Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
The Riverside Inn serves a wide range of foods, sourced locally when possible, in a relaxed and picturesque environment. You can enjoy lunch seated outside by the river, or you can dine inside surrounded by beautiful oak beams, pine tables and a log fire.
Fun Days Out
Phil Price Rally School is a long established family run driving school, that extends a warm welcome to all its customers. They provide an ideal venue that allows you to put their fleet of RWD and 4WD Subaru Impreza's to the test, either on the test track or the main rally track. All the staff are highly trained and highly qualified to ensure you get the most from your driving abilities. Additionally they are very friendly, patient and encouraging in boosting your confidence and pushing you to your limits and will have you trying various different driving techniques during the day. Safety is paramount and you are provided with the appropriate equipment and given a full safety briefing before going out in the car. It is a thrilling and invigorating experience where you can really put the car through its paces if you dare. You get the maximum amount of driving during your day and it represents excellent value for money. Phil Price Rally School is a well organised and highly motivated towards providing the best service and customer satisfaction and all the staff are passionate about what they do and this enhances your overall time here. An electrifying jam packed day, highly recommended.
Llanidloes - 9.8 Miles (15.7 KM)
A great place to hike or bike, especially over the beautiful mountain road between Machynlleth and Llanidloes. It is also the perfect place to simply relax, stroll around and soak up some of the lovely Welsh scenery. The town is also known for its counterculture and liberal views and was awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2006.
Enjoy a relaxing day out in the country. Travel by steam train through the beautiful Banwy Valley. Don't miss the very popular tearooms serving homemade cakes.
Recently voted Herefordshire Family Attraction of the Year, the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is an enchanting mix of animals, birds and beautiful owls. Adults and children alike will be captivated by the antics of these tame animals and the friendliness of the owls which live in the aptly named Owl Garden. A perfect family day out!
Experience what life would have been like down a mine as you follow the 'Miners Trail'. The self guided path takes visitors on a tour through the old mine site, featuring fascinating exhibitions. Admire the water wheels, pan for silver-lead and iron pyrites, hear the 'captain's tale' and have fun discovering the history of the mine and the lives of the miners.
Nestled in the hillsides of Southern Snowdonia, this is one of the world's most renowned eco-centres, featuring interactive displays and practical examples of sustainable living.
An exciting underground adventure unfolds as you sail along a subterranean river, through the great waterfall, deep inside the spectacular Labyrinth and far into the past .... into a world of myths, legends and storytelling. There is a children's outdoor play area and picnic tables to let off some steam. The labyrinth is open daily from Easter to the end of October. This is well worth a visit!
Bards Quest - 28.5 Miles (45.6 KM)
Bards Quest challenges you to find the hidden legends amidst the Maze, beneath moss and rocks, in the trees, in rippling waters and lying in lakes waiting to be discovered. Take your time, why not make a day of it? Tickets are half price when combined with a ticket for the adjacent King Arthur's Labyrinth Underground Adventure. Remember to visit the Corris Craft Centre to pick yourself up a unique hand crafted souvenir of your visit.
Corris Craft Centre comprises ten individual and very different craft workshops. Visitors can watch the craftspeople at work and buy unique gifts directly from them. From original Celtic jewellery to handmade cards, the products made here make great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
Enjoying the stunning Herefordshire countryside, Grove Golf and Bowl offers two nine hole golf courses, ten-pin bowling, a first-class restaurant and snack bar. With friendly staff and a peaceful environment, a day at the Grove is perfect for all the family, come rain or shine!
Beach
Devil's Bridge Falls - 21.8 Miles (34.9 KM)
Visit these world famous unique waterfalls which attract thousands upon thousands of visitors. One of these visitors was William Wordsworth who wrote 'Torrent at the Devils Bridge'.
Biking & Hiking
Kerry Ridgeway - 8.9 Miles (14.2 KM)
A lovely route of about 15 miles encompassing some beautiful countryside and fascinating historical landmarks. The ridgeway follows a gentle trail which is perfect for cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike. Its line can be traced back as far as the Iron Age and along the route visitors can spot Bronze Age burials and remains.
Cycle, trek or horse ride through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, eight counties and two countries. Although 177 miles in its entirety, it is an easy route to pick and choose from depending on how energetic you are feeling!
