Mid-Wales is the most rural part of the country with just two counties, Powys and Ceredigion, making up most of the region.
Being so rural, there aren't as many obvious things to do in Mid-Wales, but when you dig a little deeper, there's plenty to keep you occupied from charming towns to castles and waterfalls.
I've lived in Wales for most of my and grew up in Mid-Wales so I've discovered many great activities which I'll share with you here.
Map of Things To Do in Mid-Wales
To make things easier, I've plotted out the top activities in Mid-Wales on this interactive map. Remember to bookmark this page so that you can come back to it later.
1. Walk along the Wales Coastal Path
One of my favourite ways to explore Mid-Wales is on foot, and there's no better walking route than the Wales Coastal Path which runs right along the coast scattered with dramatic cliff views and beaches.
This 870-mile (1400km) long-distance trail stretches along the entire coast of Wales so it would take weeks to complete in one go. That's why I tend to choose small sections and and do them one at a time.
For your first walk on the Wales Coast Path in Mid-Wales, I recommend the stretch between Aberystwyth and Borth which includes clifftop walking, trekking through fields, and beautiful coastal views (pictured above).
It's a linear route which takes around 3 hours each way but I like to catch the train back to Aberystwyth at the end.
2. Visit Powis Castle
No visit to Wales would be complete without at least one castle. Powis Castle is a 13th century fortress just outside of Welshpool that's easily Mid-Wales' best castle.
The fortress dates back to the 13th century when it was involved in battles between the Prince of Powys (who built the castle) and the Prince of Gwynedd from the North.
Today, Powis Castle is owned by the National Trust who maintain it and keep it open for visitors. With stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and plenty to explore, you can enjoy a full day out here.
Inside the castle, you'll find artwork, murals, and ceiling paintings, as well as the Clive Museum with lots of artefacts collected by the Clive family during colonial days in India. I wasn't allowed to take photos inside but trust me it's worth a look.
The gardens are what really make this castle with terraces, statues and historic topiary. I recommend visiting during the summer when the garden coffee shop is open. If you are a National Trust like me, it's free to visit.
3. Ride on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is a heritage railway that takes you on a journey through some of Mid-Wales' most beautiful countryside from Llanfair Caereinion to Welshpool.
The railway was originally built to help the rural communities of Mid-Wales develop and it never turned a profit. However, today it solely operates as a tourist attraction, powered by some of the original steam locomotives.
The total journey is about 8.5 miles ( km) each way and takes roughly 45 minutes as you meander through picturesque villages and valleys. You might even spot some of the local wildlife, including red kites, as you travel along.
You can do the journey in both directions, however, I recommend that you start and end in Welshpool as it's much easier to reach.
4. Explore Powysland museum
Y Lanfa (The Wharf) Powysland Museum in Welshpool is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of Mid-Wales.
The museum has exhibits ranging from the area's prehistoric past and the Roman-era all the way up to household objects from rural Wales in the 20th century.
There's also a section dedicated to the Welsh language which is still spoken by many people in Mid-Wales. The museum is quite small so you won't need any longer than an hour here.
However, it's located in a beautifully restored warehouse right beside the Montgomery Canal. If the weather allows, I recommend enjoying a walk along the canal too - there's a full route over on the Canal & River Trust website.
5. Visit the Elan Valley for walking, cycling, and waterfalls
The Elan Valley is a beautiful area just outside of Rhayader in Mid-Wales, best known for its six dams and reservoirs.
Around the reservoirs, you'll find plenty of waymarked trails for walking or cycling. On my latest visit, I discovered two little-known waterfalls that are hidden away near Garreg Ddu Dam. See my full guide to finding them.
If you plan to cycle around, you can take your own bicycles or hire them at the visitor centre where you can choose between mountain bikes or e-bikes.
Even if you're not hiring equipment, the visitor centre is the best place to begin your visit. Here, you can find out about the history of the dams and pick up maps for the trails in the valley. The cafe has recently been renovated so you can grab lunch here too.
You might recognise the area from an episode of Top Gear in which Richard Hammond attempted to scale the valley's 56m-high Claerwen Dam in a Land Rover Defender. it's worth a watch before you go!
6. Lose yourself in books in Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye is a charming small town on the edge of the Bannau Bryncheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park that has earned a name as the 'town of books' due to having so many bookshops.
The town has a population of just over 2,000 people and on my last visit, I counted 14 different bookshops in Hay-on-Wye.
I'm not necessarily a bookworm, but I still enjoyed exploring the bookshops which are often decorated according to the genre of books or hidden in cute locations such as passageways or an outdoor book shelter.
Aside from the books, the small market town has lots of other things to do including taking a tour of Hay Castle and walking the River and Rail Trail. It's also one of my top recommended places to base yourself in the Brecon Beacons for exploring the wider national park.
