Landlocked on the eastern side of Wales and bordering England, the county of Powys is recognised predominately by its mountainous regions and therefore ample outdoor activity opportunities. The county has some of the best unspoilt landscapes in the whole of Wales and it features well over 100 miles of walking and cycling routes for visitors to enjoy the surroundings. Read more
The Hendre Farmhouse is an attractive self-catering holiday home in a very rural location a short stroll from the River Irfon. Three miles from Builth Wells, a thriving market town in the Welsh Marches, it is within easy reach of the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park and the dramatic Dams of the Elan Valley. The house comfortably accommodates ten people in five bedrooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible, with a sofa bed in the study sleeping an extra guest if necessary. It's a fantastic place to stay with family or friends, especially if you love walking and cycling.
A spacious farmhouse in mid-Wales with space for ten people in five rooms and a layout that suits friends and multi-generational families. Old Great House dates from the 16th-Century and has recently been restored to offer a high standard of self-catering accommodation eight miles from Builth Wells and with easy reach of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, Elan Valley, Hay-on-Wye and Hereford. Original features have been updated with modern luxuries, including an outdoor hot tub. It's perfect for a self-catering holiday in any season.
Whether you're a hiker, mountain biker, angler, or you simply love a glorious view, you'll love Tan y Capel. This mid-Wales holiday cottage has spectacular mountain views and is convenient for the Cambrian Mountains, Nant-yr-Arian, Snowdonia, Aberdyfi and the Ceredigion Coast, and the Elan Valley. It's in the tiny hamlet of Bont Dolgadfan in Llanbrynmair, 20 minutes from Machynlleth and Llanidloes and even closer to the Llyn Cleywedog Reservoir. Tan y Capel sleeps five people in two bedrooms with gardens to the front and rear, secure bike storage, and modern touches like a 50-inch Smart TV.
Escape to the mid-Wales countryside in this gorgeous holiday cottage. The Cowshed is a fantastic barn conversion sleeping four people in two bedrooms with a layout that suits couples and families. It's on a family-run farm in Adfa, close to Welshpool and Powys and has direct access to fantastic walks and bike rides. The local area has museums, castles, lively market towns, and a good choice of sights and activities to enjoy in all seasons. The cottage is available for holiday bookings all year round.
The Stable is a beautiful 18th-Century timber-framed barn conversion with fantastic views over fields to the Kerry Ridgeway. It's on a family-run farm just outside of Adfa, close to Newtown and Welshpool and within easy reach of Southern Snowdonia and the Cambrian Mountains. It's a superb area for walking and mountain biking, with castles, country houses, gardens, lakes, golf courses and market towns for those who don't want to spend all day, every day in the spectacular countryside on the border between Powys and Shropshire. The holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is well suited to families and couples.
Escape to the country in this charming stone holiday cottage. With room for seven people to sleep in three bedrooms, it is perfect for families, giving lovely views and easy access to places like the Shropshire AONB and Offa's Dyke. The cottage is on a family-run farm close to where Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Powys meet, and only a few miles from Presteigne and Knighton. With 4-Star status from Visit Britain, Rose Cottage is very family and dog-friendly and ideal for walkers and cyclists. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Tucked away on a quiet family-run farm next to the Welsh border and the Shropshire Hills AONB, Orchard Cottage is ideal for large or extended family holidays. It easily sleeps up to 14 people in five beautiful bedrooms and has plenty of space inside and out. Sit back and enjoy the stunning countryside views, swim in the indoor heated pool or watch the kids have fun in the adventure playground or games room. Located at the point where Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys meet, there are plenty of attractions including Offa's Dyke, Hereford and Ludlow within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
An exceptionally pretty detached stone cottage offering the chance to immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the beautiful Welsh countryside. Nant Llachar Cottage is a short walk from stunning Lake Vyrnwy with its Victorian dam, set amongst an RSPB nature reserve and has lots of character including a large inglenook with wood burning stove for cosy breaks. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Just north of the Brecon Beacons National Park and within walking distance of the friendly market town of Builth Wells, Tyddyn has been recently extended and updated to offer a high standard of holiday accommodation for up to seven people. With three bedrooms, a large living area and five acres of private ground, it is ideal for large families or groups of friends who want to explore this beautiful part of mid-Wales. The nearby River Wye offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and there are miles of footpaths, cycle trails and bridleways to explore. Builth Wells' central location is also ideal for day trips to Aberystwyth and Hereford, as well as Brecon and Llandrindod Wells.
A relaxing holiday in the Welsh countryside is exactly what you need after a busy time with life and work. Pippins provides the perfect spot to unwind and put your cares aside. The former granary has been beautifully converted to offer superb accommodation for four people in two bedrooms. Guests enjoy stunning views in all directions, including spectacular night skies, and fantastic walks from the door. Llandrindod Wells is only 15 minutes away, and you're also within easy reach of the Elan Valley and Hay-on-Wye.
Traditional and welcoming, this single level holiday home offers 'affordable' self-catering and sits on the edge of the market town of Rhayader in a peaceful position, yet with a good range of amenities within walking distance. A great base for exploring Mid-Wales, the reservoirs and dams of the Elan Valley and the spectacular Cambrian Mountains. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Treat your family and your friends to a holiday in this fabulous self catering rental in the heart of Montgomery in the Welsh Marches. The Old Post Office has been beautifully restored and modernised yet still retains its original Georgian elegance and charm. Accommodation includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper two floors and a huge, open plan living/dining and kitchen area on the ground floor. There are fantastic walks around Montgomery, with more walking and cycling opportunities in the nearby Shropshire Hills. It's perfect for lazy summer holidays and equally wonderful for a cosy stay in winter and over Christmas.
