The historic town of Welshpool is well located within the Mid Wales countryside in the county of Powys. The town and the surrounding area offer a wide range of activities to suit adults and children of all ages and abilities. We have complied a list of recommendations of the best things to do in and around Welshpool.
Website: https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/powys/must-do-and-around-welshpool
This charming historic market town, whose streets are lined with beautiful Georgian buildings surrounded by rolling hills, was founded back in the 13th century by the Welsh Prince of Powys, Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn. The town is home to landmark buildings such as the 18th century Georgian Town Hall and the Strata Marcella Abbey, a Cistercian monastery that was established as far back as the 12th century. As well as quaint cafés, restaurants and an array of shops, there are numerous activities to be found nearby in the surrounding area.
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/powis-castle-and-garden
A fantastic day out for both individuals and families with children. Powys Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century and lavishly furnished and decorated with exquisite fabrics, tapestries and works of art. It sits above the beautiful world-famous garden that includes 17th century Italianate terraces, mature formal gardens, and a peaceful woodland area.
The castle also offers a café for refreshments, a playground, a shop, frequent exhibitions, and parking for its visitors.
Website: https://www.storipowys.org.uk/
Powysland Museum and Welshpool Library – Y Lanfa – are situated in a restored historic warehouse beside the Montgomery Canal. The Powysland Museum is upstairs, and the Welshpool Library located on the ground floor. The museum displays the archaeology and social history of the local region of Montgomeryshire and is well worth a visit for those with an interest in the local area.
Website: https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/train/welshpool-llanfair-light-railway-963960
This heritage railway makes a 16-mile round trip from Raven Square to Llanfair Caereinion, taking approximately 45 minutes each way. Most of the trains are steam hauled by one of the original locomotives or more recent acquisitions from abroad. The locomotives from Austria and Hungary offer an extra special experience with access to an enclosed seating area with open balconies allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful mid Wales countryside roll by. Deer, hawks and even otter sightings have all been reported from the route. The train travels along the River Banwy into Llanfair Caereinion where passengers can visit the shop to try the homemade cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches and more making this a fantastic day out for couples, individuals and families.
Website: https://www.glansevern.co.uk/
Glansevern Hall and Gardens are located within easy reach of Welshpool on the banks of the River Severn in Mid Wales, the gardens offer over 25 acres of stunning and beautiful landscapes with various different garden attractions including exotic planting, a walled garden, a folly garden, a cascading water garden, and the secluded bird hide. The estate now also offers the Naissance Experience – Naissance ethically source, manufacture and supply natural oils and other ingredients and grow an array of plants at Glansevern gardens with the former Georgian Brew House used for distillation and extraction. The Naissance Café and Gardens are open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday – 10am to 4pm, making this an interesting location for a visit for a number of different reasons.
Website: https://www.montwt.co.uk/nature-reserves/llyn-coed-y-dinas
This nature reserve was created from a gravel pit that was quarried to provide material for the creation of the Welshpool bypass and is now thriving with nature and home to a diverse assortment of wildlife. Entry is free and the site is fully accessible to wheelchair users and also includes a spacious bird hide.
Website: https://www.montwt.co.uk/nature-reserves/severn-farm-pond
Located in Welshpool, the Severn Farm Pond is an urban nature reserve that houses a wealth of plants and animals and welcomes individuals and families to explore the boardwalks and soak up the scenery of pools and marshy wetlands.
Website: https://www.longmountaincentre.co.uk/horse-riding-shrewsbury-welshpool-shropshire.html
Located a short distance from Welshpool, Long Mountain Centre offers log cabin accommodation and pony trekking suitable for all ages and abilities at a fully licensed family run centre. Guided treks, lead rein treks, pony mornings, stable days, and riding holidays are all available and provide an excellent activity for both children, teens, and adults alike.
Website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/montgomery-canal
This 18th century canal runs for 33 miles and also happens to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest of international importance, with a designated Special Area of Conversation for its aquatic plants, whilst offering the ideal location for walking, picnicking, relaxing or even exercising and all for free!
Website: https://raptorexperiencewales.co.uk/
Voted Wildlife Experience of The Year in 2022, this falconry centre offers various types of different experiences for individuals, groups and for juniors. Choose from raptor experiences, owl encounters and the Iolo Williams Raptor Day run by wildlife presenter Iolo Williams who shares his knowledge drawn from over 45 years of experience studying raptors, with visitors.
Website: https://www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk/
This family-run winery is situated in the stunning countryside that offers ideal growing conditions for wines. The site itself is of archaeological interest and was once part of the ancient Roman site of Pentreheyling Fort, a provincial civilian settlement, it is also located on the edge of a number of Roman marching camps. Visitors are invited to explore the tranquillity of the vineyards and to sample the wine and enjoy the shop.
The Vineyard is currently home to 6,000 vines and offers four varieties – Rondo, Pinot Noir, Phoenix, and Solaris, all of which are well suited to the local growing climate.
Website: http://www.roomination.co.uk/
Located a mere 15 minutes from Welshpool, Roomination Escape Rooms offers a thrilling team game designed to provide the ultimate adventure – participants race against the clock to discover and decipher the clues to find their way out of the escape room! The venue is set in an old Victorian workhouse with a free on-site museum.