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
Cosy, self-catering cottage in the lovely Herefordshire village of Dorstone in the 'Golden Valley' close to Hay-on-Wye. Private holiday home managed by the owners - no agency fees. Secluded south facing garden with secure bicycle store. Two minutes walk to excellent pub.
The beautiful Brecon Beacons are calling so answer them with a stay at Tyn Y Coed. The 300-year old stone 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.
An exceptionally pretty detached stone cottage offering the chance to immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the beautiful Welsh countryside. A short walk from stunning Lake Vyrnwy with its Victorian dam, set amongst an RSPB nature reserve. Lots of character including a large inglenook with wood burning stove for cosy breaks.
Full of character, this converted barn sits amongst extensive grounds in the tranquility of the mid-Welsh countryside just a mile from the village of Bettws Cedewain (with pub) and three miles from Newtown. Offering dog and wheelchair friendly accommodation, eight to twelve guests can be accommodated in four en-suite bedrooms, making this a good choice for large groups and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Welsh Marches, Snowdonia and the coast.
Sitting amongst extensive attractive grounds, this welcoming dog-friendly holiday cottage offers the perfect mix of modern conveniences and traditional character to ensure a relaxing and memorable holiday. Set in a tranquil position amongst the rolling countryside of Mid-Wales, Orchard Cottage is a mile from Bettws Cedewain village (with pub) and three miles from the market town of Newtown. Spend your next holiday exploring Mid-Wales, Snowdonia and the Welsh coastline.
Bursting with character, this pretty stone holiday cottage offers a taste of country life and nestles amongst the glorious rolling countryside of Powys in Mid-Wales. Ideally placed in the beautiful Dyfi Valley, guests can enjoy lovely walks from the front door and a host of attractions throughout Wales. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A delightful holiday cottage bursting with character, peacefully situated amongst lovely rolling countryside in Powys, Mid-Wales. In the heart of the beautiful Dyfi Valley, this is the perfect holiday retreat from which to enjoy the wonders of Wales, relax and unwind. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A well presented self-catering cottage packed full of character, nestling within rolling countryside in Powys, Mid-Wales. Enjoy wonderful walks through the picturesque Dyfi Valley from the front door or use the cottage as a base for exploring Snowdonia and the many delights of Wales. 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
Sitting in the fantastic location in a hidden valley within beautiful Welsh countryside close to Machynlleth, this holiday cottage provides a high standard of holiday accommodation and is an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts sitting at the foot of the Cambrian Mountains, or those looking for peace and tranquility.
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 perfect retreat for anyone who wants to get away from it all for some peace and tranquility. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Offering self-catering for those on a budget, Bluebell Loft sits on a working farm in the Welsh village of Llanspyddid, a mile from the market town of Brecon within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Sleeping four, the apartment lends itself equally well to couples as it does small families, and is a good choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Spend your days out and about exploring with a comfy affordable base to return home to of an evening to cook, relax and recharge.
Just a mile from the market town of Brecon on a working farm, this cosy yet spacious farmhouse comfortably accommodates parties of two to ten guests. Sitting in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the small Welsh village of Llanspyddid, Meadow View is a good choice for those who like exploring with plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy.
Red Kite Lodge is located a short four mile drive from the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh Borders and is a superb base for exploring the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Offa's Dyke Path. A popular choice with outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy fabulous walks and cycling; or for those who enjoy water sports, kayaking, fishing and canoeing on the River Wye and Llangorse. Sleeping six guests, Red Kite Lodge is perfect for a family holiday, friends who want a weekend of adventure and also couples.
The Welsh Borders are famous for stunning views, fantastic food and a rich history. Drovers Lodge, being just four miles from the beautiful book town of Hay-on-Wye, provides the ideal place to stay while exploring it all. Offa's Dyke Path, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains are all nearby to offer endless opportunities for wonderful walks or bike rides, while the River Wye and Llangorse are great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. The lodge has space for up to six guests and is perfect for couples, families and friends who will quickly discover that however long they stay, it will never be enough!
With beautiful views of the Black mountains and Brecon Beacons, this holiday cottage is a perfect place to relax and unwind amongt stunning scenery. Ideal for outdoor lovers, there are plenty of activities to enjoy including walking, canoeing, cycling and coarse fishing (on-site), as well as bird watching and plenty of attractions for day trips out including nearby Brecon. Enjoy a taste of country life with a Farmstay. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
If you are searching for relaxation, rolling hills, wonderful fresh air and mountains then this spacious farmhouse is sure to please. Offering holiday accommodation for parties of sixteen, Trowley Farmhouse is ideal for friends and families looking to relax and explore the many delights of South Wales. Close to the Welsh village of Painscastle, within easy reach of Hay-on-Wye the farmhouse has stunning views over the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A comfortable holiday cottage on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, affording exceptional views over the national park and also the Black Mountains. Suitable for those with limited mobility and ideal for walkers, cyclists, twitchers, fishermen and those who simply want to relax! Just four miles from the market town of Brecon. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Cottage Two is located at Cefncoedbach Farm and offers the chance to enjoy a taste of country life. Sitting amongst glorious Mid Wales countryside with glorious views over the Brecon Beacons and Black mountains, this is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of opportunity for walking, cycling, nature and course fishing, as well as relaxation. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