7. Go canoeing down the River Wye
Talking of Hay-on-Wye, another great activity in Mid-Wales is canoeing down the River Wye from Glasbury to Hay. There are several companies in Glasbury offering canoe hire for the day such as Celtic Canoes.
You can then hit the water and paddle downstream. If you take the half-day package, you’ll paddle for 2-3 hours and finish in Hay, or the full-day package includes 5-6 hours of paddling, ending further down the river at Whitney-on-Wye.
Don’t worry, you won’t need to paddle back up the river again afterwards. The package includes transport for you and the canoes back to the start point afterwards. It also includes the hire of the canoe and paddles, a lifejacket, and a dry bag to keep your gear safe throughout the day.
I haven't managed to get around to trying out this activity for myself just yet, but it's certainly one on my Mid-Wales bucket list.
8. See the biggest waterfall in Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr
Pistyll Rhaeadr is a stunning waterfall located in the Berwyn Mountains. At 73m (240ft) tall, it's often claimed to be the tallest waterfall in Wales (although there are others taller but they are really difficult to reach).
There is a car park near the base of the waterfall where you can park up to admire it with ease. There are also some walking trails that begin here, including one that leads to the top of the waterfall. Look out for the sign in the car park that details the routes.
Also in the car park is a tiny café which is open during peak season. Keep in mind that the waterfall is accessed via a narrow road so visiting in a large vehicle might be challenging, although not impossible.
Pistyll Rhaeadr is considered to be one of the 7 Wonders of Wales according to an old poem from the 18th century, visit for yourself to find out if it's a worthy addition.
9. Walk to the source of Britain's longest river
The 'Source of the Severn Trail' is located in Hafren Forest, a short drive from Llanidloes. A newly created route, the stone path will take you along an 11km (7 mile) route that takes you through Hafren forest to the source of Britain's longest river, the River Severn.
The route will take you through fields and forest, and you'll pass by standing stones and waterfalls along the way.
This is just one of several walks at Hafren Forest where you'll find something for all abilities including a short accessible walk along a boardwalk next to the river. Find out more here.
10. Take a train to Devils Bridge Falls
Mynach Falls is a large waterfall next to the famous Devil's Bridge just outside of Aberystwyth which is why it's better known as Devil's Bridge Falls.
The waterfall is made up of three separate falls, the highest of which is 90m (300ft). The waterfalls are situated on the River Mynach which flows through a gorge known as the Cwm Rheidol.
You can see the waterfall from a viewing platform, however, the best way to enjoy it is by taking the Nature Trail which heads down the gorge and back up the other side right alongside the waterfall.
There is a charge to visit the waterfall which is the same regardless of whether you only reach the viewing platform or take the walk.
If you really want to make a trip out of it, you can take the Vale of Rheidol Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train that runs through the meadows and countryside between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge.
11. Visit Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons
One of the absolute highlights of Mid-Wales and the Brecon Beacons are the incredible waterfalls which are mostly found within one specific area known as Waterfall Country, near the small village of Pontneddfechan.
The most popular trail here is the Four Falls Trail which is a beginner-friendly circular trail with four incredible waterfalls dotted along the route.
Not far from the Four Falls Trail is the Elidir Trail which is another waterfall walk with four different cascades. I prefer the Elidir Trail since it's quieter and equally as beautiful. Both of these walks will take the best part of a day with time for lunch en-route.
If you want to see a waterfall without committing a full day, I recommend visiting Henrhyd Falls which is unique in that you can walk behind the waterfall.
This waterfall became famous after featuring in The Dark Knight Rises as the entrance to the Batcave, although to manage expectations, there is no actual cave here.
12. Check out an art gallery
Mid-Wales has a few small art galleries that can be an interesting thing to do on a rainy day.
Here are some that I recommend:
- The Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA) - Based in a converted chapel in Machynlleth, this museum is dedicated to contemporary Welsh art with a range of exhibitions across it's seven galleries as well as a café, shop, and sculpture garden. See what's on here.
ㅤ - The Andrew Logan Museum - This tiny gallery just outside of Berriew displays the works of English sculptor and performance artist Andrew Logan. He is known for founding the ‘Alternative Miss World’ competition and in his collection, you’ll find many of the thrones and costumes from the event’s history.
13. Visit the romantic Lake Vyrnwy
Lake Vyrnwy is a man-made lake located in Powys, Mid Wales. The lake was created in the late 19th century to provide water for the Liverpool area. Nowadays, it's a popular spot for walking, cycling, fishing, and birdwatching.
Sat on a small hill overlooking the lake, you'll find Lake Vyrnwy Hotel which is one of the most romantic hotels in Wales and is often used as a wedding venue for this reason.
You can splash out and stay here to enjoy luxury hotel rooms, onsite restaurant, and spa facilities, or if you're like me, you can simply enjoy a coffee from the terrace that overlooks the lake.
14. Watch the red kites being fed
Mid-Wales is famous for red kites, a bird of prey that almost went extinct in the UK apart from a small population in Mid-Wales. After strong conservation efforts in the region, their population was brought back from the brink and now thrives across the country.
