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Family Days Out in Mid Wales

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Things to Do with Kids in Mid Wales | Family Days Out

Family days out in Mid Wales

Mid Wales is full of places that work for families. Not the theme-park, queue-for-an-hour kind of days out, but the kind where children learn something without realising it, get muddy, see wildlife up close and ask to come back. These attractions are spread across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), so wherever you are staying, there will be something nearby.

Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth is a hands-on environmental centre that has been running since the 1970s. You arrive by water-powered cliff railway and explore gardens, renewable energy displays, interactive exhibits and nature trails. Children enjoy the play areas and the fact that everything is slightly different from normal. Adults enjoy the ideas. Allow half a day.

King Arthur's Labyrinth

At Corris, south of Machynlleth, King Arthur's Labyrinth takes you underground by boat into caverns filled with sound, light and tales from Welsh mythology. It is atmospheric rather than scary, and works well for children aged five and up. The site also has a craft centre and cafe above ground.

Gigrin Farm red kites

Gigrin Farm near Rhayader feeds red kites daily at 2pm (3pm in summer). Hundreds of kites swoop down over the feeding station, and you watch from hides just metres away. It is one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in Britain and children are genuinely amazed by it. The farm also has a nature trail and a small museum.

Steam railways

A steam train journey is one of the best family days out in Mid Wales. The Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge runs through mountain scenery with waterfalls at the far end. The Talyllyn Railway from Tywyn follows a wooded valley inland. The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway crosses Powys farmland. All have cafes and gift shops.

Bwlch Nant yr Arian

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, in the hills above Aberystwyth, has walking trails around a lake, mountain bike trails through the forest, a cafe with big windows and daily red kite feeding. The lakeside trail is pushchair-friendly and the red kite feeding happens at 3pm in summer. Free entry; pay for parking.

More ideas

The Silver Mountain Experience near Aberystwyth takes you into a Victorian lead mine. The Magic of Life butterfly house near Aberystwyth has tropical butterflies in a heated glasshouse. Animalarium in Borth is a small zoo and rescue centre by the beach. The Dyfi Osprey Project near Machynlleth has live camera feeds of nesting ospreys from April to August.

On good weather days, head for the beaches. Barmouth has the big sandy beach. New Quay has dolphins. Llangrannog has rock pools. Combine a beach morning with an attraction afternoon and you have a full day sorted.

Browse our full list of family attractions and activities to plan your trip.

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Dyfi Valley & Coast

Address

Mid Wales, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SR

Machynlleth

The Dyfi Valley opens wide as it approaches Cardigan Bay Coast and ends in sandy beaches and dunes. It cradles the westerly spur of Powys, Ceredigion north of Aberystwyth, and the southern rim of Snowdonia National Park.
Talgarth

Address

Brecon, Powys, LD3 0BW

Brecon

The ancient market Town of Talgarth nestles beneath the Black Mountains which run along the border between Wales and England. Close to Brecon, Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye, it provides an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore the area.
Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve

Address

Llanllwchaiarn, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3BA

Telephone
01938 555654

info@montwt.co.uk

Newtown

This reserve was once part of the sewage farm next door!
Herbal Foraging with Willow Murton

Address

Ystrad Fflur, Abbey Rd, Ponthrydfendigaid, Ceredigion, SY25 6ES

Telephone
+441974831760

info@strataflorida.org.uk

Ponthrydfendigaid

Dates

From:
23 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00

Foraging with an expert. A third seasonal journey into the hedgerows and waysides to identify medicinal plants and making your own seasonal herbal remedies.
The Railway Adventurer | Talyllyn Railway

Address

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway, Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Dates

From:
10 Sept 2026
From:
24 Sept 2026

Discover the Story of the Preservation Pioneers on The Railway Adventurer
Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SR

Telephone
01654 781414

enquiries@dyfiospreyproject.com

Machynlleth

The Cors Dyfi reserve in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere is a mixture of bog, swamp, wet woodland and scrub supporting a plethora of animals and plants, including the magnificent ospreys and the recently introduced beavers.
Y Fenni | Abergavenny

