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Summer Half Term in Mid Wales

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Half Term Activities in Mid Wales | Family Things to Do

Summer half term in Mid Wales

Summer half term falls in late May, when Mid Wales is warming up and the beaches, mountains and family attractions are open for the season. It is one of the best weeks of the year to visit, with longer evenings, quieter roads than the summer holidays, and enough variety to keep families busy for a full week.

Beach days

The beaches along the Cardigan Bay coast are the obvious starting point. Barmouth has the big sandy beach with dunes and an ice cream van. Aberdyfi is smaller and more sheltered. Aberystwyth has two beaches plus the pier, the cliff railway and plenty of cafes. On the Ceredigion coast, New Quay has dolphins visible from the shore and Llangrannog has a proper cove with rock pools.

Steam railways

Children love steam trains. The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge through mountain scenery. The Talyllyn Railway near Tywyn in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) is the oldest preserved railway in the world. The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway crosses Powys farmland. Each journey takes about an hour, and most railways have cafes and shops at the stations.

Family attractions

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth is a hands-on experience for all ages, with a water-powered cliff railway, interactive displays and nature trails. King Arthur's Labyrinth at Corris takes you underground by boat to explore caverns with sound and light displays. Gigrin Farm near Rhayader feeds red kites daily and hundreds come swooping down at feeding time.

Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth has mountain bike trails, walking trails and a lakeside cafe where red kites are fed daily. The Silver Mountain Experience near Aberystwyth takes you into an old lead mine. Animalarium in Borth is a small zoo and rescue centre right by the beach.

Outdoor activities

If the weather is good, head for the outdoors. Kayaking on the Dyfi estuary or in Cardigan Bay is suitable for families. Cycling the Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau to Barmouth is flat, traffic-free and follows the estuary. Walking routes in the Elan Valley, around Llyn Clywedog or along the coast path are manageable for children.

Rainy day plans

It will rain at some point. When it does, Aberystwyth has the National Library of Wales (free exhibitions), the Ceredigion Museum and indoor swimming. The Magic of Life butterfly house near Aberystwyth is small but children love it. In Powys, the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells sometimes has events during half term, and Llandrindod Wells has the Radnorshire Museum and Lakeside cafe.

Where to stay

Self-catering cottages work best for families at half term. A cottage with a garden and a washing machine makes a week with children much easier. Camping is also good in late May, with warmer nights and quieter sites than the summer holidays. Book early for coastal properties; half term is popular.

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Aberystwyth Farmers Market

Address

nr Market Hall, top of Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1DE

Telephone
01545 570881

cynnalycardi@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberystwyth

Dates

From:
1 Aug 2026
From:
15 Aug 2026

Held on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, Aberystwyth Farmers’ Market was launched in May 2000 and continues to be successful hosting up to 30 stalls.
Big Love Festival

Address

Gwenhelog, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1HS

info@biglovefestival.co.uk

Usk

Dates

From:

16 July 2026to19 July 2026

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

Address

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader

A circular 84 mile route following quiet country lanes, and crossing some of Mid-Wales' most spectacular scenery. For those with mountain-bike skills, there are exciting off-road alternatives.
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.
Bryn-tail Leadworks (Cadw)

Address

Llyn Clywedog, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6NU

cadw@gov.wales

Llanidloes

The ruins of the Bryn-tail Leadworks lie in the shadow of the dam at the southern end of Llyn Clywedog Reservoir near Llanidloes Buildings and structures associated with the nineteenth-century extraction and processing of lead ore.
Natural Dyeing Workshop

Address

RSPB Ynys-hir, Eglwys-fach, Machynlleth, Ceredigion, SY20 8TA

Telephone
+441654700222

ynyshir@rspb.org.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 15:30

Spend the day in the woods learning about plants and their natural dyes. This is a hands on workshop and you will go home with examples of the dyes you have made.
Black Mountains | Pen Tir Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Cwmdu, Crickhowell, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Crickhowell

This walk starts on the west of this striking and distinctly shaped hill in the small village of Llangenny (240180), just to the east of the bridge over the Grwyne Fawr.
Henrhyd Falls

Address

Dol Henrhyd, Coelbren, Neath, Brecon Beacons, Powys, SA10 9PH

Neath, Brecon Beacons

Henrhyd Falls, is tucked away on the western edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Plunging 90ft (27m) into a wooded gorge, it’s a natural wonder well worth a visit. Henrhyd Falls is free of charge to visit and see.
Pwllheli Railway Station

Address

Station Square, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 5HG

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Pwllheli

Pwllheli railway station is the terminus of the Cambrian coast Line from Machynlleth.
Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion

Address

Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion Coast, Cardigan - Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5HX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

wcp@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Cardigan - Borth

The Ceredigion Coast section of the Wales Coast Path providers the walker with glimpses of dolphins and porpoise, seals and a host of marine birds throughout the year around the majestic sweep of Cardigan Bay .
Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve

Address

Forden, Powys, SY21 8NN

Telephone
01938 555654

info@montwt.co.uk

Powys

The River Severn loops lazily across its valley floor, its loops and bends creating oxbow lakes which are now good wetland habitat for waterfowl.
Machynlleth

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Machynlleth

Unwind in the heart of the Dyfi Biosphere at Machynlleth. Part of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere and offers exciting activities, from mountain biking to exploring the natural beauty of Mid Wales. The Centre for Alternative Technology is an excellent…
Corris Village Walk

Address

Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SS

Corris

Start: Corris Craft Centre car park
Grid Reference: SH 750 078
Distance: 5 km . 3.1 miles
Shorter option: 2.3 km . 1.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Tarmac road and firm tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
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.
Aberteifi | Cardigan

Address

Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 1JL

Telephone
01545 570602

aberaerontic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Cardigan

Cardigan sits on the border between Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire with many superb beaches & coastal walks nearby.
Cenarth

Address

Cenarth, Ceredigion, SA38 9LE

Cenarth

Cenarth is a pretty village which lies on the county boundary between Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. It is renowned for its waterfall and salmon fishing.
Three Rivers Road Ride

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Telephone
01591 610666

info@llanwrtyd.com

Powys

THREE RIVERS ROAD RIDE
Distance 30.5 (19m)
Time 1.5 - 3hrs
Warren Wood | Water-Break-its-Neck Waterfalls

Address

Near New Radnor, New Radnor, Powys, LD8 2TN

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.co.uk

New Radnor

Warren Wood has been popular with tourists for over 200 years because of the waterfall known as Water-Break-its-Neck. The waymarked trail along a gorge and explore the woodland with some of the largest trees in Radnorshire.
Elan Valley Dam Open Day

Address

Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

elanvalley@dwrcymru.com

Rhayader

Dates

From:
28 July 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
From:
4 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
From:
11 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
From:
18 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
From:
25 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00

Don't miss an exclusive chance to venture into Pen y Garreg Dam in the Elan Valley. This is a self-guided walk with our rangers on hand to answer any questions. Explore the dam and enjoy stunning views from the central tower.
St Michaels Church

Address

Discoed, Nr Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2NL

Telephone
01547 560246

davidhiam@aol.com

Nr Presteigne

Friends of St Michael's raise funds for the ancient church on the Welsh border near Presteigne. St Michael's in Discoed (Old English 'dic' and 'cot' a cottage by Offa’s Dyke) acts as a both a spiritual and artistic hub to the community.