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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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Strata Florida Archaeology Field School

Address

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

Telephone
+441974831760

info@strataflorida.org.uk

Pontrhydfendigaid

Come and dig at this signifant site in Mid Wales, no previous experience needed.
The Precipice Walk

Address

Dolgellau, Southern Snowdonia, LL40 1PS

Southern Snowdonia

The Precipice Walk is one of the famous attractions of Dolgellau. It passes through an interesting variety of habitats which include deciduous woodland, a conifer plantation, meadows, lakeside and sheep-walk.
Newtown Railway Station

Address

Old Kerry Rd, Newtown, Powys, SY16 1BP

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Newtown

Newtown/Y Drenewydd railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.
Bala Lake Railway | Steam in Miniature Weekend

Address

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

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Llanuwchlyn, Bala

Enjoy a wonderful display of miniature live steam traction engines, a miniature railway, and our usual train rides.
Morfa Harlech Nature Reserve (NRW)

Address

Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UR

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Gwynedd

Morfa Harlech is one of two extensive sand dune systems which make up much of the southern Snowdonia coastline, extending from the Mawddach estuary in the south to Black Rock Sands in the north west.
Talley Woodlands (NRW)

Address

Talley, near Llandovery, SA19 7AX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

near Llandovery

Talley Woodlands overlook an historic village and ruined abbey in Carmarthenshire, 12 miles from Llandovery. Picnic area and waymarked walking trails with steep climbs and far-reaching views over the abbey and surrounding hills
Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2)

Address

Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2), Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron

The Ystwyth Trail is a 20-mile(32.1km) cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth & Tregaron which follows part of the track of the old Great Western railway line
Lake Vyrnwy 10k Trail

Address

Lake Vyrnwy, Llanfyllin, Powys

Telephone
07595 031 333

hello@adrenalinesportingevents.co.uk

Llanfyllin

The Lake Vyrnwy 10k offers a challenging route for all trail runners. It takes in some breath-taking scenery overlooking the Lake that is very rarely seen.
Cefn Cenarth Nature Reserve

Address

Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5LR

Telephone
01597 823298

info@rwtwales.org

Powys

Two areas of upland sessile oak woodland connected by a recently felled conifer plantation now replanted with native broadleaved species. An important place for mosses and lichens.
Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains

Address

Nr Crickhowell, Powys

Nr Crickhowell

The Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park are spread across Powys, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. Great for walking and the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain is a great place to experience dark skies.
Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley

Address

Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley, Nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Nr Aberystwyth

The Rheidol Valley or 'Cwm Rheidol' is a good choice for a touring day out, featuring typically Welsh scenery, some unexpected attractions such as major hydro-electric power station and a chance for activities such as fishing and cycling
Llandysul / Pont-Tyweli North Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul / Pont-Tyweli North Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 6.5km/4M
Time: 2.5 - 3hrs (excluding rest stops)
National Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2026

Address

Llantood, Nr Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, SA43 3NU

Telephone
0845 4090 800

gwyb@eisteddfod.org.uk

Nr Cardigan

The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of the culture and language and the 2026 Eisteddfod will be held at Llantwd (Llandudoch), North Pembrokeshire
Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (Cycle Route)

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Powys

A moderate cycle ride on peaceful, rural lanes with two steep hills to reach both Montgomery and Dolforwyn Castles.
17.5Miles (28.2km) 2-2.5hrs - Elevation Total Ascent: 488m
Barmouth | Walking Routes and Trails

Address

Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL42 1LS

Telephone
01341 280787

barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Barmouth

Listed are some of the delightful southern Snowdonia walks in and around Barmouth and surrounding areas.
First Operating Weekend of the Season

Address

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

Telephone
01938 810441

info@wllr.org.uk

Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool

Join us for the first steam train rides of the season.
75th Annual Founders Day | Talyllyn Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Celebrating 75 Years of The World’s First Preserved Railway
Welshpool Railway Station

Address

Welshpool Relief Rd, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7AZ

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Welshpool

Welshpool/Y Trallwng railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.
Aberporth

Address

Ceredigion, SA43 2BU

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Set picturesquely overlooking two sandy beaches, the resort village of Aberporth is one of West Wales' most favoured family holiday locations. The beach is a regular recipient of Blue Flag and Seaside awards.
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.