Every September, Llandrindod Wells hosts the annual Heart of Wales walking festival - with many guided walks to suit all levels of fitness and abilities. Even if you dont visit when the walking festival is on, you can still enjoy the views of the gentle rolling countryside to the moderately rugged hills of the heart of Wales.
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails in the Dublin Mountains offer a series of single track roads and paths designed especially for mountain bikers. Explore beautiful scenery while enjoying the challenging trail designed to challenge and work experienced riders. The trail starts and ends at a car park and at 8kM in length takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes to complete.
This trail is a route through some of the prettiest villages and landscape in England. The circular route from Leominster passes through fabulous scenery before returning to the town.
Golf & Sports
Whatever your experience or age, Underhill Riding Stables have horses or ponies to suit you. So you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the Mid Wales countryside on horseback.
Ustrike - 8.5 Miles (13.6 KM)
Freshen up your bowling skills and enjoy an evening at Ustrike - the only ten-pin bowling centre in Mid Wales! If you get a bit hungry or thirsty, a bar and dining area is also available.
Rhayader is a small market town in the heart of the 'Lakeland of Wales' on the banks of the River Wye which stretches 1 mile south and 4 miles north of the town. Brown trout and Grayling fishing available and salmon fishing is renowned on the River Wye.
A great leisure centre featuring a 20m swimming pool, fitness suite and squash courts. Whatever your age or fitness level there is something for you. Why not go for a relax in the jacuzzi or take a swim in the pool?
The 16 acre lake at Llyngwyn is a popular fly-fishing destination. Rainbow and brown trout are found in the lake throughout the year. River fishing is available on the river Wye for elan, marteg, trout, grayling, and some coarse fish. Elan Valley contains 4 lakes which cover an area of 850 acres.
Builth Wells Sports Centre includes many sporting facilities such as a swimming pool, squash courts, sports hall, fitness suite and an all weather pitch. They also have several classes on offer from pilates to cardio kickboxing - something to suit all tastes and caters for the whole family.
Designed by the veteran champion James Braid, this course caters for all abilities. You'll be taken back by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds this course including the giant mountain peak of Snowdonia. There's a bar and restaurant in which to relax after a round of golf.
Outdoor karting arena for visitors to drive their own fleet of powerful twin engine karts on an arrive and drive basis. Computerised lap timing can do bookings for 1?30 people. See if you can win the Grand Prix!
Black Mountain Activities is a family run outdoor adventure specialists. They are located within some of the most stunning countryside there is within the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. This natural landscape provides an amazing adventure playground complete with gorges, rivers and mountains. They are able to offer a whole host of activities including gorge walking, white water rafting, mountain biking, land carting, hill walking, archery, paintballing, raft building, kayaking, open canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing and abseiling, high level ropes course, orienteering and caving. The team are all professional and highly trained and safety is paramount here and the equipment is well looked after and in excellent condition. Before any activity you are given a full safety brief and they run through the equipment. They are open daily and throughout the year, and offer a choice of adventures from half day to five day courses. Whichever activity you choose you are assured a challenging and unforgettable time, you will more than likely have a few marks and bruises for all your efforts but, definitely worth it. There are activities to suit all ages and abilities so everyone can have a fun time. All of the team are great so friendly, informative and chatty they certainly enhance your time here. Black Mountain Activities are friendly and professional, offer a huge range of activities that are great value for money, an experience to be tried again and again!
Nature Reserves
Nature Reserve with bird watching and well marked out nature trails you can walk round. A beautiful location at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, with a whole host of differing habitats. There are also events that are set up at Gilfach Nature Reserve such as Badger Watching.
Ynys-hir - 25.9 Miles (41.4 KM)
Ynys-hir mixes Welsh oak woodland with wet grassland and salt marshes. In the spring, the ground is carpeted in flowers and birdsong fills the air. You might see flycatchers and redstarts emerging from the nestboxes. Each season brings a different experience to the nature reserve. Recent sightings include a marsh harrier, hen harrier, peregrine and a hobby as well as the regular red kites, buzzards and sparrowhawks.
Gardens & Woodlands
Located near Rhayader, this picturesque Site of Special Scientific Interest is a fabulous location for a leisurely stroll, a mountain bike ride or a fishing trip. With stunning lakes, abundant wildlife and superb views it is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Hergest estate to which these gardens belong sits in the heart of the Welsh Marches. The 6 distinct areas within the gardens, each with a different look and feel extend to over 70 acres. After wandering the gardens, enjoy a scone in the tearooms and pay a visit to the gift shop.
