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10 Historic Sites in Powys That You Shouldn't Miss
Wales' spectacular scenic rural heartland, and the site of Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys is a lush land of verdant mountain valleys, craggy caves and quirky towns. The staunchly nationalistic area offers appealing outdoors opportunities. Canter on horseback through the rugged Brecon Beacons mountain range. Walk or cycle the charming valleys. Other draws are commanding Powis Castle near Welshpool and the Centre for Alternative Technology, a sustainable development center, near Machynlleth.
Restaurants in Powys
1. The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 567 reviews
The Hall is a 52 roomed, Grade 11* Gothic Revival mansion, standing in 12 acres of gardens near Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales. The Hall offers tours to the public. The tours combine outstanding architecture, stunning interiors, thousands of collectable items and beautiful grounds. The gardens include a walled garden, woodland walks, a lake and waterfall, lawns, terraces and courtyards. From 1st November each year, all 52 rooms are decorated to individual themes for Christmas.
Reviewed By smh1302 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
We were very cordially greted by Paul and his lovely dog which set the tone for a terrific experience. It's a family home which is beautifully decorated for Christmas; all of the 52 rooms are open to the tours and each has it's own theme & Xmas decs, it's often a mish-mash of styles which only adds to its origionality but the overall effect is stunning as is the decor and furnishings. If you are expecting a traditionally furnished period property you maybe disappointed (visit a NT house instead!) but it's a quirky one-off which is very refreshing - Art Deco was once "different". It's very obvious that Paul & Victoria are emensly proud of their home and all the work they've put into it and rightly so, they were extremely genial hosts who went out of their way to make us and our son very welcome going above & beyond to make our experience so positive. Credit must also go to Karen who showed us around, she was fab & so knowledgeable, the time simply flew by.
2. Plas Dinam
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
This is a historical Grade 11 listed building in mid Wales, built in 1873. It was bought by David Davies who made his fortune in mining & developing the railways. His sisters Gwendoline & Margaret were well known art collectors. It already has a Trip Advisor certificate of excellence 2014. They are members of the Historic Housing Association (HHA), visits can be arranged through membership.
3. Powis Castle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By AbergeleAnJ - Newtown, United Kingdom
As a National Trust member we booked a visiting time. First time visiting Powis castle and it won’t be the last - really lovely gardens and grounds - can’t wait to come back when the castle reopens
4. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,424 reviews
Voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder, and the winner of all major environmental and tourism awards.There are three exceptional caves to experience - Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Each cave offers a unique underground adventure. In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk through beautifully decorated passageways for just under 1 kilometre; in Cathedral Cave you walk through enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago. At the end of this cave you will walk behind 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an exceptional end to a truly breathtaking cave. In Bone Cave learn why 42 human skeletons are buried there, and why our ancestors used caves all those years ago.On site we also have one of the world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models. Ranging from the ever popular Tyrannosaurus Rex and Brachiosaurs, to the lesser-known Tsintaosaurus. There are over 220 models to see – you are bound to find your favourite dinosaur! The Shire Horse Centre offers the excitement of two indoor children’s play areas. We also have the farm experience. Why not make friends with the gentle giants – our Shire horses are waiting to say hello. Include the Iron Age village, museum, stone circles, and you have plenty to see and do for all ages. As we are situated in a National Park, you might like to consider staying on our Caravan/Tenting site for your visit to the caves?For those who may want a break, there is our Coffee shop, and finally the Rock and Dinosaur shop to enjoy.
Reviewed By 656lily
For the caves: It was absolutely fantastic. Beautiful caves and very informative audio guides as you go round. I went during the Covid-19 pandemic and the friendly staff made it very clear how to negotiate the caves while still staying safe which was very much appreciated, since one of my close family members is high risk- plus there were many hand sanitizer stations. One of the three caves was shut (the ‘bone cave’) but it didn’t matter at all or take away from the experience. Kids would absolutely love the dinosaurs, with cool scenes set up and moving creatures! Adults and teens would be awestruck by the beautiful caves with cascading waterfalls and wonderful rock formations. The site is very dog friendly and I saw many happy dogs enjoying their day. The gift shop was excellent, selling fossils and crystals, as well as toy dinosaurs and fun ‘welsh love spoons’. There is a farm with very friendly sheep, goats, llamas, shire horses and pigs and you could sit stroking the sheep for hours!! Overall a great experience and I’m coming back next year!!! For camping: Gorgeous location, with the rolling hills and pretty forests- there is even a little stream behind the campsite where you can explore and swim in the deep bits. The staff are again very friendly and welcoming and if you hear otherwise then I’m sure it is the reviewer that is bitter-natured rather than the staff. The toilet block is really clean with nice hot showers and big mirrors. Would very much recommend this picturesque, calm getaway!
5. Glansevern Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Glansevern Hall Gardens is CLOSED and under private ownership. Please see website for updates in 2021.
6. Talgarth Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Watty34 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
We had 2 nights away in the Brecon Beacons in early October and the owner of the B&B recommended Talgarth Mill as an interesting place to visit on our way home. We would highly recommend you visit the Mill, which has been lovingly restored and is ably run by volunteers. We had a guided tour from the miller, who was very knowledgeable about the history of the mill and its workings. There is a café on site, which serves some lovely food and you can buy bread which has been baked using the flour ground in the mill. So pleased this was recommended to us, as it is a great place to while away a couple of hours.
7. Llanymynech Heritage Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By TeaWithQ - Rugby, United Kingdom
We were actually hoping for a bit of a stroll through an old quarry with some history and wildlife.... This is so much more than that! Laid out well with lots of signs and information boards the history really comes alive. If you're up to it walk up to the quarry at the top of the incline. The views are amazing and the cliffs are breath taking. To think of the hell it must've been when work was going on and the contrast to the tranquility of the present is inspiring.
8. Bryntail Lead Mine Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Buildings and structures associated with the nineteenth-century extraction and processing of lead ore.
Reviewed By 557ljl - Llandrindod Wells, United Kingdom
a peaceful site, full of history hidden away beneath the Clywedog Dam. A down side though concerning the public pathway leading away from the site and on to the reservoir. The path after about half a mile comes to a farm yard which it continues through via a gate. On our walk today the gate was guarded by least one not very friendly dog with at least one other barking along with it. We had our own dog with us but as we did not know the length of yard to cross ( at full sprint) we had to turn back. Very sad that we could not complete our walk in what is beautiful countryside.
9. Llywelyn Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
This stone monument stands close to the area where Llywelyn ap Gruffudd is thought to have died on 11th December 1282. Climb down the stairs to see the well, where tradition says Llywelyn's severed head was washed before being sent to Edward I at Rhuddlan Castle.
Reviewed By MargaretHumphriesBsc
After speaking to the Landlord at The Prince Inn, he recommended we visit Llewelyn Monument, just a short distance away. There's a small layby alongside the Monument so parking is easy. We wandered across the grass and could not believe what we had stumbled on. An amazing snippet of Welsh history! Quite an overwhelming experience. Thank you
10. Machynlleth Town Clock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By nfriesen1 - Winnipeg, Canada
A beautiful historic clock tower in the town centre of Machynlleth. Great architecture and worth a quick stop to check it out.
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