Powys

The largest county in Wales is home to a wonderfully unusual collection of places to stay… as well as gorgeously green landscapes, peaceful villages, and towering mountain ranges.

Powys is a county that takes its native language seriously – the rural village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant was the setting for the first translation of the Bible into Welsh – so you can expect to hear more than a few Welsh words during your visit.

Blend in, with a cheery “bore da!” (good morning) as you pass the locals on your way.

Of course, no visit to Powys would be complete without a trip to the Brecon Beacons National Park. The only problem is, it could be hard to tear yourselves away!  

An expansive 520 square miles of rolling countryside, sparkling waterfalls, and characterful towns, crowds are blissfully rare in this remote-feeling part of the world, so there’s plenty of space and scope to explore. The country park includes the mighty Pen y Fan, Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark, and is a haven for stargazing too, as a designated International Dark Sky Reserve.

In the mood for a laugh? The annual comedy festival at Machynlleth is well worth a visit, and you could stick around to browse the antique stores and alternative galleries.  You’ll find the Owain Glynd?r Centre here too, telling the fascinating story of the national hero.

Adventurous types, meanwhile, will revel in the outrageously picturesque Elan Valley, otherwise known as the ‘Welsh Lake District’. Watch swooping Red Kites as you indulge in fresh-air activity galore, thanking your lucky stars that you found such a heavenly spot to spend some of your holiday time in.