A wonderful 4-acre site with a vast array of plantlife, from the native to the very rare. Located in and amongst a collection of medieval farm buildings there are plenty of features to be explored and admired in this lovely garden. Visit the cider press, the pools, the grotto and the kitchen garden.
Hafod Uchtryd is classified as probably one of the best examples of an 18th century picture perfect landscape, occupying 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and encircling hills it provides stunning views and scenery. There are six different trails on offer, they all vary in length but all will ensure you get the most of this stunning estate, from the magnificent views, cascading waterfalls, gorges, woodland, loads of local wildlife. There is lots of history to the area too and a guided walk will allow you to get the most from this area. Located amongst the estate are a number of structures of interest including an icehouse and obelisk. Hafod Uchtryd is a place of peace and tranquillity as well as stunning beauty. The perfect place for a leisurely walk amongst beautiful surroundings.
Local Attractions
An interesting craft centre, established in 1984 in an old GWR railway station. Set in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Wye, this craft centre is now an important local attraction with nearly 20,000 visitors a year. Admire the work of painters, potters, sculptors and photographers alike with new exhibitions that change on a monthly basis.
Clara House & Spa in Clara, County Offaly is a great place to relax and treat yourself. Treatments include massages, facials, balneotherapy and peat therapy. Take advantage of the on-site accommodation to enjoy a truly relaxing weekend break, 2 bedroom apartments for 4-5 people are available with both catered and self-catered options.
FreeRein Riding Holidays offers the opportunity to have the ideal riding holiday in the perfect location of the picturesque Welsh countryside. They cater to all level of rider whether you are a complete beginner, are a new or an experienced rider there is a trip to suit you. The horses and ponies are gorgeous, really healthy and with friendly temperaments. On arrival you are allocated a pony to suit you. The staff are brilliant so friendly, helpful, patient and encouraging and above all they are all highly trained, professional and knowledgeable. All equipment is provided so you don't need to take anything along with you, you will get all the maps and information that you will need and the support network is excellent. They offer a choice of holidays from learning to ride holidays as well as guided and self-guided riding holidays, that vary in time, from two to seven day treks. You take in some of the most stunning, dramatic and breathtaking landscapes as you canter through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The accommodations are wonderful, more than adequate and the food is very good. FreeRein Holidays are well organised and operated by a professional and experienced team that ensures a first class experience. The holidays are so good that once you have experienced one you will be wanting to return again, can't recommend enough.
Ludlow - 25.7 Miles (41.1 KM)
Set within the beautiful south Shropshire countryside, Ludlow is a flourishing market town famed for its excellent eateries, festivals and castle. Stunning buildings line the winding streets adding to the atmosphere of, according to Sir John Betjeman, ""the most perfect town in England.""
Park Hall the Countryside Experience is located close to Oswestry in Shropshire and is a very popular and highly acclaimed visitor attraction. It offers so much to see and do with frequent hands-on animal activities such as feed, holding, petting, pig racing, milking a cow and much more. There are two huge indoor playbarns, ample outdoor play, including a zip wire, adventure course, play village, nature trails and driving activities with tractor rides, go karts, Landrover experience, diggers and driving school. In addition there is the Victorian School and Museum where you can get an idea of what it was like to be a child during this era, there is also the recreation of a Victorian home and farmhouse complete with authentic furniture and artefacts showing the daily lives of people back then, as well as a collection of Victorian toys and games, writing materials, books, together with an intriguing collection of clothes, boots and shoes. Step back further in time at the Iron Age Roundhouse and see artefacts of this period and get an insight into how these people would have lived. Another exhibit is relating to the Welsh Guards, there is wonderful collection on display of uniforms, artefacts and memorabilia dating from their inception in 1915 to date, an interesting and informative collection. Don't miss the Science Illusion Zone, great fun. The park is well laid out and very clean and well maintained. The staff throughout are excellent, very friendly and helpful. It is open daily from March through to September from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Throughout the year they organise a number of events, activities and experiences, it is worth keeping an eye out for these they are fun and entertaining. There are picnic benches if you want to take along your own food or visit the Tearooms where they serve a nice selection of tasty snacks and lunches that are well priced and offer real value for money. Park Hall the Countryside Experience is a fabulous visitor attraction with so much on offer there is something to appeal to everyone and at really great prices too, a definite if you are in the area.
