Places to Visit in Mid Wales
Mid Wales comprises of three counties, Ceredigion, Powys and Meirionnydd. The Mid Wales region is the largest area of Wales, stretching up as far as Southern Snowdonia and the National Park, reaching down the coast to Cardigan in the south of Ceredigion and across to the Brecon Beacons.
Click through to the county pages for regional tourism, area and town websites, Ceredigion, Snowdonia Mountains & Coast and Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons.
Town descriptions for:
Ceredigion | Snowdonia Mountains & Coast | Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Snowdonia Mountains & Coast
Aberdyfi - Described by the acclaimed travel writer Bill Bryson as the 'perfect little seaside community', the secluded village of Aberdyfi overlooks the estuary where the Dyfi river meets the sea of Cardigan bay. A perfect location for those who enjoy an energetic holiday with swimming, surfing and kite surfing all on offer on an award winning rural beach. Aberdyfi also has one of the best golf courses in Wales as well as an excellent Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
Bala - A historic market town, Bala is situated on the head of the largest natural lake in Wales, Llyn Tegid lake, - which is much used by watersports enthusiasts who benefit from the winds sweeping through the mountain valley in which it rests. The steam trains of the narrow-gauge Bala Lake Railway run for several kilometres along its southern shore. Bala is also home to the National White-water Centre on the Tryweryn River - host to several world championship events.
Barmouth - A traditional seaside town, located at the mouth of the Mawddach. With its magnificent sandy beaches, it's a perfect holiday resort. The hills and valleys of Southern Snowdonia provide a variety of experience for the nature lover. The area offers numerous walks and a traffic free cycleway along the estuary.
Dolgellau - A small market town situated at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain range. Dolgellau is an excellent base for cycling, walking and climbing. The World Class mountain biking centre of Coed y Brenin and its Red Bull trail are only a few minutes away. Dolgellau is also host to an annual folk and rock festival every July called ‘Sesiwn Fawr’.
Harlech - magnificent medieval architecture and breathtaking location. The spectacularly sited Harlech castle is a World Heritage Site, and dominates the small town of Harlech, provides good views of the fine beach, the famous Royal St David's golf course and surrounding countryside.
Ceredigion
Aberaeron - a Georgian harbour town and one of Wales' most picturesque coastal resorts.The town's most notable feature is its architecture - many of the town's buildings are designated as being of special historic or architectural interest.
Aberystwyth - is a bustling University town. Aber, and its award-winning beaches, is one of Wales' favourite traditional seaside resorts. It is the largest town in Ceredigion, featuring many visitor attractions.
Cardigan - is a thriving Welsh market town and an ancient Welsh cultural and commercial centre on the Teifi estuary. This is splendid walking country - try out walks along the Ceredigion Heritage Coast and in the Teifi Valley.
Lampeter - a busy market town in the Teifi Valley and home to the oldest University of Wales.
New Quay - a popular and picturesque seaside town. This small town, with its golden sandy beaches, sheltered harbour, colourful toy-box houses and winding narrow streets is thought to be the real-life inspiration for the Llareggub of Dylan Thomas' Under Mild Wood. Once a flourishing ship building centre and fishing port the town now attracts nature enthusiasts coming to spot seals, dolphins and other rare species of sea life and birds.
Tregaron - this market town is near to the mountainous source of the Teifi estuary, and nestles at the Southern end of Cors Goch Caron, a huge red-tinged marshland that is a National Nature Reserve and famous for the variety of its bird-life, including the rare Red Kite.
Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons
Brecon - a historical cathedral town that lies in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons and on the banks of the River Usk. A hub before you head up into the Brecon Beacons - which are located just 300 metres from the town centre.
Builth Wells - an agricultural town on the banks of the River Wye and home to Britain's biggest agricultural show, The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show. Builth is a real, live market town with fine buildings and fanciful architecture inherited from the late 19th Century.
Llandrindod Wells - a Victorian spa town with grandiose public buildings and an air of gentility. The town is the largest and most famous of the mid Wales spa towns.
Llanfyllin/Lake Vyrnwy - An ancient town of Llanfyllin located in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains, an ideal base for exploring the Mid Wales countryside. Lake Vyrnwy offers stunning scenery and a wealth of wildlife. The perfect setting for walking and cycling, with a 13 mile circular route around the lake.
Llanwrtyd Wells - The smallest town in Britain. Llanwrtyd Wells is very popular with mountain bikers, walkers and bird watchers. Llanwrtyd Wells is home to some of the many weird and wacky events from the Bog Snorkelling Championship to the Man versus Horse marathon.
Machynlleth - the ancient capital of Wales. ‘Mach’ is a small market town with a population of around 2000. It sits in the lower Dyfi Valley, about 10 miles in from the coast. The town is a seat of Welsh culture and politics - this was the site of Owain Glyndŵr's Welsh Parliament in 1404. Today, the most recognised feature in town is the central Clocktower, which stands at nearly 80 feet tall and was built in the latter part of the 19th Century.
Newtown - An ancient market town nestled on the banks of the River Severn. Newtown is steeped in history, founded in the 10th century. Newtown is home to the famous world record breaking Santa run in December.
Rhayader - A small historic market town on the banks of the River Wye. Rhayader is the oldest town in Mid Wales, dating back to the 5th century. Rhayader provides an excellent base for exploring the nearby Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains. The town and its surrounding area is a perfect destination for anyone seeking all year round activities, whether it's a gentle walk along the River Wye or an energizing mountain biking across the rugged hills.
Welshpool - a bustling market town nestled in the upper reaches of the Severn Valley. Traditionally an agricultural service centre it is home to the largest sheep market in Europe. Welshpool provides an ideal central base for exploring the surrounding countryside and some of the area's many attractions.
