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

Family Days Out in Mid Wales

Mid Wales gives children the kind of freedom that is harder to find elsewhere. Space to run on empty beaches, fields where they can get properly muddy, and enough real experiences to make them forget about screens for a while.

Beaches and Coast

The Cardigan Bay coast has family-friendly beaches with sand, rock pools and space. Barmouth has lifeguards in summer and the famous railway bridge. Borth has a three-mile beach and a prehistoric submerged forest that fascinates children. Aberdovey is sheltered and good for younger children. New Quay has dolphin watching boat trips from the harbour.

Steam Railways

The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge through the Rheidol Valley. The Talyllyn Railway near Tywyn was the first preserved railway in the world. The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway runs narrow-gauge trains through the Powys countryside. Children who like trains will not want to leave.

Animals and Wildlife

Many farms across Mid Wales welcome visitors during lambing season in spring. The Borth Animalarium has meerkats, lemurs and other animals. Red kites can be watched at Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth or at Gigrin Farm near Rhayader, where they feed daily at 2pm.

Castles and History

Children who like castles will find plenty to climb on. Harlech Castle has walls thick enough to explore for an hour. Aberystwyth Castle has open ruins on a headland with views. Powis Castle near Welshpool has a medieval dungeon, gardens and red-walled terraces.

Rainy Days

When the weather turns, try Corris Craft Centre near Machynlleth for chocolate making and candle dipping. The Centre for Alternative Technology has interactive exhibits. Swimming pools in Brecon, Aberystwyth, Newtown and Llandrindod Wells keep children occupied on wet afternoons.

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Rhyd y Gaseg (NRW)

Address

Clocaenog Forest (NRW), Nr Llanfihangel, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 2AS

Telephone
0300 068 0300

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ruthin

Try this lovely mixed woodland, coppice and riverside walk with some towering poplar trees. Includes two fords, a historic weir and waterfall.
Coming out of Ruthin on the B5105 turn left opposite Llanfwrog church. Car Park 0.5mles
Sioe Sir Meirion / Meirioneth County Show

Address

Llwyn Fields, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2YF

info@sioesir.org.uk

Dolgellau

The Meirioneth County Show returns to Dolgellau in 2026, celebrating the very best of rural life, farming and local enterprise.
Burfa Bog Nature Reserve

Address

Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2SH

Telephone
01597 823298

info@rwtwales.org

Powys

A low-lying reserve with Knobley brook running through the wet grassland. Butterflies and flowers are abundant in the spring and summer months.
Coedwig Gymunedol Longwood Community Woodland

Address

Long Wood, Canolfan Longwood, Llanfair Clydogau, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8NE

Telephone
01570 493355

info@longwood-lampeter.org.uk

Llanfair Clydogau, Lampeter

Coedwig Gymunedol Longwood Community Woodland is a 300 acre site of mixed woodland just north of Lampeter in Ceredigion. The woods are owned and managed by the local community and is as a free facility for walkers, riders and cyclists to enjoy all…
Walking Newtown | Waterways and Town

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Y Drenewydd | Newtown

This 2.5 circular mile walk starts in the centre of Newtown and largely circles around the western boundaries of Newtown. It will take you along the River Severn and has some road and off-road walking.
Llyn Brenig | Walking Trails

Address

Llyn Brenig Lake and Visitor Centre, Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 420463

siwan.hughes@dwrcymru.com

Cerrigydrudion, Corwen

Number of designated walks ranging from ten mile 'round the lake walk to more leisurely themed trails including an archaeological trail. Guides available from visitor centre.
St Davids Day | Bala Lake Railway

Address

Bala Lake Railway, Llanuwchlyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7DD

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Llanuwchlyn, Bala

Celebrate St David's Day with free travel if you live in North Wales and a reduced fare for others.
The Gruffalo visits Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Address

Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0SF

Telephone
01938 810441

info@wllr.org.uk

Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool

Come and meet The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo's Child on 28 & 29 March
Abergavenny Museum and Castle

Address

Abergavenny Museum and Castle, Castle Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EE

Telephone
01873 845282

abergavennymuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Abergavenny

The Museum was founded on 2nd July 1959. The idea for a Museum was around from as early as 1903 when it was discussed and minuted by the Abergavenny Free Library Committee.
Machynlleth Comedy Festival

Address

Multiple Venues around Machynlleth, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER

boxoffice@machcomedyfest.co.uk

Machynlleth

The 14th Machynlleth Comedy Festival returns over the May Bank Holiday from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd May 2026.
Barmouth Beach

Address

Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1NE

Telephone
01341 281617

info@barmouthstation.com

Gwynedd

Barmouth is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort. In summer, its big sandy beach is a magnet for visitors, yet there’s so much space along miles of unbroken sands that it never gets overcrowded.
The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum

Address

The Barracks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7EB

Telephone
01874 613310

hello@royalwelshmuseum.wales

Brecon

The Museum tells the story of four of the British army’s most famous regiments. This history, beginning in 1689, is told through many objects including uniforms, medals, weapons and models.
'Wagons on the P/Way'- Photo CharTRs | Talyllyn Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01654 710472

enquiries@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

A photographic day with No.2 ‘Dolgoch’ at the head of an era-appropriate 1950s Permanent Way train, complete with loaded wagons and re-enactors!
Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Wales

Address

Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY

Telephone
07831 266 501

Builth Wells

Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Wales - This Show is a Crufts Qualifier
Aberystwyth Arts Centre | Conferences - Meetings

Address

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

Telephone
07875664179

aum@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

The Arts Centre can cater for events and conferences up to the capacity of 900 people.
Award winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre is Wales’ largest arts centre and recognised as a 'national flagship for the arts'.
St Davids Day Parade - Lampeter

Address

Start from Ysgol Bro Pedr, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7BX

Telephone
01570 422088

Lampeter

Lampeter celebrates with a traditional and colourful parade and other activities to celebrate St David's Day.
Wales Coast Path | South Wales Coast

Address

Chepstow - Cardiff Bay - Bridgend, CF33 4PT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

wcp@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Chepstow - Cardiff Bay - Bridgend

The South Wales Coast and Severn Estuary stretch is 176km/109-mile in length running from Chepstow to the Kenfig Dunes near Port Talbot.
Wales Coast Path | New Quay - Aberaeron

Address

Cei Newydd | New Quay, New Quay - Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0JP

Telephone
01970 612125

countryside@ceredigion.gov.uk

New Quay - Aberaeron

New Quay to Aberaeron is a popular section of the Wales Coast Path that presents no major challenges. The walk is a distance 10.5km (6.5miles)
Ceredigion Coast Path | Llanrhystud-Aberystwyth

Address

Llanrhystud - Aberystwyth, Llanrhystud, Ceredigion, SY23 5BW

Telephone
01545 570602

aberaeronTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Llanrhystud

6th section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth
Total Distance 17km (10.6 miles) Grade - moderate/hard
Despite being challenging this section of Heritage Coast is dramatic, lonely and extremely worthwhile.
Hafren Forest (NRW)

Address

Hafren Forest (NRW), Rhydybenwch Car Park, Old Hall, Near Llanidloes, SY18 6PT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Old Hall, Near Llanidloes

Choice of walking trails along the River Severn which flows through Hafren Forest. Trails go to waterfalls and the source of the Severn on Pumlumon. Riverside accessible trail with viewing platform over cascades. Picnic area and toilets.