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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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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.
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.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Address

Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE

Telephone
01970 623232

artstaff@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

Award winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre is Wales’ largest arts centre and recognised as a 'national flagship for the arts'. It has a wide-ranging programme across all art forms including drama, dance, music, visual arts film & new media.
The 24hr Theatre Challenge

Address

Hafan Yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY162NH

Telephone
07535 710 256

barry@hafanyrafon.com

Newtown

Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 19:30

24 HOURS to write, rehearse and prepare a completely original play from scratch. Exactly one day later, the curtain goes up and they perform whatever they've created – live!
Porthmadog Railway Station

Address

High St, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9HT

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Porthmadog

Porthmadog railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli. The station is located less than a 5 minute walk from the town centre. Connections to the heritage railways is via a 15 minute walk.
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.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Machynlleth to Dyfi Wildlife Centre

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

This walk starts at the car park at Y Plas, Machynlleth and is graded as moderate. The terrain includes road, woodland paths, firm tracks and fields and is a distance of 5 miles.
Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve

Address

Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RP

Telephone
01938 555654

info@montwt.co.uk

Welshpool

Created from a gravel pit, quarried to provide material for the creation of the Welshpool bypass, Llyn Coed y Dinas is a fantastic home for all sorts of wildlife.
Gwyl Portmeirion Festival

Address

Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 770000

post@portmerion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:
29 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00

Set against the colourful backdrop of Portmeirion, the Gwyl Portmeirion Festival 2026 promises a summer of music and celebration. Marking the village’s 100th anniversary, the event brings together renowned artists and Welsh talent for a unique…
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
NCN Lon Teifi

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8TG

Telephone
01654 702653

info@showmewales.co.uk

Lôn Teifi is part of National Route 82 between Aberystwyth and Fishguard.
Brecon Beacons | Pen y Fan & Corn Du

Address

Pant ar Daf, Central Brecon Beacons, Powys, LD3 8NL

Telephone
01874 625515

brecon@nationaltrust.org.uk

Central Brecon Beacons

Pen y Fan and Corn Du are the two highest peaks of the central Brecon Beacons. They dominate the landscape for miles around, and make up one of the most recognisable skylines in the UK.
Coed Nash | Nash Wood (NRW)

Address

Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2YT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Powys

Just outside the historic town of Presteigne, Nash Wood lies half in Wales and half in England. The circular walking trail goes to a viewpoint overlooking one of the many hillforts along this part of the border.
St Dogmaels

Address

Pembrokeshire, SA41 3PX

The riverside village of St Dogmaels sits on the border of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The village's main attractions are St Dogmaels Abbey and Y Felin water mill.
Pen Allt-Mawr

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

This walk is a continuation of the walk to Pen Cerrig-calch. The walk is approximately 8 miles and you need to allow at least 5.5hours if starting from the car park in Crickhowell.
Knighton Bus Station

Address

Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, LD7 1DR

Telephone
0800 464 0000

feedback@traveline.cymru

Knighton

Knighton bus station is off Bowling Green Lane with services to Ludlow.
Jazz Jam Session

Address

Hafan Yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY162NH

Telephone
07535 710 256

barry@hafanyrafon.com

Newtown

Dates

From:
3 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
From:
1 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
From:
12 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
From:
3 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00

𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳 𝐉𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧! 𝐀𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐳𝐳 𝐉𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐨𝐧.
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.
Llanbedr

Address

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2LD

Telephone
01341 280787

Llanbedr

Llanbedr is an attractive village situated between Barmouth and Harlech. It's an ideal location for walking and Shell Island is famous for it's abundance of sea shells.
Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SR

Telephone
01654 781414

enquiries@dyfiospreyproject.com

Machynlleth

The Cors Dyfi reserve in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere is a mixture of bog, swamp, wet woodland and scrub supporting a plethora of animals and plants, including the magnificent ospreys and the recently introduced beavers.
Coed Crafnant Reserve

Address

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL46 2YA

Telephone
01248 351541

info@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Gwynedd

This 120 acre reserve is a fine example of Ancient Woodland, with a rich flora of mosses, liverworts and ferns. The Coed Crafnant Reserve is comprised of two distinct woodlands; Coed Crafnant and Coed Dolbebin.