Historical & Heritage Sites
A beautiful grade II listed property and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in Wales. The hall was originally built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson; however a huge expansion project led by the Philips family in 1869 doubled its size. Recently restored by the current owners, this magnificent house features some beautiful interiors and impressive collections. Take a stroll around 12 acres of gardens overlooking the ?Abbey of the Long Valley? which dates from the 12th century.
Delve into the fascinating world of Rhayader Museum and Gallery, where various exhibitions document and explore local heritage. These exhibitions are constantly changing and offer great insights into numerous projects. The museum gallery focuses on the nature of culture, society and economics in the shaping of the local community.
Built on the former site of a motte and bailey castle in the early 13th century, this Norman castle is located on the Welsh border and commands spectacular views across Montgomery in Powys. Although now in ruins, the site is still worth a visit for the stunning setting and sense of history.
A ruined Welsh castle dating from the 13th century with spectacular views across the Severn Valley. Its complex evolution is a fascinating one; changing between Welsh and English hands, however ultimately it was to be left in a state of ruin by the late 14th century. Due to recent excavations the public can once again view what remains of this fascinating castle.
Discover a world of Victorian judges and criminals in this award winning, interactive museum. After undergoing heavy restoration, this fascinating attraction boasts original furnishings and interiors which allow visitors to be transported back in time to the 1870s. Explore the damp and dingy prison cells, the impressive apartments that once belonged to Victorian judges and witness the trial of William Morgan in the courtroom.
Home to the Herbert family, this medieval castle sits high above some world famous gardens. It's home to a beautiful collection of treasures from India as well as one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. (Wheelchair access to ground floor only)
Housed in a converted 19th Century warehouse alongside the Montgomery Canal, this museum tells the story of Montgomeryshire. There are various exhibitions running throughout the year.
The Silver Mountain Experience is a unique and interesting day out, located high in the Cambrian Mountains, the site consists of abandoned mine workings, mystical forests and plunging streams that will take you back through time. Not for the faint hearted is the Black Chasm, this is classified as 12A and will take you on a terrifying underground experience, as you travel through the dark and abandoned mine tunnels you never know who you will encounter, be prepared, not recommended for the faint hearted! For the younger adventurers there is the Dragons Tale, you will help to find Grotty, Silvers Mountain's resident and bashful dragon. Being one of Wales best maintained Silver-Lead Mines, there is lots of history and you can experience for a short time what it was like to be a miner in these mines in a bygone era, uncover interesting facts of mining life during the A Miner's Life tour, your guide will lead you through the passageways and impart the history of the mines. The whole area offers so much to explore for all ages, junior members of your family can take part in the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood, where they can construct dens amongst the trees, build dams in the stream or play in the water area. Other activities include gem and gold panning, interactive challenges, nature trails and quiz trail, there is so much to see and do here. Onsite is a cafe where you can relax and have some refreshments. As the terrain is uneven in many places, flip flops/sandals are not recommended and also the underground can be cold so warm clothing is also recommended. The staff are friendly and helpful and add to the overall experience. A great day out regardless of age that is reasonably priced.
Set above a wide valley with excellent views to the Brecon Beacons. A great day out for everyone: countryside walks, ornamental gardens and a spectacular house.
Bronllys Castle is a former Norman fortress that dates back to the thirteenth century and constitutes a round stone keep that is surrounded by a twelfth century motte. The tower is eighty foot tall and contains three floors, if you climb the steep steps you are awarded with superb views over the surrounding countryside. It sits in a prime location that overlooks the junction of two rivers, the Llynfi and Dulais, within a small wood. The purpose of the tower was to protect the main route into the Welsh territory. Bronllys Castle offers a lovely spot to enjoy some nice walks and a picnic on this quiet and tranquil site.
Now ruined, this once fortified manor house was built between 1284 and 1293 by Robert Burnell, the Chancellor of England. He was said to be a good friend of King Edward I. This relationship meant that the castle had a very special purpose in British politics at this time. Legend has it that the first Parliament in which all the Commons were fully represented took place here in 1283.
This castle stands in 12 acres of lavish gardens. There is a maze with a Gothic tower at its centre and an underground tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the sunken garden. The orangery restaurant situated in the large conservatory adjoining the castle serves delicious food and drink, much of this fresh from the kitchen garden.
