Newtown Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Newtown, Mid Wales. Explore its outdoors, iconic landmarks, culture and more with this complete itinerary guide.


Introduction to Newtown

Nestled in the heart of mid Wales, Newtown is a charming market town with plenty to offer travelers seeking natural beauty, fascinating culture and rich history. From towering hills and serene valleys to the iconic landmarks, museums and galleries, to delightful food and drink scene and friendly locals, Newtown is a haven for explorers. In this guide, we will help plan your trip itinerary to make the most of your visit to this beautiful town.

List of Places to Visit in Newtown

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Robert Owen Museum: Robert Owen Museum is a stirring tribute to the remarkable 19th-century social reformer Robert Owen, the town’s most celebrated citizen. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Owen’s life and work, including furniture, books, portraits and papers.
  • Newtown Textile Museum: Newtown Textile Museum encapsulates the true essence of the town’s industrial heritage with textiles displays, interactive exhibits, and living history demonstrations.
  • Oriel Davies Gallery: Oriel Davies Gallery is a contemporary art space showcasing modern arts and crafts from across the globe.

Natural Attractions of Newtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Plynlimon and Hafren Forest: Situated to the east of Newtown, Plynlimon and Hafren Forest is an area of utter natural beauty. Here, you can indulge in activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and bird-watching.
  • Dyfi Valley: The Dyfi Valley is a stunning pocket of natural beauty with its sprawling hills, scenic views and meandering rivers. It is an ideal location for walking or cycling.
  • Llyn Clywedog: Llyn Clywedog is a stunning man-made reservoir, situated on the Clywedog River. You can enjoy several water activities here, such as fishing and sailing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newtown

Newtown is surrounded by rolling hills, winding rivers and peaceful forests, which makes it an incredible spot for hiking and biking. Some of the famous routes are:

  • Dyfi Valley Way: The Dyfi Valley Way trail covers a total of 20 miles and offers breathtaking views of the valley and its surroundings.
  • Wye Valley Walk: The Wye Valley Walk is a picturesque 136-mile long trail from Chepstow to Plynlimon. It is an ideal trail for wildlife lovers and offers stunning views of the valley.

Best Things to Do in Newtown: Activities and Tours

  • Newtown Food Festival: Newtown food festival is an annual celebration of local cuisine from across the mid-Wales region.
  • Powys County Agricultural Show: Experience the agricultural life with Powys County Agricultural Show. It is an annual family-friendly event highlighting livestock exhibitions, produce displays and stalls selling traditional Welsh food and livestock.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newtown

If you’re planning to stay in Newtown for a week, here is a helpful itinerary:

Day 1 Museums and Heritage Sites
Robert Owen Museum Oriel Davies Gallery
Textile Museum Newtown Heritage Trail
Day 2 Scenic Beauty and Nature
Hafren Forest Glyndwr’s Way
Plynlimon Llyn Clywedog
Day 3 Art and Culture
Gregynog Gallery Mid-Wales Arts Centre
Newtown Theatre Hafren Theatre
Day 4 Dramatic Coastline and Sights
Cardigan Bay Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Harlech Castle Tywyn Beach
Day 5 Excursions and Tours
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Powis Castle
Cambrian Coast Railway Brecon Mountain Railway
Day 6 Food and Drink Scene
Newtown Food Festival Pubs and bars in Newtown
Powis Castle Cafe Welsh culinary delights
Day 7 Free Day
Museum of Modern Art Marked Trails

Food and Drink Scene of Newtown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Welsh Cakes: These are traditional Welsh cakes, usually made with flour, sugar, butter, and currants. They are perfect snacks and loved by everyone in mid Wales.
  • Cawl: Cawl is a Welsh soup made from meat and vegetables. It is a wholesome and hearty dish, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.

Local Beverages

  • Aber Falls Distillery: Aber Falls Distillery is a local gem. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, learning the history and process behind gin making.
  • Brecon Brewery: Brecon Brewery is another must-visit spot in Newtown. It is a microbrewery that offers brewery tours and tastings.

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

  • Penygelli Country House: Penygelli Country House is an award-winning three-star country house hotel located on the outskirts of Newtown. It has twelve beautifully decorated rooms with modern amenities.
  • Bear Hotel: Bear Hotel, an iconic landmark of Newtown, is a grade-II listed accommodation with an on-site restaurant and bar.
  • The Old Vicarage: The Old Vicarage is a charming bed and breakfast, perfect for travelers seeking a calm and peaceful stay.

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

  • Welsh wool shawls: Handmade Welsh wool shawls are an ideal souvenir to take back home.
  • Ceramic Bricks: Ceramic bricks are a unique gift to take back home. Paul Jones, a local ceramist, crafts some of the best ceramic bricks in Wales.

Local Culture and Customs of Newtown

Welsh culture is rich in traditions and customs, and Newtown has a unique cultural scene. Locals are proud of their heritage and passionate about sharing it.

Best Time to Visit Newtown

The best time to visit Newtown is from May through September. The weather is warm, and you can enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest. Plus, there are plenty of festivals and events taking place during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newtown

Do:

  • Respect the Welsh Language: Wales is a bilingual country, so it is always advisable to be respectful of the Welsh language.
  • Take in the Scenery: Newtown is renowned for its excellent panorama, so don’t forget to take in the fabulous views.

Don’t:

  • Be rude to locals: People in Newtown are friendly and hospitable even to visitors. It always pays off to show kindness and respect to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newtown

Newtown is generally a safe town, but like any other place, you should always remain vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of criminal activity. Avoid unsafe areas and stay in well-lit streets at night.

Health in Newtown

Newtown has excellent medical facilities, including a modern hospital and well-equipped medical clinics. You can get the assistance you require with ease.

Getting to Newtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Newtown

The closest airports to Newtown are Birmingham International Airport and Manchester Airport, both situated approximately 1.5 hours’ drive away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Newtown

Newtown Bus Station is conveniently located in the town center, providing regular bus services to most parts of Wales and England.

Other Options

You can also commute to Newtown by train. Newtown Railway Station is located in the Junction of Cambrian Lines and Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury Line.

How to Get Around in Newtown

Newtown is a small town, and the best way to get around is by foot or bicycle. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, you can hire a car or book a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Newtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Newtown is located in the heart of mid-Wales, providing easy access to several popular Welsh destinations such as:

  • Powis Castle: Take an hour’s car journey to the medieval Powis Castle and Garden, set on a hill with views over Welsh landscape.
  • Winter Wonderland Llandudno: In winter, travel north to enjoy the Llandudno Winter Wonderland.
  • Brecon Beacons National Park: Brecon Beacons National Park is a must-visit for anyone visiting mid-Wales; this incredible natural reserve is approximately an hour’s drive from Newtown.

Conclusion

Newtown is a charming mid Wales town that offers something for everyone. You can experience history, culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With this guide, we hope to have provided you with an idea of what to expect and plan your trip to Newtown. We hope you enjoy your trip and create memories that last a lifetime.

Gregynog Hall Gregynog Hall