What to do and see in Powys, Wales: The Best 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. 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.
2. Falconry Experience Wales
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
By Appointment Only
3. 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.
4. Powis Castle and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,941 reviews
This medieval castle, originally built as a fortress, houses one of the most beautiful and extensive collections of treasures from India.
Reviewed By 655dawnydawn
Well worth a visit beautiful inside castle and out.Gardens immaculate lots to learn and helpful friendly guides.Tea and coffee reasonably priced in coffee shop at bottom of gardens.
5. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,424 reviews
Voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder, and the winner of all major environmental and tourism awards.There are three exceptional caves to experience - Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Each cave offers a unique underground adventure. In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk through beautifully decorated passageways for just under 1 kilometre; in Cathedral Cave you walk through enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago. At the end of this cave you will walk behind 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an exceptional end to a truly breathtaking cave. In Bone Cave learn why 42 human skeletons are buried there, and why our ancestors used caves all those years ago.On site we also have one of the world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models. Ranging from the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and Brachiosaurs, to the lesser-known Tsintaosaurus. There are over 220 models to see – you are bound to find your favourite dinosaur! The Shire Horse Centre offers the excitement of two indoor children’s play areas. We also have the farm experience. Why not make friends with the gentle giants – our Shire horses are waiting to say hello. Include the Iron Age village, museum, stone circles, and you have plenty to see and do for all ages. As we are situated in a National Park, you might like to consider staying on our Caravan/Tenting site for your visit to the caves?For those who may want a break, there is our Coffee shop, and finally the Rock and Dinosaur shop to enjoy.
Reviewed By 656lily
For the caves: It was absolutely fantastic. Beautiful caves and very informative audio guides as you go round. I went during the Covid-19 pandemic and the friendly staff made it very clear how to negotiate the caves while still staying safe which was very much appreciated, since one of my close family members is high risk- plus there were many hand sanitizer stations. One of the three caves was shut (the ‘bone cave’) but it didn’t matter at all or take away from the experience. Kids would absolutely love the dinosaurs, with cool scenes set up and moving creatures! Adults and teens would be awestruck by the beautiful caves with cascading waterfalls and wonderful rock formations. The site is very dog friendly and I saw many happy dogs enjoying their day. The gift shop was excellent, selling fossils and crystals, as well as toy dinosaurs and fun ‘welsh love spoons’. There is a farm with very friendly sheep, goats, llamas, shire horses and pigs and you could sit stroking the sheep for hours!! Overall a great experience and I’m coming back next year!!! For camping: Gorgeous location, with the rolling hills and pretty forests- there is even a little stream behind the campsite where you can explore and swim in the deep bits. The staff are again very friendly and welcoming and if you hear otherwise then I’m sure it is the reviewer that is bitter-natured rather than the staff. The toilet block is really clean with nice hot showers and big mirrors. Would very much recommend this picturesque, calm getaway!
6. 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.
7. Glansevern Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Glansevern Hall Gardens is CLOSED and under private ownership. Please see website for updates in 2021.
8. Ynys Hir Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By 32debbier - Leeds, United Kingdom
The staff here have worked hard to ensure the reserve can maintain social distancing. One way systems have been put in place in order to enable you to explore the whole of the reserve whilst still social distancing. Two separate loops mean that you can choose a short or long walk. We did not see a lot of bird life but the walk takes you through a lot of different habitat, including ponds where dragonflies breed. I can imagine at the right time of year this would be a great place to see waders, there were a lot of geese around even now. The views across the estuary to Snowdonia are stunning. This may be your best chance to see osprey, which can be seen flying along the estuary sometimes, given that the osprey project is currently closed to visitors.
9. Dan Yr Ogof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Mdancer51
We stayed at the campsite for 3 nights , lovely clean well organised site with great views, and reasonably priced. Will likely stay here again. We went to the Showcaves which we thoroughly enjoyed, our 4 year old granddaughter absolutely loved the dinosaurs. A great family day out.
10. Pistyll Rhaeadr
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 620 reviews
Reviewed By Eleanor118500
Visited here many times before, a lovely, peaceful location that obviously attracts many people from all over the world! There is a tea room situated at the base of the falls which offers freshly made sandwiches, jacket potatoes, panins, baguettes, soup..the list goes on, without forgetting their amazing selection of cakes! There is also a carpark which is £4, £3 for motorbikes, which to be honest is a very appropriate price as many popukar tourist attractions do have a car park at this price area, the ticket lasts all day but obviously if you do not want to pay the £4, you will find two large layby’s just down the road a 2minute walk from the waterfall. The beautiful attraction also offers toilets at a small cost of 20p to go through the turn stile which I believe is run by the County Council, many people complain about the fee but it is understandable that one little toilet in the cafe isn’t going to handle all the visitors!! The turnstile clearly states there is 6 seconds to get through the turn stile, therefore if you do not think you will make it round quick enough, do what I did and ask a member of staff at the cafe to let you through the gate, that way you are not wasting 20p! You cannot get stuck in the turn stile, I was talking to a member of staff about the amount of people who come to the cafe to complain that they have gotten stuck in the turn stile, it is not possible as you can always simply walk backwards and you’re free! Definitely going to be returning here, time and time again! A lovely place!