Address

Monmouthshire, NP7 5HD

Abergavenny is the traditional gateway to South Wales and to the Brecon Beacons National Park. The old market town is surrounded by beautiful border countryside and home to the best food festival in the UK.
Bow Street Railway Station

Address

Bow Street, Ceredigion, SY23 3EA

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Bow Street

Bow Street railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Derwenlas Walk

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Lay-by Derwenlas
Grid Reference: SN721 991
Distance: 6.2 km - 3.8 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Firm tracks, open fields, some boggy areas
Maps: OS Explorer OL23
Knighton Festival of Books, Art and Music 2026

Address

Knighton Community Centre, Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1DR

Telephone
01547 740052

knightonfest@gmail.com

Knighton

Dates

From:

16 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026

A lively celebration of music, arts and community in the heart of Knighton. Enjoy a fantastic programme of entertainment, performances and activities, bringing locals and visitors together for a memorable festival.

Price
Price £25.00 per adult
Sidney Nolan Art Prize Exhibition

Address

The Rodd, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LL

Telephone
01544 260149

info@sidneynolantrust.org

Presteigne

Dates

From:

11 July 2026to4 Oct 2026

The Sidney Nolan Art Prize Exhibition presents more than 50 artworks selected from over 1,600 international submissions to the inaugural Sidney Nolan Art Prize.

Price
Price £5.65 per concession to £6.30 per adult
Llandovery Farmers Market

Address

Market Square, Llandovery, Dyfed, SA20 0AA

Telephone
07506 568075

llandoveryfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Llandovery

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026

Llandovery Farmers Market is held from 10:00 to 14:00 on the first Saturday of each month
Aberystwyth Comedy Festival

Address

Aberystwyth, various locations, Aberystwyth, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

boxoffice@abercomedyfest.co.uk

Aberystwyth

Dates

From:

2 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026

Laugh your way through a weekend of top-class comedy in the heart of Ceredigion! With a fantastic mix of established names and rising stars, the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival promises plenty of laughs and unforgettable performances.
Newtown Food Festival

Address

Town Hall Grounds / High Street, Newtown, Powys, SY16 1NS

enquiries@newtown.org.uk

Newtown

Dates

From:
5 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

A celebration of food and flavour is heading to Newtown with the arrival of the annual food festival on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September.
Machynlleth Railway Station

Address

Heol y Doll, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Machynlleth

Machynlleth railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth. Trains also depart from here for the Cambrian Coast Line to Pwllheli.
Aberdyfi | | Panorama Walk

Address

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED

Telephone
01654 767321

TIC.Aberdyfi@snowdonia.gov.wales

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

This gentle four mile walk soon gets you up above Aberdyfi, enjoying fine views over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and south towards Borth and Aberystwyth.
Starting place: Tourist Information Centre
Starting ref: SN 614959
Three Rivers Road Ride

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Telephone
01591 610666

info@llanwrtyd.com

Powys

THREE RIVERS ROAD RIDE
Distance 30.5 (19m)
Time 1.5 - 3hrs
Bala & Penllyn | Walking Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

The Bala & Penllyn area has a wide range of Walking Trails for everyone – including: all ability, children, heritage, scenic and mountain walks - and all through stunning mountain and lake scenery of southern Snowdonia.
Aberaeron South Beach

Address

Ceredigion, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0BE

Telephone
01545 570602

AberaeronTIC@Ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberaeron

Aberaeron South Beach is a rock and shingle beach just to the south of the town and harbour. Dogs are allowed on the beach but are restricted between the Harbour Walls and the groyne to the south of Beach Parade from 1st May to 30th September.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Centre for Alternative Technology Walk

Address

Centre For Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

Start: Centre for Alternative Technology
(C.A.T) car park
Grid Reference: SH 754 044
Distance: 7.1 km – 4.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Firm tracks, roads and open grassland
Maps: OS Explorer OL23 or 215
Montgomery Castle (Cadw)

Address

Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Telephone
0300 025 6000

cadw@gov.wales

Montgomery

Montgomery Castle is a masonry castle standing on a rocky promontory above the town of Montgomery. Precipitous slopes to the north and east make this an excellent defensive site.