The Mid Wales Travel Guide introduces you to Mid Wales, an area of Wales characterised by its moorland, wooded hillsides and farmland in the valleys providing some great scenery to enjoy. There is a relatively unspoilt environment here with some charming small towns and villages each with its own character and story to tell. It 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. 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 talk the entire length of Cardigan Bay. For more information please see:
National Trail – Pembrokeshire Coastal PathCardiganshire Coastal WalkAberystwyth is the capital of the mid-Wales region, it is also a vibrant seaside resort located on the West coast of Wales. 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 and is houses some of Wales’ most important books and manuscripts. The library contains the earliest manuscript in the Welsh language and millions of historical records. 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. For more information please see:
Aberystwyth.comDolgellau is a town that is located in the shadow of the Cader Idris mountain range, it provides some stunning scenery. 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 a town that has English influences, it is a predominantly Georgian town with fine buildings, church and a castle. 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 but Welsh was later added to avoid confusion with Poole in Dorest, England. It is a lively market town that has among the largest sheep markets in Europe. There is 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 this town is Powys Castle, that has been altered over the years owing to the fact it has been nearly continuously inhabited.
Laugharne Castle has been subject to extensive excavation and restoration. Located on a low ridge overlooking the wide Taf river estuary and is today known for its associations with the poet Dylan Thomas. Situated in a lovely picturesque location, it is one of many fortresses that controlled the ancient road of communication along the south Wales coast line. The castle as a long history, originated as a Norman earth and timber stronghold and was re-built in stone during the 13th and 14th centuries by the de Brian family. Features such as the round keep tower and the mighty gatehouse of the inner bailey still survive. For more information please see:
Castle Explorer – Laugharne CastleLlanerchaeron is a relatively small 18th-century Welsh gentry estate, located in Dyffryn Aeron. The estate stayed nearly unaltered into the 20th century and has been looked after by the National Trust since 1989. The house was designed and built by John Nash in 1794-96, Llanerchaeron was a self-sufficient estate, and this is evident in the dairy, brewery, laundry and salting house of the service courtyard and other buildings on the grounds. Llanerchaeron is now a working organic farm and the two walled gardens that have been restored produce home grown fruit and herbs. There are extensive walks available around the estate and the parkland. The pleasure grounds with ornamental lake provide wonderful peaceful walks. The Home Farm complex has a range of traditional and atmospheric outbuildings. For more information please see:
National Trust – LlanerchaeronPowis Castle and Gardens have world-famous gardens to enjoy. The gardens show an influence of Italian and French styles, the garden has kept its original lead statues, an orangery and an aviary on the terraces. The medieval castle was originally built c.1200 by Welsh princes and was later adapted by generations of Herberts and Clives. They furnished the castle with an array of fine paintings and also furniture. There is also a fine collection of treasures from India that are displayed in the Clive Museum. For more information please see:
Powis Castle and GardenKing Arthur’s Labyrinth is a visitor attraction that has become popular for visitors coming to the Mid Wales area. An underground boat takes visitors into the spectacular caverns under the Braichgoch mountain at Corris near Machynlleth. As visitors walk through the caverns, Welsh tales of King Arthur are told with tableaux combined with stunning sound and light effects. The journey ends with a trip coming back along the subterranean river into the grounds of Corris Craft Centre. For more information please see:
King Arthurs LabyrinthThe Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival is a popular one and has been growing in popularity. It has become the one of the premiere Victorian festivals in the UK currently. The festival takes place in the Mid Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells where the celebrations of its Victorian past are made. The festival includes over 300 events including walks, talks, drama, exhibitions, plays, musicals, street theatre and much more besides, with a Victorian flavour. The proceedings are closed in the grand style with the moving torchlight procession and fireworks display over the Lake, this provides a spectacular spectacle and is well worth seeing. It is best to check on the festival website for the exact times and details. For more information please see:
Llandrindod Wells Victorian FestivalThe Aberystwyth Cliff Railway has taken visitors to the top of Constitution Hill since it opened back in 1896. The railway changed from a water balance system to electric in 1921. The carriages are taken up to the top at around four miles per hour, giving visitors a lot of time to take in and enjoy the wonderful scenery all around. On clear days it is said you can see up to 26 mountain peaks across Wales. When visitors have reached the top of Constitution Hill they are rewarded with some amazing views and you can also use the world’s largest camera obscura, giving you a bird’s eye view of 1000 square miles. At the tops there are historical displays, a children’s play area, a gift shop for souvenirs and a cafe. For more information please see:
Aberystwyth Cliff RailwayThe Rhaeadr Valley is famous for being host to the highest waterfall in Wales, the Pistyll Rhaeadr. The area is somewhat hidden away in a wooded valley, the water of the River Rhaeadr tumbles over rocks and takes a plunge of around 240 feet at this two stage waterfall. Visitors should look for the Fairy Bridge’, which is a natural stone arch over the river between falls. The wonderful site has provided inspiration to artists, travellers and poets over the years. There is also plenty of birdlife here for bird watching fans. For more information please see:
Pistyll RhaeadrThe Aberystwyth Arts Centre is known as the biggest and busiest arts centre in Wales. It presents a wide array of programmes, events and activities that includes a wide range of art forms. The Arts Centre is located in the centre of Aberystwyth university campus and has some great views over the town and coastline of Cardigan Bay. There are performances to suit a variety of tastes from theatres to comedy to dance among others. There is also a cafe that serves both hot and cold snacks, in addition there is a bar in the main theatre foyer, which has a selection of wines, beers and spirits. Certainly an interesting and enjoyable place to visit for theatre aficionados. For more information please see:
Aberystwyth Arts CentreThe Carlton Restaurant is among the oldest and best established restaurants in Aberystwyth. The restaurant now boasts a modern look and sits diners in air conditioned comfort. There is a selection of Brownies and Shortbreads and a whole lot more on the menu to try. There are meals served throughout the day, with all meals cooked to order, guaranteeing diners fresh quality food to enjoy. For those wanting a snack there is also an extensive range of sandwiches, Hot Baguettes and soups available. For more information please see:
The Carlton RestaurantPilgrims tea rooms and restaurant is located in the Brecon Cathedral close. They serve freshly made food, using ingredients are locally sourced, in a building that has retained its charm and style over the years. They also cater for a range of external events such as weddings and other special occasions. There are individual picnic hampers that can be prepared for walkers, cyclists and tourists to the area. It provides a nice place to relax while touring the area. For more information please see:
Pilgrims TearoomsThe Mid Wales Travel Guide has shown the Mid Wales region to be one where visitors can 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 Home Counties.
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