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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Hotel Portmeirion

Address

Portmeirion Village, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ET

Telephone
01766 770000

stay@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The historic Hotel Portmeirion was originally built in 1850 and developed by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925. It offers 14 rooms and suites in the beautiful surroundings of Portmeirion Italiante Village.

Price
Price £54.50 per person per night to £290.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
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
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
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…
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
Craig Y Nos Castle | Group 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 £150.00 to £250.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Yr Hen Stablau

Address

Pantlludw, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JR

Telephone
01654 702218

stablau@selfcateringcottagewales.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

31 Jan 2026to31 Oct 2026

Yr Hen Stablau in southern Snowdonia just I mile from Machynlleth, sleeps 6 and has ground floor wheelchair access. The cottage is an energy efficient building renovated with local slate and timber. Beautiful garden,1 mile to Wales Coast Path and 8…

Price
Price £590.00 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
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
Fedwen Uchaf

Address

Tresaith, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 2JG

Telephone
01239 811333

asjadiya@aol.com

Cardigan

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Fedwen Uchaf at Tresaith is a beautifully renovated and centrally heated holiday home only a few minutes drive or a short walk from the very beautiful Tresaith Beach. The cottage sleeps 5 plus 1 cot with two spacious bedrooms upstairs,

Price
Price £350.00 to £800.00 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
Canine Cottages

Address

Various Mid Wales Locations, SA46 0EH

Telephone
01237 459821

bookings@holidaycottages.co.uk

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Let us help you find the best dog-friendly escape in Wales.

Price
Price £287.00 to £7,942.00 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
Nyth Robin | Glamping Holidays

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Oct 2026

Nyth Robin Glamping offers fabulous holidays in a variety of unique accommodation options. You can choose from a family-friendly bell tent, yurt, or dome, a cosy woodland cabin, a unique vintage caravan, or a quirky converted horsebox!
All the…

Price
Price £80.00 to £130.00 per unit per night
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
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
Dysynni Valley Cottage | Maes y Wennol

Address

Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Maes y Wennol in a rural and peaceful setting with no passing traffic, boasts magnificent views of the Dysynni Valley.

Price
Price £600.00 per unit per week
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
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…
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