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Mid Wales

Peaceful Landscapes, Hidden Gems, and Warm Welsh Hospitality

Mid Wales is often overlooked, but it’s a truly special part of the country where rolling hills, quiet valleys, and charming towns create a slower, more peaceful pace of life. This central region is perfect for those looking to escape busy crowds and enjoy a more authentic, laid-back experience.

The landscape is beautifully unspoilt — ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. You’ll find lush green countryside, gentle mountains, peaceful lakes, and coastal estuaries all within reach. It’s also a place where Welsh traditions are strong, with local communities proud of their heritage, language, and way of life.

Towns like Aberystwyth and Machynlleth offer a mix of culture and history, with independent shops, art galleries, and a lively atmosphere. Mid Wales is also home to the Cambrian Mountains, often called the “green desert of Wales” due to their remoteness and stunning beauty.

THINGS TO SEE IN MID WALES

Aberystwyth
Elan Valley
The Cambrian Mountains
Hafren Forest and the Source of the River Severn
Lake Vyrnwy
Llanidloes
Devil’s Bridge Falls
Powis Castle and Gardens
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Machynlleth

Lake Vyrnwy

Devil’s Bridge Falls

TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING to mid wales

Accommodation

Mid Wales offers a range of cosy places to stay, from countryside inns and family-run B&Bs to eco-lodges and camping pods. Prices are generally cheaper than in busier parts of Wales.

Budget: £20–£40 per night (hostels, campsites, simple guesthouses)

Mid-range: £50–£90 per night (B&Bs, hotels, farm stays)

Luxury: £100+ per night (boutique hotels, lodges, unique stays)

Food 

You’ll find plenty of traditional pubs, cafés, and tearooms serving homemade meals and Welsh cakes. Mid Wales is known for its hearty portions and good value.

Takeaway or café lunch: £5–£10

Pub dinner: £10–£18

Restaurant meal: £20–£35 per person

Farm shops and markets are great for local meats, cheeses, and produce

Transportation 

Public transport links are more limited in rural areas, but trains and buses do connect most major towns. Driving is often the easiest way to explore.

Train fare from Birmingham to Aberystwyth: £25–£50 (return)

Bus travel around towns: £2–£5 per journey

Car hire: £30–£60 per day

Fuel: Around £1.30 – £1.50 per litre

Suggested daily budget

How much you spend depends on your travel style, but Mid Wales is very affordable overall. Here’s a rough guide:

Budget Traveller: £40–£55 per day (camping/hostel, self-catering, public transport)

Mid-Range Traveller: £70–£100 per day (B&B or hotel, pub meals, some entry fees)

Luxury Traveller: £130+ per day (boutique accommodation, fine dining, car hire or tours)

MONEY SAVING TIPS

1
Travel in Spring or Autumn Avoid peak summer and school holidays to benefit from lower accommodation prices and quieter attractions.
2
Go Self-Catering Booking a cottage or lodge with a kitchen can help save money on food — and local farm shops make it easy to buy fresh, local ingredients.
3
Explore Free Natural Attractions Mid Wales is full of free things to see: forests, hills, rivers, lakes, and coastal paths. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and a picnic, and you’ll be set for the day.
4
Use Local Transport Passes If using buses or trains, look for day passes or group tickets for better value. The scenic Heart of Wales line offers affordable rail journeys through beautiful countryside.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MID WALES?

Expect tranquil landscapes, warm hospitality, and a true connection to nature. Mid Wales isn’t flashy — it’s charming, slow-paced, and deeply rooted in Welsh culture. You’ll hear the language spoken in shops and schools, see sheep outnumbering people in the hills, and experience a sense of calm you don’t get in bigger tourist spots. It’s a place where every walk is a new discovery, and every quiet village holds a story.

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