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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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Mary Jones | Heritage Trail

Address

Llanfihangel Y Pennant, Near Abergynolwyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TS

Near Abergynolwyn

The Mary Jones Walk retraces the route the 15-year-old Mary Jones walked 25 miles from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, across the Welsh mountains, to Bala to get a Bible from Revd. Thomas Charles.
Elan Valley Dam Open Day

Address

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

Telephone
01597 810880

elanvalley@dwrcymru.com

Rhayader

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.
Tref-y-Clawdd | Knighton Railway Station

Address

Tref-y-Clawdd | Knighton, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN

Knighton

Knighton Station is on the border between England and Wales. The town is situated on two National Trails routes and mid point along the famous Offa’s Dyke.
Llandrindod Wells Lake Park

Address

Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 6BL

Telephone
01597 822600

llandrindodtic@btconnect.com

Llandrindod Wells

The 13-acre Llandrindod Lake, an unexpected feature of the town with a magnificent dragon statue at its centre, is a perfect place for a gentle stroll or leisure cycle ride.
Llangynllo Railway Station

Address

Llangynllo, LD7 1SY

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Llangynllo railway station is on the Heart of Wales Line which runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea and is located 1.5 miles north of the village.
150th Cardigan Bay Regatta

Address

New Quay Harbour and Beach, New Quay, Ceredigion, SA46 0JP

Telephone
01545 561019

malineh@btinternet.com

New Quay

The Cardigan Bay Regatta is a three day annual event with sailing races for all ages and shore basIc swimming and fun events for the children.
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…
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 .
The Table Mountain Walk

Address

Crug Hywel | Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1AA

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

The Table Mountain is clearly visible from most places in Crickhowell. It is just to the north of the village on the eastern shoulder of the much larger Pen Cerrig-calch which dominates the northern views. Grid Ref: SO218185
Fish ‘N’ Chip Flyer | Talyllyn Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Get that FRYday Feeling with the FISH ‘N’ CHIP FLYER
Llandovery Railway Station

Address

Station Yard, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0BG

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Llandovery

Llandovery railway station is on the Heart of Wales Line that runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea.
Tregaron

Address

Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JL

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@Ceredigion.gov.uk

Tregaron

Tregaron is a town where history, legend, and nature intertwine—offering visitors a truly authentic Welsh experience. Whether you’re drawn by the wildlife, the scenic routes, or the rich folklore, this is a place where the past comes to life amid…
Hafod Forest (NRW)

Address

Devil's Bridge, Nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3UR

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Nr Aberystwyth

Historic landscape with dramatic walks, waterfalls and views. The Hafod Forest occupies some 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and surrounding hills.
Cymer Abbey (Cadw)

Address

Vaynor Farm, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HE

Telephone
0300 025 6000

cadw@gov.wales

Dolgellau

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. Saif olion heddychlon Abaty Cymer mewn lleoliad hyfryd ger Afon Mawddach.
Barmouth & the Mawddach Valley | Cycle Routes

Address

Abermaw | Barmouth, Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL42 1LS

Telephone
01341 280787

barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Barmouth

With the development of Trans Wales cycle routes, Barmouth has become an ideal centre for a cycling based holiday. The dramatic beauty of North & Mid Wales offers a vast array of cycling opportunities for all types of cyclists.
Dyffryn Ardudwy Burial Chamber (Cadw)

Address

Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL44 2EW

Telephone
0300 025 6000

cadw@gov.wales

Gwynedd

Neolithic tomb comprising two chambers of different phases, originally covered by a stone cairn.
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.
Coed y Bont Community Woodland

Address

Abbey Road, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion, SY25 6ER

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Pontrhydfendigaid

Coed y Bont is a community woodland situated on the edge of the village of Pontrhydfendigaid in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. The woodland is recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve

Address

Underhill Lane, Pant, SY22 6HD

Telephone
01938 555654

info@montwt.co.uk

Pant

Straddling the border between England and Wales, the reserve lies at the southern end of the carboniferous limestone outcrop that stretches from Anglesey and the Great Orme at Llandudno.
The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum

Address

The Barracks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7EB

Telephone
01874 613310

hello@royalwelshmuseum.wales

Brecon

The Museum tells the story of four of the British army’s most famous regiments. This history, beginning in 1689, is told through many objects including uniforms, medals, weapons and models.