Mid-Wales is known for the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons, the rugged coastlines of Ceredigion, and picturesque towns and villages. However, Wales is also famous for its rainy weather, especially if you're not visiting during summer.
While the rain can be a bummer for outdoor activities, there are still plenty of things to do in Mid-Wales when the skies are gray such as visiting museums, galleries, and (of course) historic castles.
In this article, I'll highlight the best activities in Mid-Wales when it's raining, so you can make the most of your trip, no matter the weather.
1. Explore Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a medieval castle with an art collection including paintings and sculptures. It has been part of the National Trust since 1952 and covers not only the castle but also a 17th-century garden and an Edwardian formal garden which is rated one of the best gardens in Britain.
Regardless of the weather, there's a stunning view across the Welsh countryside from the castle courtyard and you can spend plenty of time indoors exploring the interior which is home to an array of artwork, murals, and impressive ceiling paintings.
Powis Castle grounds also offer the Clive Museum which houses South and East Asian artifacts from as early as 1600, including ivories, statues of Hindu gods, weapons, armour, and ornaments.
If the weather does manage to clear up, you can wander around the gardens and enjoy the classic National Trust scone and coffee at one of the two onsite cafes. Find out more about Mid-Wales' biggest fortress in my guide to visiting Powis Castle.
2. Browse Novels at One of Hay on Wye’s Bookshops
Hay on Wye is located right on the border of Wales and England and it’s become known as “the town of books” with over 30 bookshops. There’s nothing better than getting lost in bookstores when it’s raining outside so here are a few to visit:
- Richard Booth’s Bookshop - The first bookshop to open in Hay-on-Wye, 1961, and originally the “old fire station” because that’s what it was before it was converted! When you think of cosy classic bookstores, this one springs to mind. Not only a bookshop but also a cinema, find yourself reading through new and second-hand books in a variety of niches.
ㅤ - Hay Cinema Bookshop - Previously a cinema, Hay Cinema Bookshops has over 200,000 volumes to read. On the top floor, you can find Francis Edwards Bookseller stocking everything from history to travel and more.
ㅤ - The Children’s Bookshop - Open in 1974, The Children’s Bookshop is dedicated to giving children the opportunity to become enthusiastic about reading. There’s also ‘storytime’ every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as well as book clubs.
ㅤㅤ - Murder and Mayhem - Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, when you think of a murder series I’m sure you’ll agree these are the names that come up. Here you can find not only a crime to suit everyone but you’ll be surprised at how much it looks like a real crime scene!
There are so many more bookshops to see and if you’re in Hay-on-Wye at the end of May make a stop at the Annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, one of the most famous festivals in Wales.
3. Walk Into the World of Art at The Andrew Logan Museum
The Andrew Logan Museum is located just outside the village of Berriew and claims to be the only museum in the world dedicated to a living artist. It displays the works of Andrew Logan, an English sculptor and performance artist who has made Mid-Wales his home.
Andrew founded the ‘Alternative Miss World' competition back in 1972 and you’ll find many of the thrones and costumes from the event's history at this museum. He’s known for his extravagant style, the use of mirrors, the sun, and moon as well as lots of soul and emotion.
Although only a small museum, you’ll be given a tour with an explanation of the main pieces. There is also a detailed guidebook with Andrews's thoughts on every piece in the museum so you can easily lose an hour here.
4. Visit the Galleries at MOMA Machynlleth
Head to the town of Machynlleth for a day at MOMA, the Museum of Modern Art, where you can witness over 400 pieces of modern and contemporary art in their seven art galleries. There’s also the Tabernacle, open since 1986, it used to be a chapel making it perfect for concerts as well as talks and events.
Every August, The Gwyl Machynlleth Festival opens for a week at MOMA for Welsh and International music, culture and heritage.
5. Take a Trip to the Medieval Fortress at Chirk Castle
Visit a 13th-century castle with over 5 acres of garden overlooking the Cheshire and Shropshire countryside. The gardens at Chirk Castle were remodelled in 1764 by William Emes adding pathways, plants, and thousands of trees.
It's one of the few castles in Wales you can visit that's fully intact so you can go inside and explore the dining room, cigar room, library, and even the dungeon.
For the little ones, there’s an 18th-century farm on the grounds with a stable and barn. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, Chirk Castle and Gardens are a beautiful place to explore in every season.
