Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Powys, Wales
Wales' spectacular scenic rural heartland, and the site of Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys is a lush land of verdant mountain valleys, craggy caves and quirky towns. The staunchly nationalistic area offers appealing outdoors opportunities. Canter on horseback through the rugged Brecon Beacons mountain range. Walk or cycle the charming valleys. Other draws are commanding Powis Castle near Welshpool and the Centre for Alternative Technology, a sustainable development center, near Machynlleth.
Restaurants in Powys
1. The Judge's Lodging Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By michaelpO879FI
What an absolute gem this place is! The audio tour was superb, and the entire building has been restored beautifully - I can’t get over the use of paraffin lamps and non-mantled gas jet lighting, which all adds to the feel of what it was like ‘upstairs/downstairs’ and in the cells/Shire Hall courtroom. We spent almost two hours exploring the building where you can sit, touch, dress up and really get hands on with the heritage. Really can’t praise this place enough!
2. Elan Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,279 reviews
Reviewed By raserfamily - Stonehouse, United Kingdom
Here for a few days mid August. The dams are impressive and worth a visit to them all as they are all different and the countryside is amazing, plenty of walks to do. Lots of people on bikes as well. Dog friendly.
3. Falconry Experience Wales
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
By Appointment Only
4. The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 567 reviews
The Hall is a 52 roomed, Grade 11* Gothic Revival mansion, standing in 12 acres of gardens near Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales. The Hall offers tours to the public. The tours combine outstanding architecture, stunning interiors, thousands of collectable items and beautiful grounds. The gardens include a walled garden, woodland walks, a lake and waterfall, lawns, terraces and courtyards. From 1st November each year, all 52 rooms are decorated to individual themes for Christmas.
Reviewed By smh1302 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
We were very cordially greted by Paul and his lovely dog which set the tone for a terrific experience. It's a family home which is beautifully decorated for Christmas; all of the 52 rooms are open to the tours and each has it's own theme & Xmas decs, it's often a mish-mash of styles which only adds to its origionality but the overall effect is stunning as is the decor and furnishings. If you are expecting a traditionally furnished period property you maybe disappointed (visit a NT house instead!) but it's a quirky one-off which is very refreshing - Art Deco was once "different". It's very obvious that Paul & Victoria are emensly proud of their home and all the work they've put into it and rightly so, they were extremely genial hosts who went out of their way to make us and our son very welcome going above & beyond to make our experience so positive. Credit must also go to Karen who showed us around, she was fab & so knowledgeable, the time simply flew by.
5. Dyfi Osprey Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Val104 - Salisbury, United Kingdom
Touring Wales towards Machynlleth, we spotted a large board advertising the Observatory and Cors Dyfi Reserve. The sign of a wild Osprey caught our eyes at the entrance. We had not known of this place until now, so could not resist seeing it for ourselves. We had no idea if this was a few minutes or needed longer to see. At least an hour needed. There is a large car park and a new toilet block at the very start of it, to the right of the entrance. There are no other toilets for the public. To the right is a small cabin selling snacks, drinks and good cakes. Tables, benches with umbrellas all outside, no tables inside. The entrance tickets are purchased from the left hand cabin, selling marvellous photos on cards and souvenirs of the Osprey. We were given then a good map of the place showing the boardwalks built across the marshes to various hides to climb up to or in. Signs are displayed along the picturesque new walkways depicting the various plants, buffalo, wildlife etc. Mountains tower in the background of this wonderful walk. At the very end the huge hide has panoramic views and expensive equipment to look through to see the baby Osprey birds in their nests. Some people had been lucky enough to watch the mother Osprey bringing back a huge trout , dropping it into the nest. The cabin entrance has large screens to see close up photographs and live filming. All the staff were so helpful, cheerful and informative and enthusiastic making this a very happy and memorable morning.
6. Alex Allpress Pottery School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Potter's Wheel WorkshopsCreate and relax in rural tranquility.The Pottery is situated in the Upper Elan Valley in the Radnor Hills amidst the idyllic Wye valley villages and walkways. The perfect environment to unwind, learn a new skill and discover hidden talents. Everybody can do it. there are no mistakes in pottery, just happy accidents and learning experiences! Weekend Special Price All inclu with Lunch and firings: £165 Full Day throwing on the wheel by speciality tutors and ONLY small groups of up to Max. 4 p. Only £95. All skill level from 12 years, mixed clay workshop, slab and hand building from 6 years of age. Bespoke days possible and visits to you: Large groups possible: email for quotes
Reviewed By wendym366 - Talgarth, United Kingdom
My 7 year old daughter had such a fabulous evening learning to throw a pot with Alex. He is such a patient and fun teacher who coped admirably with her overflowing enthusiasm. She is thrilled that she made bowls and a cup she will be able to use (once they are finished being fired). Highly recommend this experience and next time I will bring the rest of the family and definitely have a go myself.
7. Gym & Tonic Health Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Fully equipped Gym with 12 cardio machines, huge array of weights, 12 across the board classes from Yoga to Boxing Circuits. Prices are £7 for classes to £9 for a gym session- stay as long as you want to. Run by award winning Cat Wyllie-Fox PT (Fitness Instructor for Wales 2006)
8. St Melangell's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The shrine church of St. Melangell is a beautiful small church near the North and Mid Wales border. It nestles in a secluded valley at the edge of the Berwyn mountains. Inside you will find the oldest Romanesque shrine in Northern Europe; a place of pilgrimage and tranquility. We are an Anglican Christian Church but welcome people of all faiths and none. In the churchyard, 2000 year old yew trees can be found, these are protected by Kew gardens and truly magnificant.
Reviewed By Relax792979
This church is well worth a visit. The atmosphere is so calm and serene, quite a change from the hustle and bustle of life.
9. Freerein Riding Holidays
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By lilydrennan
I booked this trip due to other summer plans being cancelled and I am so happy I did. One of the best experiences I have had to date. Everything at Freerein is well organised. From start to finish everything was on time and ran smoothly. On arrival we were assigned our ponies and I lucked out with the very handsome 'todge'. They work hard to make sure rider and horse are a good match and no one had a complaint to make. They are hardy and trustworthy horses that still have so much life in them. They aren't just follow nose to tail horses, you have to ride them properly which was so enjoyable. The terrain you ride on is just breathtaking and the views are amazing. Our guide Katie was really knowledgeable and cared a lot for everyone in the group. You ride for around 6/7 hours a day, it varies depending on your trail but everyone was comfortable and happy. We got to see some wild Welsh ponies which was fab. The accommodation we stayed at was lovely and all hosts treated us almost like family. The food again matched and was given in large portions and very tasty. The packed lunches we got each day also contained packs of polos, apples and carrots for the ponies which was a lovely touch. All in all I do not have a single bad thing to say about Freerein. You can tell they care deeply for all their animals which was lovely to see. If you are thinking about booking this then I would say it is a must. Do be prepared to ride through all weathers and pack accordingly. I am going to go back next year! Thank you Freerein for an amazing three days!
10. E & C Falconry Experience Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
E & C Falconry Experience Ltd offer one to one falconry experiences suitable for all ages and abilities. You have the opportunity to handle and fly free birds of your choice. There are a variety of birds including Falcons, Hawks and Owls.
Reviewed By kerenap2018
As a nearby accommodation provider Lon Lodges, we have had a number of guests to visit E & C Falconry Experience and we hear excellent reviews from their visits, a fantastic way to engage with nature and the wildlife and a great experience looked after by Eddie and Cara. Five stars :)
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