You can watch the red kites being fed at several places in Mid-Wales and some also offer falconry experiences with other birds of prey such as hawks and eagles.
Here are some of the spots I know about:
- The Red Kite Feeding Centre at Girgin Farm - This is the most famous feeding centre where you can learn about the red kites and see them up close from the hides as they feed. You can book in advance on their website with prices starting from £25.
ㅤ - Bwlch Nant Yr Arian - This forest near Aberystwyth also has daily feedings of up to 150 red kites. In addition, there are walking and mountain biking trails, play areas, horse riding, and more. There is no charge to visit as it's managed by Natural Resources Wales.
ㅤ - Falconry Experience Wales - Under the close supervision of Barry and Luce, you'll get a lesson about the history and behaviours of these intriguing birds. You can also handle one of their birds which includes falcons, hawks, red kites, a bald eagle, and several owls. This experience is located near Newtown and by appointment only.
15. Catch a performance at Hafren Theatre
Hafren Theatre in Newtown is the largest theatre in Powys and one of the most reputable in Mid-Wales.
The theatre has a busy schedule with a range of shows and events taking place throughout the year, from musicals and operas to ballets and stand-up comedy.
Shown in the image is Demon Dentist, a show written by David Walliams, which was performed here. I've also seen big-name comedians such as Romesh Ranganathan and Kevin Bridges at the theatre.
16. Spot bottle-nosed dolphins in Cardigan Bay
Cardigan Bay is home to Britain's largest resident population of dolphins1, the bottle-nosed dolphin.
I'm told that you can sometimes see them from the shore although I've never done so myself. The best way to spot them is by taking a dolphin-spotting boat trip out into Cardigan Bay.
There are two tour operators you can go with:
New Quay Boat Trips - Dolphin spotting is just one of many experiences offered. The trips depart from the main pier in New Quay daily during peak season. This is suitable for dogs too.
A Bay To Remember - This is the company I used (pictured above). We left from near Cardigan and spotted dolphins within the first 10 minutes. We also saw seals, some of the remaining seabirds for the season, and explored caves around the coast. This was a faster RIB boat so dogs were not allowed onboard.
17. Visit Corris Craft Centre and King Arthur's Labyrinth
Corris Craft Centre, near Machynlleth, is home to a number of independent shops and businesses. Some of the products made here include candles, jewellery, pottery, art, and glassware.
My particular favourite is Dyfi Distillery which is also located at the centre and produces award-winning gin. The distillery doesn't offer formal tours but you can see the gin being made, speak to the owners, and most importantly, try the gin.
The centre is also home to King Arthur's Labyrinth, an interactive family-friendly activity that tells the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as you sail along an underground river.
Expect to meet mythical characters including dragons, giants, and King Arthur himself. Keep in mind that this is a seasonal activity.
18. Stroll up Constitution Hill in Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is an iconic seaside town in Wales, nestled between Cardigan Bay to the West and the Cambrian mountains to the east.
I've visited the town more times than I can count and still enjoy it every time. Despite being a relatively small market town, there are still plenty of things to do in Aberystwyth.
Most notably, heading up Constitution Hill (pictured above), visiting the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle, and learning about the history of the area in the Ceredigion Museum which is housed in an old grand theatre.
Plus, it's a town dominated by students (the very first Welsh university was established here!) so there's plenty of choice when it comes to bars and restaurants. My favourite place for a bite to eat is The Glengower.
This is a great destination for those visiting Mid-Wales with dogs as there are plenty of dog-friendly places to eat and stay too.
19. Hit the beaches along the Mid-Wales coastline
When you think of beaches in Wales, most people conjure up an image of Pembrokeshire. However, beautiful beaches can be found all along the west coast of Wales including in Mid-Wales.
Some of the best beaches are Borth and Llangranog which both have gentle waves and lifeguards throughout the summer making them great spots for families.
Other beaches worth checking out are Aberdyfi (pictured above) and Barmouth for large sandy beaches or Tan-y-Bwlch if you want something a little quieter.
Related Questions
Where is Mid-Wales?
Mid-Wales is an area that roughly covers the counties of Powys and Ceredigion. It is bordered by Snowdonia to the North, the Valleys to the South, England to the East, and the Irish Sea to the West.
Is Mid Wales Worth Visiting?
Yes, Mid-Wales is a worthwhile destination if you love experiencing rural life with rolling landscapes in every direction, dotted with charming market towns and outdoor activities.
What is the Most Beautiful Place in Mid Wales?
The most beautiful town in Mid-Wales is Hay-on-Wye which has managed to keep its charming feel and independent culture (not a chain store in sight). As for beaches, Barmouth, Aberdyfi, and Tan-y-Bwlch are stunning.
What is Mid Wales Best Known For?
Published: 2 May 2022 · Last updated: 11 October 2023