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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Gwerniago Camping Site

Address

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JX

Telephone
01654 791227

contact@gwerniago.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

24 Mar 2026to1 Oct 2026

Gwerniago Campsite is located in Mid Wales between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi. Electric, Non-Electric, Grass & Hardstanding pitches available. Campfires allowed, Parking on pitch. Ideal base for Beaches, Mountains, Dyfi Bike Park, Mach Loop.

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
Aberhyddnant Farm Cottages

Address

Crai, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8YS

Telephone
01874 636 797

info@abercottages.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lovely, comfortable cottages on working organic hill farm in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Great walking from your doorstep, 200 acres to explore, have a campfire, go building, stargazing or relax surrounded by nature.

Price
Price £505.00 to £1,134.00 per unit per week
Tynllwyn Farm

Address

Groes-pluen, WELSHPOOL, Powys, SY21 9BW

Telephone
07483344659

tynllwynfarm@btconnect.com

Groes-pluen, WELSHPOOL

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A beautiful view and warm welcome awaits you at our 19th century farmhouse. Log fires and comfortable rooms. We are close to Powis Castle and the Llanfair narrow gauge railway and the canal for boat trips.

Price
Price £40.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast to £85.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
The Castle of Brecon Hotel

Address

Castle Square, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9DB

Telephone
01874 624611

castle.brecon@innmail.co.uk

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Castle of Brecon Hotel is an historic hotel of great charm and character. Occupying the site and remains of Brecon Castle close to the centre of town, it stands on a bluff of land between two rivers commanding extensive views.
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
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
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
Ty Gwyn Farm | The Straw Cottage

Address

Ty Gwyn Farm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5NY

Telephone
07881 302319

margot@tygwynfarm.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

16 Feb 2026to2 Nov 2026

The Straw Cottage, near Llandrindod Wells, is an off-grid glamping stay with comfortable beds, a hot and cold shower, woodburning stove and a veranda for outdoor meals. Switch off from screens, enjoy the views and spend time close to nature. The…

Price
Price £500.00 to £860.00 per unit per week
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
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
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
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
Canvas & Campfires

Address

Pant Yr Hwch, Llanwnnen, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7LY

Telephone
01570 434542

ellie@canvasandcampfires.co.uk

Lampeter

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

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 £900.00 to £1,200.00 per unit 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
Dolphin Bay Holiday Cottages

Address

Blaencelyn, Nr Llangrannog, Ceredigion, SA44 6DG

Telephone
01239 654613

dolphinbay.co.uk@gmail.com

Nr Llangrannog

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Luxurious, Characterful holiday accommodation sleeping between 2 and 6 people, situated just 2 miles from the stunning Cardigan Bay Coastline.

Price
Price £400.00 to £1,195.00 per unit per week
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
Penwern Fach Holiday Cottages

Address

Ponthirwaun, Near Cenarth, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 2RL

Telephone
01239 710017

enquiries@penwernfach.co.uk

Cardigan

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The 6 award winning cottages are set in 10 acres of peaceful private grounds, amidst beautiful unspoilt countryside. Within a 10 - 15 minute drive are safe sandy beaches, private fishing, numerous golf courses, riding and sailing.

Price
Price £595.00 to £1,480.00 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
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…
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