Top 10 things to do in Powys
Powys is the green heart of Wales, with the Brecon Beacons, the Elan Valley, canals and book towns. It is empty and beautiful, good for walkers and anyone who likes quiet.
- 1
Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog)
📍 BreconWalks, sceneryOpen hills with Pen y Fan, waterfalls and dark skies.
- 2
Pen y Fan
📍 Near BreconMountain, walksThe highest peak in southern Britain, with popular routes.
- 3
Elan Valley
📍 Near RhayaderReservoirs, walksA chain of Victorian reservoirs and dams in wild countryside.
- 4
Hay-on-Wye
📍 Hay-on-WyeBooks, townA small town of second-hand bookshops, with a famous literature festival.
- 5
Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves
📍 AbercrafCaves, familiesShow caves with dinosaur park and a Bronze Age village.
- 6
Powis Castle
📍 WelshpoolCastle, gardensA medieval castle with terraced gardens, near Welshpool.
- 7
Brecon Mountain Railway
📍 Merthyr, near BreconTrains, familiesA narrow-gauge steam railway into the hills.
- 8
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
📍 Brecon and TalybontCanal, walksA pretty canal through the Beacons, with towpath walks and boat trips.
- 9
Sugar Loaf
📍 Near AbergavennyWalks, viewsA distinctive peak above Abergavenny, with wide views.
- 10
Centre for Alternative Technology
📍 Near MachynllethFamilies, greenAn eco-centre and visitor attraction with gardens.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.