Powys Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs of Powys. Plan your trip to this beautiful region of Mid Wales with our helpful travel guide.


Introduction to Powys

Powys is a landlocked county in Mid Wales that offers an authentic Welsh experience. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning mountain ranges, shimmering lakes, and breathtakingly beautiful valleys. Apart from natural beauty, Powys also has a rich cultural heritage, with historic towns, mythical legends, and unique customs. It is a perfect destination to explore Wales beyond the regular tourist trail.

List of Places to Visit in Powys

Powys has a plethora of places to visit that cater to different interests. Some of the must-visit places are:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Powys Castle: This 13th-century castle boasts a mix of medieval and Victorian architecture and houses a vast collection of art and antiques.

  • National Museum of Wales (St. Fagans): An open-air museum that showcases the traditional Welsh way of life. You can explore over 40 original buildings, including a schoolhouse, a bakery, and a chapel.

  • Swansea Museum: The oldest museum in Wales that houses an impressive collection of local art, ceramics, and archeological artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Powys: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Brecon Beacons National Park: A paradise for hikers, with scenic trails, rolling hills, and picturesque waterfalls.

  • Elan Valley Reservoirs: A set of interconnected reservoirs that provide drinking water to the region and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

  • The Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve: A 1,000-acre reserve with a lake, streams, woodlands, and meadows. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 80 bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Powys

Powys has some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in the United Kingdom. Some of the popular routes are:

  • Glyndwr’s Way: A 135-mile circular trail that takes you through the rolling hills, forests, and moorlands of Powys.

  • Offa’s Dyke Path: A 177-mile-long trail that follows the ancient border between England and Wales and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Mawddach Trail: A scenic 9-mile trail that follows an old railway line and runs past the Mawddach Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Best Things to Do in Powys: Activities and Tours

Powys offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to different interests. Some of the best things to do are:

  • Canal boat tour: Take a leisurely boat ride on the Montgomery Canal and enjoy the scenic countryside.

  • Rock Climbing: Head to the Brecon Beacons and test your climbing skills on the rugged cliffs and crags.

  • Golfing: Powys has several world-class golf courses, including the championship courses of the Celtic Manor Resort.

Week-Long Itinerary for Powys

If you’re planning to spend a week in Powys, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the historic town of Machynlleth and visit the Owain Glyndwr Centre.

Day 2: Hike to the top of Cadair Idris and soak in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 3: Take a scenic train ride on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway and visit the beautiful Powis Castle.

Day 4: Explore the charming town of Knighton and hike on Offa’s Dyke Path.

Day 5: Visit the stunning Elan Valley Reservoirs and go fishing, cycling or walk along the scenic trail.

Day 6: Take a guided boat tour on the Montgomery canal and enjoy the picturesque countryside.

Day 7: Play a round of golf at the Celtic Manor Resort, take a cooking class and learn to make Welsh cakes.

Food and Drink Scene of Powys

Powys has a rich culinary tradition and boasts some of the best food and drink in Mid Wales. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Welsh Black Beef: This is a local breed of cattle that produces tender, flavorful, and succulent beef.

  • Cawl: This is a hearty and wholesome Welsh broth made with meat, vegetables, and potatoes.

  • Welsh Cakes: These are bite-sized, flat cakes made with flour, sugar, and butter and are often served with tea.

Local Beverages

  • Welsh Beer: There are several local breweries in Powys that produce craft beer, including the Felin Foel Brewery and the Otley Brewery.

  • Welsh Whiskey: The Penderyn Distillery in Brecon produces some of the world’s finest whiskey.

  • Welsh Cider: The Scrumpy House in Knighton produces a variety of delicious ciders made from locally grown apples.

Where to Stay in Powys: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Powys offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Lake Country House and Spa: A luxurious spa hotel with a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Irfon.

  • The Dragon Hotel: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Montgomery that offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.

  • Knighton Hotel: A traditional hotel in Knighton that offers cozy rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

What to Buy in Powys: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take home some Welsh memorabilia, Powys has plenty of options to explore. Some of the best things to buy are:

  • Welsh Blankets: They are hand-woven and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

  • Welsh Love Spoons: These are intricately carved wooden spoons that symbolize love and commitment.

  • Welsh Whiskey: The Penderyn Distillery in Brecon produces some of the world’s finest whiskey.

Local Culture and Customs of Powys

Welsh culture has its own unique identity, and Powys is no exception. Here are some of the local customs and traditions:

  • Eisteddfod: This is a Welsh cultural festival that features music, poetry, and dance and attracts thousands of participants from around the country.

  • Calennig: This is a traditional Welsh New Year’s Eve celebration that involves singing, dancing, and giving gifts to friends and family.

  • The Red Dragon: The Welsh flag features a red dragon, which symbolizes power and strength.

Best Time to Visit Powys

Powys can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you’re planning to visit the Brecon Beacons, the best time is in the autumn when the hills are covered in shades of red, brown, and yellow.

Do’s and Don’ts of Powys

Do:

  • Do learn some basic Welsh phrases, such as “Croeso” (Welcome) and “Diolch” (Thank you). It shows respect for the local culture.

  • Do visit the local farmer’s markets and sample some of the freshest local produce.

  • Do hike on the public trails and respect the natural surroundings.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the environment.

  • Don’t ignore the road signs and traffic rules.

  • Don’t forget to try the local food and drink.

Safety and Health

Safety in Powys

Powys is a safe place to visit, but it’s always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car.

  • Follow the trail markers while hiking and stay on the designated paths.

  • Don’t leave children unattended near lakes or rivers.

Health in Powys

Powys has plenty of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. However, it’s always advisable to carry your personal medications and travel insurance.

Getting to Powys: Transportation Options and Logistics

Powys is accessible by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the transportation options to reach Powys:

Airports Near Powys

  • Cardiff Airport (120 miles)

  • Birmingham Airport (68 miles)

  • Manchester Airport (85 miles)

Bus Stations Near Powys

  • Powys Bus Station (Newtown)

  • Knighton Bus Station (Knighton)

  • Brecon Bus Station (Brecon)

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in Powys, including Hertz and Enterprise.

How to Get Around in Powys

Powys is best explored by car, but there are also other transportation options, such as:

  • Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

  • Local buses

  • Taxi

Where to Go Next from Powys: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Powys is located in the heart of Wales and is well-connected to nearby destinations. Here are some of the nearby places to visit:

  • The Welsh Marches

  • Wye Valley

  • Snowdonia National Park

Conclusion

Powys is a hidden gem of Mid Wales that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic Welsh experiences. Explore the stunning landscapes, hike the scenic trails, and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Plan your trip to Powys with our comprehensive travel guide and discover the true essence of Wales.

Map of Powys Map of Powys


    Knighton
    Llandrindod Wells
    Newtown
    Pen y Cae
    Rhayader
    Trecastle
    Welshpool