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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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Fairbourne Beach

Address

Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2DX

Telephone
01654 767321

TIC.Aberdyfi@snowdonia.gov.wales

Fairbourne

A two mile stretch of sand backed by steep pebble banks and surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park.
Wales Coast Path | Aberystwyth - Borth

Address

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberystwyth

If you're looking for a short, yet picturesque walk along the coast, the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Borth is an ideal option. This 5-mile (8 km) section is a delightful path, albeit with one or two hills to conquer.
Lôn Las Cymru Route 8 (South)

Address

Llanidloes - Cardiff, Llanidloes - Cardiff, LD2 3DT

reception@sustrans.org.uk

Llanidloes - Cardiff

This is the section of the route that runs south from Llanidloes, Rhayader, Llanelwedd/Builth Wells towards the Brecon Beacons and the Valleys before arriving into Cardiff.
Clytha Estate

Address

Clytha Estate, Clytha Riverside Car Park, Clytha, Monmouthshire, NP7 9BW

Clytha

The Clytha Estate in Monmouthshire is a classic 18th-century landscaped park combining fine architecture, grand sweeping views and tranquil countryside in a timeless atmosphere.
Barbecue Specials | Bala Lake Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Bala

Enjoy scenic journeys along Bala Lake with grilled food and refreshments at the station — perfect for a summer outing with family or friends.
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
The Lloyds National Road Cycling Championships

Address

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AG

events@britishcycling.org.uk

The 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships will take place across Ceredigion from 25–28 June, bringing the very best of British road racing.
Shrewsbury Railway Station

Address

Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DQ

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury railway station is the hub for many rail services to and from Wales.
South Clettwr Valley Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - South Clettwr Valley Walk
Start: SN452425 - Car Park, Capel Dewi church hall
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 4.8km/3M
Time: 2 hours (excluding rest stops)
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
Tour de France 2027 - Stage 3 Welshpool to Cardiff

Address

Stage 3 Start: Powis Castle, Welshpool, SY21 8RF

contact@aso.fr

Welshpool

Stage three of the men’s Tour de France, the world’s largest annual sporting event, will start in Welshpool on Sunday, July 4 and finish in Cardiff.
Morfa Mawddach Railway Station

Address

Morfa Mawddach, Gwynedd, LL39 1BQ

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Morfa Mawddach

Morfa Mawddach railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli and is located south-east of Barmouth, south of the Mawddach estuary.
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.
The Three Musketeers - Illyria at Cardigan Castle

Address

Cardigan Castle & Gardens, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 1JA

Telephone
01239 615131

info@cardigancastle.com

Cardigan

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas is brought to life by the outdoor theatre company Illyria. Expect humour, action, and lively performances in the beautiful castle setting.
Y Borth | Borth

Address

Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JU

Telephone
01970 612125

Ceredigion

Borth is a charming coastal town in Mid Wales, part of the Dyfi Biosphere and the only UNESCO Biosphere reserve in Wales. With a Blue Flag Beach, excellent surfing, stunning natural surroundings, unique local legends, and a railway station on the…
Big Love Festival

Address

Gwenhelog, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1HS

info@biglovefestival.co.uk

Usk

Big Love is a weekend packed with great live music, DJs, woodland discos, circus & cabaret, yummy award winning street food and chilled down-time.
Aberystwyth

Address

Ceredigion, SY23 2AG

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Welcome to Aberystwyth - a beautiful and lively seaside town on the Mid Wales coast. Enjoy stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, unique shopping and dining, and a range of accommodation options. Easily accessible by railway, bus, or car,…
Brecon | Poetry Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 622485

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Brecon's poetry trail invites everyone to explore the streets, rivers and landmarks of the ancient Welsh town of Brecon and its connection to the myths and legends of the magical, mystical land of Wales.
Aberdovey Kite Festival

Address

Station Road, Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0RT

Telephone
07581 305803

mrkiteflyer@gmail.com

Aberdovey

Professional kite flyers from across the UK will be colouring the skies over Aberdyfi again this summer.Enjoy a colourful and spectacular display of kites and other wonderful flying creations.
Rhaeadr Ddu & Coed Ganllwyd | Walking Trails

Address

Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TG

Telephone
01341 440238

eyri@nationaltrust.org

Dolgellau

A network of paths on the Coed Ganllwyd reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres.