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October Half Term in Mid Wales

October half term in Mid Wales is a week of steam trains through autumn woods, muddy walks, waterfalls in full flow and, at the end of the week, Halloween. Most family attractions across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) are still open, and the roads are far quieter than in summer. Here are ideas for dry days, wet days and dark evenings.

Steam railways

Children love steam trains, and autumn colour makes the ride worth it for the adults too. The Vale of Rheidol Railway climbs 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge, where you can walk down to the waterfalls. The Talyllyn Railway near Tywyn in Southern Eryri is the oldest preserved railway in the world and stops at Dolgoch Falls. The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway crosses Powys farmland on some of the steepest gradients in Britain, and the Bala Lake Railway runs along the shore of Llyn Tegid. Check autumn timetables before you set off. See heritage railways.

Halloween at the end of half term

The Bala Lake Railway runs evening Halloween Trains on 30 and 31 October 2026, and other attractions put on trails and dressing-up days through the week. See our Halloween in Mid Wales guide and the family events listings.

Outdoor days and nature trails

Gigrin Farm near Rhayader feeds the red kites every day, and from the end of October feeding is at 2pm, when hundreds swoop down together. The Elan Valley Trail beside the reservoirs is level enough for pushchairs and small legs. Grey seal pups lie on the beaches below the Ceredigion Coast Path in autumn, and you can look down on them from the clifftops. The Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau is flat and traffic-free, which makes it good for a family bike ride. See our autumn walks.

For animals up close, Fantasy Farm Park near Aberystwyth and Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park are good with younger children, and the Animalarium at Borth has rescued animals from around the world.

Rainy day plans

It will rain at some point. When it does, Corris near Machynlleth is worth the trip: King Arthur's Labyrinth takes you by boat through an underground waterfall, and Corris Mine Explorers leads guided trips into an old slate mine. The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth has hands-on displays and a water-powered cliff railway. In Aberystwyth, the National Library of Wales has free exhibitions and the Magic of Life Butterfly House is warm whatever the weather. Quackers Indoor Play Centre in Llandrindod Wells is good for burning off energy, and the Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn is a small independent cinema for a wet afternoon.

Is October half term a good time to visit Mid Wales with children?

Yes. The weather is often mild in the first half of the week, the autumn colour is at its best, and prices are usually lower than in the summer holidays. Days are short, so plan outdoor things for the morning and keep something indoors up your sleeve for the afternoon. Half term weeks book up, so check your dates early.

Where to stay for half term

Self-catering cottages give families space to spread out, with a kitchen and often a garden. Browse family-friendly places to stay or self-catering cottages, and see autumn in Mid Wales for more ideas.

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Newtown Textile Museum

Address

Newtown Textile Museum, 5-7 Commercial Street, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BL

Telephone
01686 622024

admin@newtowntextilemuseum.co.uk

Newtown

The Museum looks at the woollen industry, including looms and spinning wheels, and it's relationship to the town and its people and it includes other industries such as drapery, tanning and clog-making. Annual exhibitions. It gives visitors a chance…
National White Water Centre

Address

Canolfan Tryweryn, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU

Telephone
01678 521083

info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

Bala

The National White Water Centre has almost 40 years of experience in providing white water rafting at the best summer white water facility in the UK.
National Cycle Museum

Address

The Automobile Palace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DL

Telephone
01597 825531

curator@cyclemuseum.org.uk

Llandrindod Wells

The National Cycle Museum has approximately 250 machines on display within the 6,000 square feet of floor space. They vary from the Hobby Horse design from 1817 to modern unusual carbon fibre cycles . Much cycling memorabilia to see .
Devil's Bridge Waterfalls | Nature Trails

Address

Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 890233

visit@devilsbridgefalls.co.uk

Aberystwyth

Devil's Bridge Falls is a spectacular waterfall attraction at Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Mid Wales' Cambrian Mountains.
In the Welsh Wind Distillery

Address

Tanygroes, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA432HP

Telephone
01239 872300

info@inthewelshwind.co.uk

Cardigan

In The Welsh Wind Distillery specialises in the creation of award-winning gin and other spirits, including 100% Welsh whisky. Book in for Gin Tasting and Gin Making experiences with their friendly team and visit the shop for Welsh gins.
Magic of Life Butterfly House

Address

Magic of Life Butterfly House, Cwmrheidol, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3NB

Telephone
01970 880928

info@magicoflife.org

Aberystwyth

The Magic of Life Butterfly Centre is a must-visitor attraction for all nature lovers! It is home to a whole host of different butterfly species and an equally fascinating collection of tropical plants, making this a fun and educational place.
National Wool Museum | Village Trail

Address

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Near Newcastle Emlyn, Llandysul, SA44 5UP

Telephone
0300 111 2 333

wool@museumwales.ac.uk

Near Newcastle Emlyn

Follow a self guided walk around the village of Drefach Felindre highlighting historical and interesting facts about the woollen industry in the locality.
Mid Wales Arts Centre & Sculpture Park

Address

Maesmawr, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SB

Telephone
07970 671819

office@midwalesarts.org.uk

Caersws

Unique Fine Art gallery and unexpected jewel. The house, stables and outbuildings, are an intriguing mix of Georgian, Tudor and Victorian architecture set in mature gardens and farmland. Home of Sculpture Cymru, Sculptors in Wales.
Art gallery and…
Gigrin Farm | Red Kite Centre

Address

Gigrin Farm, South Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BL

Telephone
07874 397787

office@gigrin.co.uk

Rhayader

The Gigrin Red Kite Centre on the outskirts of Rhayader is an upland sheep farm providing wonderful views of the Wye and Elan valleys. Gigrin is best known for wild red kites that are fed every day of the year, where you can watch breathtaking feats…

Price
Price £7.00 per child to £45.00 per adult
Craig Y Nos Castle

Address

Brecon Road, Penycae, Swansea, SA9 1GL

Telephone
01639 731167

info@craigynoscastle.com

Penycae

Craig y Nos Castle is a unique venue in the Brecon Beacons, perfect for weddings, conferences, and events. It offers function rooms, bar, dining, accommodation, and outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy dog-friendly stays, peaceful retreats,…
King Arthurs Labyrinth

Address

King Arthurs Labyrinth, Corris Craft Centre, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

reception@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Corris

Dates

From:

25 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026

King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris, Mid Wales is an underground storytelling adventure where Welsh legends are brought to life. You sail by boat, passing through a magical waterfall, and deep into the Labyrinth. Guided by a hooded boatman, walk…

Price
Price £11.80 per child to £17.80 per adult
Porth Farm

Address

Porth Farm PYO, Porth, Moat Lane, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5SE

Telephone
07971960540

porthfarm@yahoo.com

Moat Lane, Caersws

PYO juicy strawberries, fresh raspberries, sunflowers and meadow flowers, pumpkins and a range of seasonal vegetables. Tackle our adventure playground and explore the Woodland Wander while enjoying the stunning scenery of Mid Wales. Cabin cafe with…
Penrhos Park Golf Club

Address

Parc Penrhos, Llanrhystud, nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 5AY

Telephone
01974 202999

info@penrhospark.com

nr Aberystwyth

Parc Penrhos is a family owned leisure & holiday complex with accommodation, restaurant & golf club with immaculate 18 hole course & 9 hole academy course situated between Aberystwyth & Aberaeron.
The Animalarium

Address

Ynys Fergi, Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5NA

Telephone
07957775581

tracytweedy@hotmail.com

Borth

The Animalarium is a hands-on animal attraction in Borth, Ceredigion, with a small selection of domestic and farm animals you can pet and feed. There are outdoor play areas, daily animal handling sessions, and a cafe open every day. Dogs are welcome…

Price
Price £6.50 per concession to £10.50 per adult
Fantasy Farm Park

Address

Hafod Peris, Llanrhystud, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 5DA

Telephone
01974 272285

fantasyfarmpark@yahoo.com

Aberystwyth

A fun day for the whole family, situated in the heart of the beautiful Mid Wales Countryside. Lamb feeding, milking demonstrations, and much more.
Brecon Mountain Railway

Address

Pant Station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD

Telephone
01685 722988

enquiries@bmr.wales

Merthyr Tydfil

Travel behind a vintage steam locomotive through the spectacular landscapes of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons). Departing from Pant near Merthyr Tydfil, the Brecon Mountain Railway climbs through the beautiful Taf Fechan Valley…
Powis Castle and Garden

Address

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF

Telephone
01938 551944

powiscastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Welshpool

Cared for by the National Trust since 1952, Powis Castle & Gardens includes a world-famous garden, a 13th-century castle, the Clive Museum, and a historic collection.

Price
Price £7.50 per child to £37.50 per family
Dovey Valley Shooting Ground

Address

Dovey Valley Shooting Ground, Llanwrin, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8QJ

Telephone
01650 511252

info@doveyvalley.com

Machynlleth

Clay Shooting - Fun for all the family, complete beginners welcome.

Price
Price £20.00 to £59.00 per adult
Tregoyd Mountain Riders

Address

Lower Cwmcadarn, Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0TB

Telephone
01497 847351

info@tregoydriding.co.uk

Brecon

Tregoyd Mountain Riding Centre has been providing riding holidays for many years. Riders are escorted by experienced instructor guides whose knowledge of the area ensures a varied and enjoyable ride.
Nannerth Nature Reserve

Address

Nannerth Country Holidays, Nannerth Fawr, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HA

Telephone
01597 811121

info@nannerth.co.uk

Rhayader

Nannerth Country Holidays have small private nature reserve with a nature trail and a Badger Watching hide and on Nannerth Fawr Farm near Rhayader and the Elan Valley.
Portmeirion | Mermaid Spa

Address

Portmerion Village, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772444

spa@portmeirion.wales

Porthmadog

The Mermaid Spa removes you a little from your normal life and touches you with a little of the magic of the Portmeirion experience. Each visitor to the Spa is unique, treated throughout the whole experience as special.