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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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
Coedmor Cottage and Coedmor Barn

Address

Coedmor, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1TL

Telephone
01341 430332

coedmorenquiry@hotmail.co.uk

Barmouth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Charming units nestled between the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris mountain range. Minutes away from Barmouth and Dolgellau the cottages are ideally situated for walking, fishing, bird watching or just relaxing.

Price
Price £320.00 to £530.00 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
Hafren Forest Hideaway (Bed & Breakfast)

Address

Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7DB

Telephone
07871740514

info@hafrenforesthideaway.com

Llanbrynmair

Dates

Hafren Forest Hideaway, unique chalet-style B&B near Staylittle, Powys, in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales. Perfect for the solo traveller, groups, families, and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers comfortable rooms, a cosy lounge with wood burner,…

Price
Price £50.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
La Crisalida Retreats at Maesmawr Hall

Address

Caersws, Newtown, Powys, SY17 5SF

Telephone
01686 688255

infouk@lacrisalidaretreats.co.uk

Newtown

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

La Crisalida health and wellbeing retreats, at Maesmawr Hall, offers many facilities for you to relax and re-charge your batteries. Whether your focus is on yoga, life makeover, losing weight, cleansing and giving your body (and life) a kick-start,…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Drovers Retreat

Address

Graig Farm, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5TL

Telephone
07377 865123

Enquiries@droversretreat.co.uk

Llandrindod Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Drovers Retreat is a secluded 4-star converted stone eco barn which nestles in the hills of mid-Wales, some 8 miles from the English border. It is a perfect getaway, and haven of peace in the Welsh Marches.

Price
Price £114.00 to £170.00 per unit per night
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
Bettws Hall

Address

Bettws Hall, Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Newtown

Dates

From:

22 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027

From:

1 Feb 2027to31 Aug 2027

Luxury self-catered lodges and houses at Bettws Hall near Newtown, Powys, sleeping from 5 to 47 across Willows Lodge, Beeches Lodge, Bettws Hall House and The Granary. Willows has its own private Hideout, while Beeches includes a relaxing sauna room…

Price
Price £110.00 per unit per night to £1,950.00 per unit per week
Ty Llewelyn Glamping | Luxury Glamping & Camping near Llanidloes, Mid Wales

Address

Ty Llewellyn, Cwmbelan, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6QD

Telephone
07483846101

maria@tyllewelyn.com

Llanidloes

Dates

y Llewelyn Glamping and Camping offers luxury Safari Tents and Lotus Belle tents in the heart of Mid Wales near Llanidloes. Set within 13 acres of woodland and pasture, it’s the perfect Powys retreat. We also feature campervan and camping pitches…

Price
Price £15.00 per pitch per night to £95.00 per unit per night
Tynllwyn Farm Holiday Cottages

Address

Tynllwyn Farm, Groes-Puen, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 9BW

Telephone
01938 553 175

tynllwynfarm@btconnect.com

Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Tynllwyn Farm holiday cottages on the outskirts of Welshpool in the Mid Wales Marches provide guests with stunning views of the surrounding Severn Valley and Long Mountain.

Price
Price £400.00 to £650.00 per unit per week
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