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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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
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
Bryn Tanat Hall | Stay

Address

Bryn Tanat Hall, Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, Powys, SY22 6BA

Telephone
01691 828266

relax@bryntanat.co.uk

Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Bryn Tanat Hall Estate is a collection of luxury self-catering properties set across 15 acres on the Shropshire–Mid Wales border, nestled in the peaceful Tanat Valley. From the magnificent 17th-century Bryn Tanat Hall, sleeping up to 28, to two…

Price
Price £900.00 to £4,500.00 per unit per week
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
Glandyfi Castle | Stay

Address

Glandyfi Castle, Glandyfi, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SS

enquiries@glandyficastle.co.uk

Machynlleth

Exclusive-use castle near Machynlleth in Mid Wales, with 11 bedrooms sleeping 22 guests in individually styled bedrooms. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and relaxed get togethers with family or friends. Dog friendly venue with 40 acres of…
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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…
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
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
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
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…
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.
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…
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
Mid Wales Arts Centre B&B

Address

Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SB

Telephone
07362 416973

office@midwalesarts.org.uk

Caersws

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Historic country house and farm with unique private art gallery, sculpture hall and grounds. All rooms are spacious, newly refurbished, en suite and decorated with original artworks - fishing rights and easily reached by public transport.

Price
Price £40.00 to £95.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast