Powys Tourist Information

Powys in mid Wales encompasses the 'old' counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and part of Brecknockshire. The east of the county forms the borderland with England. The Rivers Severn, Wye and Usk flow through Powys. The Brecon Beacons National Park is in the south of the county, Offas Dyke Footpath and Wales's newest National Trail - Glyndwr's Way - pass through Powys, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, wildlife and nature. Powys offers Tourist Information at its many centres throughout the county.

Powys Tourist Information can be accessed in the north of the county at Lake Vyrnwy Craft Centre. Lying in scenic countryside, near the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains, Lake Vyrnwy is a Victorian reservoir built in 1880s to provide water for Liverpool. It has the first stone-built dam in Britain. There is a RSPB nature reserve around the reservoir along with a circular 13-mile cycle route. The reservoir is renowned for fresh water fishing. Within this lovely peaceful area, is one of the 'Seven Wonders of Wales' - Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfals. Formed by the Afon Disgynfa River passing over a 240-foot/75m-cliff face, Pistyll Rhaeadr means the 'Spring of the Waterfall' and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In the north east borderlands, Powys Tourist Information can be found in the historic market town of Welshpool, famous as the home of 13th century Powis Castle. The impressive red sandstone castle and its beautiful gardens overlook the upper Severn valley. Situated on the Canal Warf is Powysland Museum, with displays illustrating life in Montgomeryshire throughout the ages. The town is the starting point of the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway. Why not take a trip and enjoy travelling deep into the beautiful Banwy Valley? The terminus is at Llanfair Caereinion.

A few miles south in the village of Berriew is Glansevern Hall Gardens.htm. The garden stretches over 18 acres and is a delight for the green fingered. Also in Berriew is the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture with an innovative collection of amusing works.

Powys Tourist Information is available in Newtown, a busy shopping centre and the largest market town in the Severn Valley. During the 19th century the town was an important centre manufacturing textiles. Today you can learn about its past at the Newtown Textile Museum in Commercial Street.

The historic border town Knighton is steeped in history and was the site of one of Owain Glyndwr's victories over English invaders. It's now the starting point of Glyndwr's Way National Trail, a trail which links to the Offa's Dyke Path. It wends its way in a giant horse shoe through market towns and quiet villages to Machynlleth in the east of the county, before turning back across Powys to Welshpool.

The lovely Dovey Valley is a beauty spot and one of the great natural features of mid Wales. Powys Tourist Information can found in Machynlleth, an attractive small town, with interesting shops and galleries whose history goes back to the Iron Age. Owen Glyndwr was proclaimed King here in the 15th century and made it the capital of Wales. Owen Glyndwr Institute in the town is traditionally thought of as his Parliament House. The town is a popular centre for fishermen who come to fish the River Dovey for salmon and sea trout. From Machynlleth, take the water balanced cliff railway 180 feet up the side of the valley to visit the Centre for Alternative Technology. It's the largest display of its kind in Europe. There is so much to see, do and learn, it's a great day out for all ages.

At the heart of mid Wales is the town Rhayader, where the Powys Tourist Office is in North Street. Rhayader is situated on the River Wye at the gateway to the beautiful Elan Valley. The surrounding lakes were built as reservoirs to supply water to Birmingham. Rhayader is a favourite centre for walkers, pony trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. The woodlands of the Wye Valley provide protected nesting sites for Red Kite. Visitors to the area can watch these majestic birds at the feeding centre at Gigrin Farm just outside the town. North of Rhayader at the mouth of the Marteg Valley, in the Cambrian Mountains is Gilfach Nature Reserve, where a wide variety of habitats support many species of wildlife and plants.

Powys Tourist Information can be accessed in Presteigne and the Victorian Spa Towns of Bulth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, and Llanwrtyd Wells.

The pretty little town of Presteigne on the Herefordshire border has plenty of history to discover - the half-timbered buildings date back to the 14th century.

Today Bulth Wells is best known as the host of The Royal Welsh agricultural show which is held annually at the end of July.

Llandrindod Wells is a popular inland resort with fine 19th century architecture, parks, gardens, a lake, bowling green and a Spa Pump Room.

Llanwrtyd Wells claims to be the smallest town in Britain and many events take place throughout the year. It is a popular centre for walkers, cyclists and pony trekkers.

In south Powys Tourist Information can be found in Hay-on-Wye, today a busy centre for second hand books. A Literary Festival is held here in the last week in May and the first week in June.

The historic Cathedral town of Brecon is an ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park. From here you can enjoy outings such as a trip on the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. Alternatively, you might want to board a steam train on the Brecon Mountain Railway for a scenic ride into the National Park.