What to do and see in Powys, Wales: The Best Free Things to do
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. Offa's Dyke
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Visitors can hike along this 800-year-old trail that consists of a great earth bank that runs approximately 176 miles along the border of England and Wales.
Reviewed By Davidffc - London, United Kingdom
Wonderful walk from Chepstow to Knighton, beautiful countryside and lovely places to stay. You are literally walking in the footsteps of history. Can be hard work, but worth the effort.
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. Brook Street Pottery & Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Beautiful pottery shop and gallery exhibiting a carefully curated range of British contemporary ceramics . The gallery also has jewellery and prints for sale. In the upper floor gallery space there are changing exhibitions of applied arts. The 300 year old building also houses a working pottery making frostproof hand thrown studio terracotta for the garden. Owner and potter Simon Hulbert makes original and functional garden pots and fellow potter Bill Parkes makes a range of standard useful garden pots like Half pans and Long Toms. Simon has also recently been to China and now makes collection of small porcelain vessels including vases , dishes, espresso cups and lidded boxes.
Reviewed By jojo1essex2019 - Newport, United Kingdom
Lovely gallery and lots of pottery for sale with a good range of prices. Definitely worth a look. There was an exhibition on when I visited. Very reasonably priced earthenware for the garden too.
4. 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.
5. Newtown Textile Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Museum is now closed for the winter but will reopen on 25 May. depending, of course, on the regulations at the time. When opening is possible we will continue to offer visitors the opportunity to book timed-entry visits, as well as being able to come in without pre-booking if the numbers in the Museum at the time permit it. Bookings are now available on Eventbrite. As you would expect, safe-distance requirements and all the other Covid-safe measures will be in place. The Museum gives a great insight into the woollen industry, its boom and bust cycles and the effect on the development and growth of Newtown during the 1800s. It covers the story of wool from fleece to flannel, and tells the story of the families who lived and worked in this rare building from that period. It opens during the summer months.
Reviewed By nicolamC3562BE - Newtown, United Kingdom
A really interesting building, which has much improved since being taken over from the local council. Every room was informative, with displays and artefacts, and the volunteer staff were friendly and happy to answer questions. A pity that some of the more interactive activities were not available, due to the Covid restrictions, but that cannot be helped in the current circumstances, and it didn't spoil our visit. Well worth a visit!!
6. Lake Vyrnwy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Considered Wales’ most beautiful lake and located just a short drive from the Shropshire border, Lake Vyrnwy is ideal for twitchers, cyclists and fishing fans. Swimming, overnight camping and open fires are strictly prohibited.
Reviewed By AndreK933 - London, United Kingdom
Whilst staying at the hotel, we ventured out around the lake a few days. The weather can change quite rapidly but the walks and views are well worth getting caught in a downpour. Walking across the bridge was a highlight, offering some points of interest like the well appointed RSPB shop and a lovely cafe. If you’re a nature lover there is easily days worth of walks/hikes in the area to keep your interest. Extremely scenic area and well worth the long drive to get to!
7. The Warren
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By MoreRoamin - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We walked along the river from Hay Bridge following the old railway line. The path is through a wooded area then opens up to the meadow before reaching the shingle beach and swimming spot. A local artist has installed wooden sculptures along the path as you walk away, upstream from the bridge to the Warren - kingfisher, woodpecker, numerous owls. The Warren is a clean open area. Popular with families and dog walkers. Terrific for a paddle or swim. Or sit at watch the canoes and kayaks drift by coming down from Glasebury.
8. Erwood Station Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Welcome to Erwood Station Gallery ,nestled between Brecon and Builth Wells in the picturesque Wye Valley, this beautifully restored 19th century railway station and carriages shows the very best in contemporary craft paintings and sculpture. The tea room is temporarily closed but self service cold drinks and pre wrapped cakes are available. Please check our website for opening times in Winter.
Reviewed By Moff1966
Tucked away in an old railway station is this middle to high end art gallery with a self-service café... Wide range of ceramics, pictures and jewellery to admire and desire! Quality range of teas to choose from and amazing cakes. The walk down to the River Wye well worth it to work off the calories!
9. Gilfach Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By Annalissalloyd - Llyswen, United Kingdom
Had a lovely day walking around the area. Plenty of parking and information boards to help choose the route
10. Pwll-y-wrach Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By wickett-spry - Barry, United Kingdom
We wanted to do a walk with our 6 year old who isn’t the best at long walks but this was perfect. Interesting and muddy enough for him! Managed to see the lower waterfall and the main one which he loved. We went in August and it was very muddy!
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