewsbury

Dates

From:

2 Jan 2026to30 Dec 2026

We have six en-suite bedrooms, decorated in a traditional country style with exposed beams and interesting features.
All rooms are located on the 1st or 2nd floor and have colour television and tea & coffee facility.

Price
Price £86.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast