What to do and see in Powys, Wales: The Best Free Things to do

May 22, 2022 Flossie Demartino

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. Offa's Dyke

Knighton Wales http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/offas-dyke/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=offas%20dyke
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Offa's Dyke

Visitors can hike along this 800-year-old trail that consists of a great earth bank that runs approximately 176 miles along the border of England and Wales.

Reviewed By Davidffc - London, United Kingdom

Wonderful walk from Chepstow to Knighton, beautiful countryside and lovely places to stay. You are literally walking in the footsteps of history. Can be hard work, but worth the effort.

2. Elan Valley

Elan Valley, Rhayader LD6 5HP Wales +44 1597 810880 [email protected] http://www.elanvalley.org.uk
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,279 reviews

Elan Valley

Reviewed By raserfamily - Stonehouse, United Kingdom

Here for a few days mid August. The dams are impressive and worth a visit to them all as they are all different and the countryside is amazing, plenty of walks to do. Lots of people on bikes as well. Dog friendly.

Brook Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BQ Wales +44 1497 821070 [email protected] http://www.brookstreetpottery.co.uk/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
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0%
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Brook Street Pottery & Gallery

Beautiful pottery shop and gallery exhibiting a carefully curated range of British contemporary ceramics . The gallery also has jewellery and prints for sale. In the upper floor gallery space there are changing exhibitions of applied arts. The 300 year old building also houses a working pottery making frostproof hand thrown studio terracotta for the garden. Owner and potter Simon Hulbert makes original and functional garden pots and fellow potter Bill Parkes makes a range of standard useful garden pots like Half pans and Long Toms. Simon has also recently been to China and now makes collection of small porcelain vessels including vases , dishes, espresso cups and lidded boxes.

Reviewed By jojo1essex2019 - Newport, United Kingdom

Lovely gallery and lots of pottery for sale with a good range of prices. Definitely worth a look. There was an exhibition on when I visited. Very reasonably priced earthenware for the garden too.

4. St Melangell's Church

Off the B4391 Pennant Melangell, Llangynog SY10 0HQ Wales +44 1691 860408 [email protected] http://www.st-melangell.org.uk/English/Church/stmelangellchurch.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

St Melangell's Church

The shrine church of St. Melangell is a beautiful small church near the North and Mid Wales border. It nestles in a secluded valley at the edge of the Berwyn mountains. Inside you will find the oldest Romanesque shrine in Northern Europe; a place of pilgrimage and tranquility. We are an Anglican Christian Church but welcome people of all faiths and none. In the churchyard, 2000 year old yew trees can be found, these are protected by Kew gardens and truly magnificant.

Reviewed By Relax792979

This church is well worth a visit. The atmosphere is so calm and serene, quite a change from the hustle and bustle of life.

5. Newtown Textile Museum

5-7 Commercial Street, Newtown SY16 2BL Wales +44 1686 622024 [email protected] http://www.newtowntextilemuseum.co.uk
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
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5.0 based on 34 reviews

Newtown Textile Museum

Museum is now closed for the winter but will reopen on 25 May. depending, of course, on the regulations at the time. When opening is possible we will continue to offer visitors the opportunity to book timed-entry visits, as well as being able to come in without pre-booking if the numbers in the Museum at the time permit it. Bookings are now available on Eventbrite. As you would expect, safe-distance requirements and all the other Covid-safe measures will be in place. The Museum gives a great insight into the woollen industry, its boom and bust cycles and the effect on the development and growth of Newtown during the 1800s. It covers the story of wool from fleece to flannel, and tells the story of the families who lived and worked in this rare building from that period. It opens during the summer months.

Reviewed By nicolamC3562BE - Newtown, United Kingdom

A really interesting building, which has much improved since being taken over from the local council. Every room was informative, with displays and artefacts, and the volunteer staff were friendly and happy to answer questions. A pity that some of the more interactive activities were not available, due to the Covid restrictions, but that cannot be helped in the current circumstances, and it didn't spoil our visit. Well worth a visit!!

6. Lake Vyrnwy

Off the B4393, Llanwddyn Wales +44 1691 870278 [email protected] http://www.hdcymru.co.uk/lakevyrnwy
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 556 reviews

Lake Vyrnwy

Considered Wales’ most beautiful lake and located just a short drive from the Shropshire border, Lake Vyrnwy is ideal for twitchers, cyclists and fishing fans. Swimming, overnight camping and open fires are strictly prohibited.

Reviewed By AndreK933 - London, United Kingdom

Whilst staying at the hotel, we ventured out around the lake a few days. The weather can change quite rapidly but the walks and views are well worth getting caught in a downpour. Walking across the bridge was a highlight, offering some points of interest like the well appointed RSPB shop and a lovely cafe. If you’re a nature lover there is easily days worth of walks/hikes in the area to keep your interest. Extremely scenic area and well worth the long drive to get to!

7. The Warren

Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BU Wales +44 1497 820350 http://www.haywarren.org.uk/
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 93 reviews

The Warren

Reviewed By MoreRoamin - Glasgow, United Kingdom

We walked along the river from Hay Bridge following the old railway line. The path is through a wooded area then opens up to the meadow before reaching the shingle beach and swimming spot. A local artist has installed wooden sculptures along the path as you walk away, upstream from the bridge to the Warren - kingfisher, woodpecker, numerous owls. The Warren is a clean open area. Popular with families and dog walkers. Terrific for a paddle or swim. Or sit at watch the canoes and kayaks drift by coming down from Glasebury.

Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells LD2 3SJ Wales +44 1982 560674 [email protected] http://www.erwoodstation.com
Excellent
69%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
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3%
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4.5 based on 158 reviews

Erwood Station Gallery

Welcome to Erwood Station Gallery ,nestled between Brecon and Builth Wells in the picturesque Wye Valley, this beautifully restored 19th century railway station and carriages shows the very best in contemporary craft paintings and sculpture. The tea room is temporarily closed but self service cold drinks and pre wrapped cakes are available. Please check our website for opening times in Winter.

Reviewed By Moff1966

Tucked away in an old railway station is this middle to high end art gallery with a self-service café... Wide range of ceramics, pictures and jewellery to admire and desire! Quality range of teas to choose from and amazing cakes. The walk down to the River Wye well worth it to work off the calories!

9. Gilfach Nature Reserve

Gilfach Gilfach Marteg Bridge, Rhayader LD6 5LF Wales +44 1597 823298 http://www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
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4%
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4.5 based on 112 reviews

Gilfach Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Annalissalloyd - Llyswen, United Kingdom

Had a lovely day walking around the area. Plenty of parking and information boards to help choose the route

10. Pwll-y-wrach Nature Reserve

Hospital Road, Talgarth LD3 0DS Wales +44 1874 625708 http://www.brecknockwildlifetrust.org.uk/pwll-y-wrach.html
Excellent
52%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
6%
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4.5 based on 62 reviews

Pwll-y-wrach Nature Reserve

Reviewed By wickett-spry - Barry, United Kingdom

We wanted to do a walk with our 6 year old who isn’t the best at long walks but this was perfect. Interesting and muddy enough for him! Managed to see the lower waterfall and the main one which he loved. We went in August and it was very muddy!

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