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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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
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
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 Lodge Staylittle

Address

Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7BU

Telephone
01686 449354

thelodgestaylittle@gmail.com

Llanbrynmair

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Lodge at Staylittle is a mountain chalet style accommodation set in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales. The Lodge is able to sleep 35-40 people, making it the perfect venue for people exploring mid Wales and the west coast.
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
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
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
Gwyliau Cegir Escapes

Address

Nant y Gaseg, Darowen, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8LW

Telephone
01650 511579

info@cegir.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Relax in a handcrafted shepherd’s hut with your own private hot tub, set in the quiet hills near Machynlleth. Dog-friendly, wood-burning stoves and panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley. A peaceful base for couples and small families to switch off.

Price
Price £500.00 to £860.00 per unit per week
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa

Address

Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Powys, SY10 0LY

Telephone
01691 870692

info@lakevyrnwyhotel.co.uk

Llanwddyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Located high on the hillsides of the Berwyn Mountain range within the 24,000 acre Vyrnwy Nature Reserve, the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa commands panoramic views to all horizons. The hotel has 52 letting rooms of which 34 have lake views.

Price
Price £125.00 to £185.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
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
holidaycottages.co.uk

Address

Wales, Locations throughout Wales

Telephone
01237 426 255

bookings@holidaycottages.co.uk

Locations throughout Wales

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A beautiful collection of personally inspected self-catering holiday cottages throughout Wales and the rest of the UK.
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
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
Gwanas Fawr Holiday Cottages

Address

Gwanas Fawr, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2SH

Telephone
07767388997

info@gwanasfawr.co.uk

Dolgellau

Dates

The perfect location for a holiday in Snowdonia. Situated down a farm track and over a small bridge, the 2 self-catering cottages are surrounded by beautiful farmland with views of Cadair Idris and the Snowdonia National Park.

Price
Price £83.00 per person per night
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
Cynfal Farm Cottages

Address

Cynfal Farm Cottages, Bryncrug, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RB

Telephone
07971 065 953

cynfalfrm@gmail.com

Bryncrug, Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cynfal Farm in Southern Snowdonia is the perfect holiday location for couples or families seeking something rather special. Two well apointed self catering holiday homes. Own holt at Cynfal for the Tal y llyn Steam Railway.

Price
Price £450.00 to £910.00 per unit per week
Penmaenuchaf Hotel

Address

Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1YB

Telephone
01341 212121

reservations@penmaenuchaf.co.uk

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, you’ll find our stone-fronted Penmaenuchaf. Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this grand old house has its own beautiful…

Price
Price £85.00 to £550.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
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…
Trallwm Forest Cottages

Address

Abergwesyn, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4TS

Telephone
01591 611067

trallwm@aol.com

Llanwrtyd Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Trallwm Forest Cottages all lie within the Trallwm Estate at the head of the Gwesyn & Cnyffiad valleys. Most cottages by mountain streams with bike trails through our working woods. Mountain bike centre with cafe offering light lunches etc.

Price
Price £411.00 to £986.00 per unit per week