Make Hafod-y-Blodau the destination for your next escape to Wales. This converted hillside barn sits above the beautiful Irfon Valley, three miles from Builth Wells and within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Elan Valley. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is child and pet-friendly, making it suitable for couples or families. There are gorgeous walks from the door. Fishing on the River Irfon can be arranged with the owners. Other nearby activities include golf, pony trekking, climbing and kayaking. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Set in the picturesque tranquil Tanat Valley between the charming villages of Penybontfawr and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, this lovely barn conversion is surrounded by glorious scenery and pretty Welsh villages with good pubs. An ideal holiday retreat for a relaxing break or for enjoying the many local attractions (including Lakes Bala and Vyrnwy), wildlife and outdoor activities including lovely walks. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Granary Cottage offers cosy self-catering. Within a two minute walk from the excellent Pandy Inn and within easy reach of Hay-on-Wye and the Brecon Beacons National Park, the holiday cottage sits in the 'Golden Valley' within the pretty village of Dorstone in Herefordshire. There is a secluded garden, secure shed for bicycles and off-road parking. During 2020 as an extra precaution, the owners will be leaving a 30 hour clear gap between lettings.
Spectacular views over the Banwy Valley are just one of many features that makes Ty Gwyn the sort of holiday home where people return year after year. The three-bedroom detached property sleeps five people and is on a quiet no-through lane above Foel near Llangadfan in Powys. It's an area popular for walking, cycling, birdwatching and fishing. Pretty market towns like Machynlleth, Welshpool and Oswestry provide all of the amenities you'll need for your self-catering stay whether you're travelling as a couple, family, or group of friends.
Cwm Cole is in the beautiful Shropshire Hills and is ideal for families, extended families and friends. It's a perfect holiday home for a walking holiday as it has three long-distance footpaths nearby, including Offa's Dyke, which you can access from the garden gate. There is room for up to ten people to sleep in five bedrooms, with a comfortably large living room with a log burner, and a spacious garden with a barbecue. The cottage is near the quiet village of Llanfairwaterdine, a stone's throw from the River Teme and a few miles from Knighton. Bookings are available all year round.
The beautiful Brecon Beacons are calling so answer them with a stay at Tyn Y Coed. The 300-year old stone holiday cottage is a fantastic mix of original features with contemporary conveniences and is perfect for families and friends who enjoy peace without feeling isolated. Sennybridge is less than two miles away, while Brecon, Tretower, Crickhowell and Abergavenny are all within easy reach. Walk to the top of Pen y Fan, beside the waterfalls in Ystradfellte, or through the underground world of Porth-yr-Ogof Caves and Dan-yr-Ogof Caves. With spacious gardens that feature an outdoor hot tub, there is nowhere nicer to relax.
Eight delightful stone holiday cottages on a four hundred acre estate in a picturesque wooded valley between the villages of Beulah and Abergwesyn in the heart of Mid Wales. Sleeping one to nine guests or larger groups if booked together, the cottages are ideal for a romantic break, family holiday or reunion of friends. With hot tub, stunning scenery, beautiful walks and an abundance of wildlife, Trallwm Forest Cottages offer all the right ingredients for a relaxing holiday.
Set in a beautiful location in a hidden valley at the base of the Cambrian Mountains, this welcoming cottage is just a mile from Glaspwll nestling within the most wonderful Welsh countryside. The Cottage at Cefn Coch Farm is a perfect retreat for anyone who wants to get away from it all for some peace and tranquility. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Popular towns in and around Powys:
BalaBreconCrickhowellHay-on-WyeMachynllethNewtownSearch within South Wales
There is a real sense of culture and identity around Powys and no more so is this evident than in its culinary specialities. Welsh Black Beef, local fish and game or even tender mountain lamb are all things to try in the area and there are numerous farmers markets spread throughout the county that offer local produce with a distinctly Welsh twist. The market town of Brecon is a great example of this and it offers a local farmers market on the second Saturday of every month barring August.
Indeed, the small town is a part of living history and it features an 11th century castle and an impressive cathedral that was constructed by the Normans. Currently it has the biggest cresset stone in Britain with its 30 candle holding cups, in addition to being the final resting place of Welsh princes and Norman lords over the years. Just outside of Brecon are various walking and trekking routes. The town is set in the backdrop of hilly and rugged terrain with an intense landscape just waiting to be explored. Penyfan, one of the highest points in the south of Britain at just under 900 meters, is also in the area.
Cyclists will love the challenging variety of routes on offer throughout the county. You can find relaxing trails or more craggy, mountain bike ways such as the Cli-Machx trail in the Dyfi Forest across the county. There are 3 Cycle Break Centres in Powys that offer bicycle hire and their own routes with maps and guides. Even though the county itself is landlocked, it enjoys flowing rivers and canals that provide a fantastic opportunity for water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and water skiing.
An interesting location within the county is the so called 'town of books' otherwise known as Hay-on-Wye. The little market town has built up a reputation as a second hand and antiquarian book depository with no less than 30 independent outlets in the area. The traditional market held every Thursday in the town is visited by locals and tourists alike and offers fresh local produce such as meat, cheese and fish as well as bakery items, antiques and, of course, book sales.
The county of Powys is a real highlight in the region. There aren't many other places that have such an abundance of mountains and hills and the sprawling nature of its landscapes and terrain is a sight to behold. Nestled deep in the valleys are small towns with activities and interests for everyone from millennia old structures to traditional markets. Powys might be overshadowed sometimes by counties and tourist spots in other parts of the country; however as a place of interest and natural beauty spot, it more than holds its own.