This is a National Trust property, so it's free to visit if you have a membership (if you like to visit castles and manor houses, this is definitely worth considering!).
6. Learn the History of Mid-Wales at Brecknock Museum
Trying to find shelter from the rain? In the heart of Brecon, you’ll find the Brecknock Museum. Managed by Breconshire County Council, it’s one of the finest small museums in Wales and it's free to visit.
The Brecknock Museum is part of Y Gaer which brings together the museum, art gallery, and Brecon Library. There's also a replica of the courtroom that used to be here and a mock-up of a Victorian classroom as it would have been in the region.
The collections allow you to learn about the history of Brecknockshire, a former county that is now mostly Powys. The museum includes artefacts, artwork, archaeology exhibits, science and technology, coins and medals, and more.
7. Ride Along an Underground River at King Arthur's Labyrinth
Even the word Labyrinth sounds exciting so when you’re in Mid-Wales, King Arthur's Labyrinth in the mountains of Southern Snowdonia is one of the best places to venture out to.
See underground waterfalls, walk through an old Welsh slate mine, sail through caverns and tunnels by boat, and try to make your way through the maze at the Stone Circle as you learn the stories and legends of King Arthur.
Being underground it doesn’t matter if it’s raining outside. Book in advance and wear something warm, the Labyrinth is a day well spent.
8. Eat Michelin Star Food at Ynyshir
Ynyshir is a part-Georgian house with a restaurant and rooms to stay overnight in. Parts of Ynyshir date back to the 1750s but still have a modern feel.
Visit here for first-class food whether it’s lunch or dinner, all curated by Gareth Ward, the head chef and co-owner of the two Michelin-star restaurants. It also has Asian influences and a DJ in the dining room, an experience not to be missed.
Plus, the restaurant is in a beautiful part of the Mid-Wales countryside so you can enjoy beautiful views while you dine.
9. Pedal Into the Past at The National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells
The next place to save for a rainy day is the National Cycle Museum with over 250 machines across 200 years of cycling. It’s been open since 1997 and has a workshop where visitors can watch and learn how to repair the bikes.
You’ll even see a penny farthing and more modern vehicles such as Carbon Fibre racing models. Great for when the weather takes a turn for the worst!
10. Take a Scenic Trip On the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
Built in 1902, the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was originally operated by Cambrian Railways, Great Western, and now British Railways. Through the years the carriages have been donated from the likes of Hungary, Austria and Sierra Leone.
Take a train up the steepest gradients in Britain, a 16-mile return journey travelling between Welshpool and Llanfair. Try to spot deer when travelling through the Powis Estate and Mid-Wales countryside.
As well as their regular scenic train journeys, look out for special trips with afternoon tea, fish and chips, and even a brand new gin and whiskey tasting trip. Find out more here.
11. Learn About Welsh Military History at The Royal Welsh Museum
More than 33,000 objects are a part of the Royal Welsh Museum, from the First and Second World Wars and a significant collection from the Zulu war in South Africa. There are five main galleries with uniforms, weapons and medals including Victoria Crosses which 43 of the regiments’ soldiers have received.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers and The Royal Regiment of Wales are part of the history you can see here at the museum which is one of the top things to do in the town of Brecon, close to the Brecon Cathedral and Y Gaer making it so easy to find.
12. Read and Discover at Powysland Museum
Y Lanfa makes up the Welshpool Library and Powysland Museum. Here you can find books, a gallery, exhibits, and archaeological displays from as far back as the prehistoric age. If you want to learn more then take a look around this building, even if it’s to shelter from the rain for a few hours.
There’s a lot to discover here, especially if you’re travelling as a family where the little ones can enjoy a break by reading in the library and you can look through the archives to learn more about the history of Montgomeryshir
13. Experience The Wonders Of The Universe at The Spaceguard Centre
If you’re a fan of astrology or just want to learn more about the stars and the sky we look up to, then the SpaceGuard Centre is for you. It mainly looks at Near Earth Objects and gives the public the chance to take in as much information as possible about asteroids, comets, and the universe itself.
Have a unique perspective by looking through a telescope and see a planetarium, also known as a “sky theatre”. You can also book a guided tour to hear about planets, meteors, and impact effects.
Published: 12 February 2023 · Last updated: 23 August 2023