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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Nyth Robin Touring Site

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Oct 2026

Small, friendly, eco touring site, just outside the pretty seaside village of Aberdovey in mid-Wales, and within the Snowdonia National Park. Secluded site set in 7 acres of private woodland with short walks.
There are just 9 touring pitches…

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Plas Robin Rural Retreats

Address

Plas Robin, Llandyssil, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6LQ

Telephone
07307197045

Carolsummors@btinternet.com

Montgomery

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Three luxurious, bespoke holiday homes, in the Montgomeryshire hillside. Relax and unwind in these beautifully appointed homes, carefully designed with every modern comfort, including, of course, your very own private Hot Tub.

Price
Price £900.00 to £3,000.00 per unit per week
By the Wye | Glamping

Address

Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR3 5RS

Telephone
01497 828166

hello@bythewye.uk

Hereford

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Riverside glamping in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, with luxury safari tents set amongst ancient woodland beside the River Wye. Ideal for couples, families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape. Optional wellness experiences and outdoor activities can be…
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
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
The Bear Hotel

Address

The Bear Hotel, High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BW

Telephone
01873 810408

info@bearhotel.co.uk

Crickhowell

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A quaint individually furnished 15th century historic coaching inn in the centre of Crickhowell. Our outstanding designed bedrooms offer a range of accommodation including four poster beds and jacuzzi baths.

Price
Price £37.50 to £70.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
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
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
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
Kilsby Cottage

Address

Kilsby, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4TL

Telephone
01591 610 126

kilsbyhouse@btinternet.com

Llanwrtyd Wells

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A delightful luxury cottage on the edge of 2.5 acres of garden and private woodland with spectacular views and a huge variety of birds. Paradise for walkers, birdwatchers, cyclists , fishermen and horse riders. Children welcome.

Price
Price £85.00 to £105.00 per unit per night
Aber Cottage Guesthouse

Address

Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1DE

Telephone
07976 518687

bwthynyraber@gmail.com

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Aber Cottage is a 250 year old listed building situated in the picturesque market town of Dolgellau, in the heart of Wales' beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The guest house offers quality en-suite accommodation with private parking.

Price
Price £90.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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
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
Nannerth Country Holidays

Address

Nannerth Country Holidays, Nannerth Fawr, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HA

Telephone
01597 811121

info@nannerth.co.uk

Rhayader

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Choose from 3 quality self catering properties with hot tubs near Rhayader & The Elan Valley; an airy barn conversion, a traditional cosy cottage and a romantic apartment. Set on our 200 acre farm, Nannerth is set in astonishingly beautiful…

Price
Price £299.00 to £650.00 per unit per week
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
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
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.
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
Upper Gelli

Address

Gelli Uchaf, Gelli Lane, Golfa, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 9BB

Telephone
07949 719618

bookings@uppergelli.co.uk

Golfa, Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The perfect getaway, the stunning two-bedroom Bach, our beautiful romantic luxury two-bedroom holiday Lodge and our traditional one-bedroom Shepherd’s Huts provide the ideal base to explore the stunning Mid Wales landscape, visit extraordinary…

Price
Price £150.00 to £250.00 per unit per night
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
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…