Introduction and Overview
The Mid Wales Travel Guide looks at local attractions, places of interest and contains useful tourist information for visitors. The area guide features travel information on local transport and travel, facts & figures, entertainment, events, maps and accommodation.
Mid Wales is an area of Wales characterised by its moorland, wooded hillsides and farmland in the valleys providing great scenery. There is a relatively unspoilt environment here with some charming small towns and villages each with its own character and story to tell.
The area provides a haven for those wanting to get away from the bright lights of the big cities and commercialised areas and is an ideal place to unwind and take it easy in some beautiful surroundings.
The market town of Cardigan is located to the south of Cardigan Bay. There is a relaxed pace of life here to add to its character, there are narrow streets that have traditional shops and inns. The Guildhall in the town centre and the covered market located close by are worth looking out for.
Cardigan is a historic town and was founded back in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, over the years the main features have been the covered market place and its port. It was once an important port of emigration to the New World in North America.
Local attractions include Cardigan Castle, a 12th century Norman castle that has witnessed many historical events over the years, the Cardigan Heritage Centre recalls the maritime history of the town.
The town hosts a weekly market that has become a tradition dating back the 12th century. There is a fine tradition for the arts and crafts this can be seen at the exhibitions at the Corn Exchange Gallery whilst the Theatr Maldwyn is an arts venue that includes a programme of music and dramas.
The town is also the point for some walks such as being the end of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which involves close to 200 miles of south Wales coastline.
It is also the starting point of the Cardiganshire Coastal Walk, which allows you to walk the entire length of Cardigan Bay.
Aberystwyth is the capital of the Mid Wales region, it is also a vibrant seaside resort located on the west coast. There is a lively atmosphere here along with restaurants, pubs and nightlife making for a dynamic environment.
It is the place to come for those wanting something more vibrant once visitors have seen the quiet towns and villages.
The National Library is located here, it houses some of Wales’ most important books and manuscripts. The library contains the earliest manuscript in the Welsh language and millions of historical records.
The Aberystwyth Arts Centre is the largest arts centre in Wales, the flagships arts venue offers a wide ranging programme of music, drama, film, dance and more.
There are castle ruins in the form of Aberystwyth Castle that was among the most impressive castles in Wales but sadly over time it fell in to decline. Aberystwyth has both pebble and sand beaches and the UK's longest cliff railway.
On a clear day the site is spectacular visitors can see the Snowdonia Mountains and the whole of Cardigan Bay.
Dolgellau is a town that is located on the southern boundary of the Snowdonia National Park in the shadow of the Cader Idris mountain range, it provides some stunning scenery. The location makes Dolgellau a popular base from which visitors can explore the Snowdonia National Park in North & Mid Wales.
The Cader Idris Mountains are popular among outdoor enthusiasts including hikers and walkers. The town has a rich history evidenced by the 200 listed buildings located in the town. The market town hosts a farmers market and the Sesiwn Fawr (Big Session) annual music festival with both local and international artists performing.
Machynlleth was at one time the capital of Wales and Llandidloes is famed for the artists and other craftsman who base themselves in the town. This gives the town a relaxed feeling for visitors and a laid back atmosphere too.
Montgomery is located less than 10 miles from Welshpool and only one mile from with Shropshire in England. The geographic location ensures the town that has English influences, it is a predominantly Georgian town with fine buildings, church and a castle.
The town has plenty of charm and character, local attractions include the remains of Montgomery Castle, a 13th century castle located on a hill overlooking the town, the Old Bell Museum located in a 16th century building showcasing the social and civic history of the area.
The town includes its Georgian Town Square and has plenty of rolling countryside for visitors to enjoy. Montgomery is a great place from which to explore Offa's Dyke and the trail.
Welshpool is located only a few miles from the border with England. Originally called Pool with Welsh later added to avoid confusion with Poole in Dorset, England. It is a lively market town that has among the largest sheep markets in Europe.
The town includes architecture displaying sign of Victorian, Tudor and Georgian influences. The Powysland Museum has a fine collection of relics and information regarding history of the area.
Close by to the town is the impressive Powys Castle, that has been altered over the years owing to the fact it has been nearly continuously inhabited. The castle is well known for its impressive collections of furniture, paintings and treasures brought from India in the Clive Museum.
Other local attractions include Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway and the annual Welshpool Carnival that takes place in May.
Brecon is located 65 miles south east of Aberystwyth, the market town is known for the Brecon Beacons National Park that surrounds the town, one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Brecon is located on the northern edge of the national park, the town has a long history as a military town and houses several regiments.
Local attractions include historic Brecon Cathedral noted for its fine design and architecture, visitors can see the cathedral, tour the heritage centre and there is a cathedral shop, restaurant and tea rooms on site. The location of the town makes it an ideal place for touring the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Mid Wales region offers visitors the chance to enjoy a great coastline with many small towns and villages each with their own character. The region is ideal for those wanting a relaxing break either by the sea or inland in the scenic rural setting.
There are activity centres for those wanting something more energetic and exhilarating, while the area is not the place for those wanting the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the cities and larger holiday resorts.
The charm of the region lies in its relatively unspoilt nature and environment and provides a great place for visitors to relax amid the tranquillity of the moorlands, valleys and hillsides.
The area is connected to the rest of the UK by good road links and the location makes it particularly convenient for those in the Midlands, North West and the Home Counties.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
