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Something Different in Mid Wales

Surprising finds. Those experiences and activities that make for great adventures.
Look closer at Mid Wales and you’ll find we’re home to some unique experiences.
For the best out of the ordinary things to see and do during your visit, you’ve come to the right place.

Off the Beaten Track

Mid Wales is not really a mainstream destination, which is part of what makes it good. The things worth doing here tend to be the ones you would not find anywhere else.

Heritage railways wind through valleys that roads never reached, using lines built to serve lead mines and quarries over a century ago. The Vale of Rheidol, Talyllyn and Welshpool lines all still run, mostly thanks to dedicated volunteers.

Guided tours with local experts can take you to places that are hard to find on your own, from hidden waterfalls in the Cambrian Mountains to Iron Age hillforts on ridgelines above the Severn Valley.

Unique experiences include foraging walks, farm visits, bushcraft sessions and photography workshops. These work well as a change of pace, especially on a longer stay when you want to do something you have not done before.

Check individual pages for what is available and book ahead where possible, as most run in small groups.

Inspiration

Number of results: 1020

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Bala Lake Railway | Model Railway Show

Address

Llyn Tegid | Bala Lake Railway, Llanuwchlyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7DD

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Llanuwchlyn, Bala

Dates

From:

19 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

Join us at Bala Model Railway Show, a popular exhibition of detailed model layouts and exhibits held over 2 days at Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn Secondary School, Bala.
Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve

Address

Llanllwchaiarn, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3BA

Telephone
01938 555654

info@montwt.co.uk

Newtown

This reserve was once part of the sewage farm next door!
The Slate Trail | Talyllyn Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Dates

From:
3 Sept 2026
From:
17 Sept 2026

Experience the beauty of a World Heritage Site in our original Victorian-Era Carriages
Rail & Trail Adventures

Address

Vale of Rheidol Railway, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY231PG

Telephone
01970 625819

info@vor.wales

Aberystwyth

Dates

From:
15 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 16:45
From:
19 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:45
From:
17 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 16:45

Enjoy a 12 mile scenic steam journey on the railway before embarking on a guided walk through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Devil's Bridge.
Poppit Sands Beach

Address

Poppit Sands Beach, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, SA43 3LN

Telephone
01437 776638

fishguardlibrary@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Cardigan

Poppit Sands is a Blue Flag Beach that has gently sloping sands and extensive dunes. Located on the Teifi Estuary near Cardigan, the Wales Coast Path is accessible from nearby St Dogmaels.
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.
Walking Newtown

Address

Various Walking Trails, Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Y Drenewydd | Newtown

Walking Newtown have developed a series of walks in and around the Newtown area. The walks are all graded and vary from easy to strenuous, town trails, short strolls and accessible trails.
Hafren Forest (NRW)

Address

Hafren Forest (NRW), Rhydybenwch Car Park, Old Hall, Near Llanidloes, SY18 6PT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Old Hall, Near Llanidloes

Choice of walking trails along the River Severn which flows through Hafren Forest. Trails go to waterfalls and the source of the Severn on Pumlumon. Riverside accessible trail with viewing platform over cascades. Picnic area and toilets.
Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland (NRW), Near Llandovery, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Llandovery

Six miles from Llandovery, this woodland and picnic area is in the peaceful Tywi valley. Glimpse the waterfall on the walking trail or explore the woodland on the accessible trail. Red-graded mountain bike trail for experienced riders.
RSPB Mawddach Valley - Arthog Bog

Address

5 St Marys Terrace, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1BQ

Telephone
01654 700222

mawddach@rspb.org.uk

Arthog

Arthog Bog is located in southern Snowdonia between Dolgellau and Fairbourne. It is a small wetland and a wonderful place to see weird and wonderful plants, flowers, butterflies and birds.
Shell Island

Address

Llanbedr, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PJ

Telephone
01341 241453

enquiries1@shellisland.co.uk

Llanbedr

Shell Island is a peninsula, which becomes an island at high tide and is situated near the village of Llanbedr. The island is renowned for its wild flowers, range of shells, wild birds and panoramic views.
Old Bell Museum

Address

Arthur Street, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6RA

Telephone
01686 668313

curator@oldbellmuseum.org.uk

Montgomery

The Old Bell, a 16th century inn, has been converted into a local history museum by Montgomery Civic Society.
Bro Dyfi Leisure Centre

Address

Aberystwyth Road, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER

Telephone
01654 703300

broddyfi@freedom-leisure.co.uk

Machynlleth

Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre: An indoor 20 meter leisure swimming pool and 30ft flume, sports hall, squash courts, climbing wall and fitness suite.
Gogerddan Wood | Woodland Trails (NRW)

Address

Gogerddan Wood, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3ED

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Aberystwyth

Follow some of the original miners' paths around this attractive woodland and discover the Castle Grogwynion Iron Age Hillfort, the Grogwynion Falls, an amazing variety of trees, and a dam dating from the 19th Century.
Rhayader Leisure Centre

Address

North Street, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Telephone
01597 810355

rhayader@freedom-leisure.co.uk

Rhayader

The Rhayader Leisure Centre is centrally located in Rhayader and offers Health and Fitness facilities, swimming pool and conference facilities.
Llandeilo

Address

Carmarthenshire, SA18 3EP

Telephone
01550 720693

llandovery.tic@breconbeacons.org

Llandeilo is named after one of the better known Celtic saints of the 6th century, Saint Teilo. The Welsh word 'llan' signified a religious enclosure, normally one dedicated to a particular saint (thus corresponds, today, to 'church of').
Aberystwyth Promenade & Bandstand

Address

The Promenade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BY

Telephone
01970 628725

menwww@aber.ac.uk

Aberystwyth

Various events are held at Aberystwyth Promenade Bandstand throughout the year.
Y Gaer | Museum, Art Gallery & Library

Address

Glamorgan Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7DW

Telephone
01874 623346

ygaer@powys.gov.uk

Brecon

Y Gaer is an exciting and inspirational development in the centre of Brecon, bringing together the refurbished Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery with a brand new Brecon Library to create meeting and event spaces.
Brigands Inn

Address

Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

info@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

15th Century Coaching Inn set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and on the upper banks of the River Dovey. Elegant, spacious bedrooms & deluxe four poster- rooms, all with individual character & charm. Finest local produce used.
Brigands Inn | Dining

Address

Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

bookings@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

Nestled in the beautiful Dovey Valley, this 15th Century Coaching Inn offers guests a choice of dining, drinking and sleeping options, as well as a function room suitable for large events and parties including weddings.