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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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
Ty Isaf

Address

Samaras, Tresaith, Ceredigion, SA43 2JG

Telephone
07821694599

info@holidaytresaith.co.uk

Tresaith

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Ty Isaf is a bright, spacious holiday cottage sleeping 6 guests, set in a peaceful wooded valley, just half a mile from Tresaith’s sandy beach and 1.5 miles from Aberporth. .

Price
Price £795.00 per unit per week
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
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
Y Llofft

Address

Samaras, Tresaith, Ceredigion, SA43 2JG

Telephone
07821694599

info@holidaytresaith.co.uk

Tresaith

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Y Llofft is a light, single-storey cottage tucked away in a peaceful wooded valley, just half a mile from Tresaith’s sandy beach on the Ceredigion coast. Recently refurbished throughout, it sleeps up to three guests and makes an ideal base for…

Price
Price £303.00 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
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
Cyfie Farm

Address

Llanfihangel, Llanfyllin, Nr Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, SY22 5JE

Telephone
07748908223

enquiries@cyfiefarm.co.uk

Nr Lake Vyrnwy

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Minutes from fairytale Lake Vyrnwy, Cyfie Farm offers excellent five star self-catering accommodation in four luxury cottages with hot tubs and a modern shepherd's hut / lodge. With spectacular views overlooking the Vyrnwy Valley

Price
Price £400.00 per unit per week to £150.00 per unit per night
Old Mill

Address

Felinfach, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0UB

Telephone
01874 625385

thefelinfachmill@yahoo.co.uk

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2027to31 Oct 2027

A 16th century converted corn mill, peacefully situated, en-suite rooms, residents lounge. Ideal for walking and touring the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Hay-on-Wye.

Price
Price £85.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
East Wing @ Broomfield House

Address

Glasbury On Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 5NS

Telephone
01497 842970

info@broomfield.wales

Herefordshire

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 £1,470.00 per unit per week
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
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
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.
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…
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…
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
Dragon Trails Walking Holidays | Stay

Address

Dragon Trails Walking Holidays, Parc Y Gors, Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 2RH

Telephone
01873810970

richard@dragontrails.com

Ponthirwaun, Cardigan

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Parc-y-gors is a beautiful early nineteenth century dower house set in 20 acres of its own fields, woods and gardens. It lies 3 miles from the sea between Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn.

Price
Price £78.00 to £440.00 per person per night
By the Wye | Glamping

Address

Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR3 5RS

Telephone
01497 828166

hello@bythewye.uk

Hereford

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Riverside glamping in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, with luxury safari tents set amongst ancient woodland beside the River Wye. Ideal for couples, families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape. Optional wellness experiences and outdoor activities can be…
Penrhyn Dyfi

Address

Plas Penrhyn, Nr Machynlleth, Gwynedd, SY20 9JR

Telephone
01654 702029

glanfechan@hotmail.com

Nr Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Sleeps 12 - Spacious, elegant Grade II listed Georgian country house with panoramic views overlooking the Dyfi Estuary on the outskirts of Machynlleth, Ideal base to explore the wonders of mid and north Wales and beyond. Aberdovey 10 miles. Perfect…

Price
Price £2,500.00 to £3,000.00 per unit per week
Ty Hen Farm Cottages

Address

Llwyndafydd, Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 6BZ

Telephone
01545 560346

mike@tyhen.co.uk

Llandysul

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Ty Hen Farm Residential Hotel (min/max 28 day lets) - fully equipped stone cottages midway between New Quay and Llangrannog, ideal for adult singles/couples, retired/elderly, local/home workers, artists/proof readers etc. Farm site with six…