History, Heritage & Legends of Mid Wales

Cardigan Castle is one of the most important castles in Wales - the first stone castle built by a Welshman and the birthplace of the first eisteddfod in 1176.

The National Trust Llanerchaeron Estate near the coastal town of Aberaeron is a traditional welsh estate with a villa, servants' quarters, stables, farm buildings and walled garden, set in a landscape which is both beautiful and productive.

This unique village is set on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. It was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it.

The Pales is a Historic Meeting House, built in 1717, and burial ground with a Warden’s Cottage attached. It is the oldest Quaker Meeting house in continuous use in Wales.

A historic market town, Montgomery is just one mile from Offa's Dyke and the Welsh-Shropshire border. There is much to explore in the area including Montgomery Castle and the town's cobbled streets and Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Step into the 1870s at the award-winning Judge's Lodging in Presteigne, Mid Wales and discover the world of a most unusual household, the 'hands-on' policy means that your children can get a feel of what life was like in a Victorian House.

The National Library is one of the great libraries of the world. Since 1911 it's enjoyed the right to collect, free of charge, a copy of every printed work published in Britain and Ireland. Situated on Penglais Hill overlooking Aberystwyth.

The Castle overlooks Craig-y-Nos Country Park, in the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

A grade II listed Georgian mansion. Formerly the home of the Marquess of Londonderry, the property was left to the people of Machynlleth in 1948 and eventually aquired by Machynlleth Town Council in 2008.

Founded c1100 by Richard Fitz Pons, an Anglo-Norman lord, this mid-12th century stone keep, similar to that of Tretower, perches atop an earlier motte overlooking the River Llynfi.

Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.

Built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273 on hill above the Severn Valley, Dolforwyn Castle is a ruined symbol of Welsh defiance.

Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.

Neighbouring tombs built several generations apart.

The first true castle built at Aberystwyth was erected about a mile south of the current site by Gilbert de Clare circa 1110, and was variously called Castell Tan-y-castell, Aberrheidol Castle and Old Aberystwyth, among others.

Grand medieval abbey where generations of Welsh princes are buried.

More than the sum of its parts. Montgomery is one of those castles that, even in ruin, retain a powerful atmosphere and presence that transcend its state of preservation.

The serene ruins of Cymer Abbey stand in a lovely setting beside the River Mawddach. Particularly impressive are its great windows, arches and an unusual tower.

It would be remarkable enough on its own. But Tretower is two wonders in one. Just across the castle green lies an entire medieval court that became a byword for magnificence.

Distinctive remains of a native Welsh castle, probably begun by Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth ('the Great') around 1221.

Andrew Logan's Museum of Sculpture is a wonderland, a fantastical jewelled treasure trove that houses a glittering selection of artist sculptor Andrew Logan’s signature works: jewellery, original costumes, memorabilila and much, much more.

Nestled in the stunning UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in Mid Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre that researches and supports greener ways of living. Now open for pre-booked visits.

Ceredigion museum is a celebration of Welsh history and heritage, housed in a restored Edwardian theatre. It is host to lively events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Situated in the heart of Aberystwyth, near the promenade.

Llandrindod Wells, or 'Landod' as it is known to locals, is the administrative centre of Powys and one of its largest towns. As the name suggests, it owes its origins to the spring waters that were recognised to have healing properties.

A working record of a great industry - see the traditional methods of making Welsh flannel, cloth and shawls.

The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum is located at the Tywyn Wharf terminus of the Talyllyn Railway. It is an important collection of artifacts relating to Narrow Gauge Railways in the UK throughout the last 200 years.

The Spaceguard Centre is a working observatory, and the main source of information about near Earth objects in the UK. Guided tours Wed - Sun at 10.30am (1st May - 30th Sep) 2pm, 4pm all year.

The exhibition looks at the process from fleece to flannel, it tells the history of the woollen industry in Newtown, the consequences for the town and its people and it includes other related industries such as tanning and clog-making.

A lifetime’s collection by one lady motorist assembled as motoring heritage par excellence, since her father gave her two model cars for a birthday present. Another nine collections some 2000 items have been added since opening in 2015.

The National Library is one of the great libraries of the world. Since 1911 it's enjoyed the right to collect, free of charge, a copy of every printed work published in Britain and Ireland. Situated on Penglais Hill overlooking Aberystwyth.

Where history, myth and legend collide in a fantastic day out for the whole family. Embark on an adventure discovering the history of our original Victorian Silver-Lead Mine, or Welsh fantasy and myth theatrical experiences.

The Rheidol hydropower plant is the largest of its kind in England and Wales. Guided tours of the power station are available by prior booking, visitor centre and interactive display.

Sitting in the shadow of the dam at the southern end of Llyn Clywedog Reservoir, Bryntail’s buildings illuminate a time when this tranquil spot was a bustling site of industry.

Perfectly-preserved example of Welsh industrial heritage in a sublime rural setting