Cwmdauddwr
The Triangle Inn
A characterful drovers inn serving homemade food, with a fire in colder months. A good choice after the Elan Valley.
View details & directions for The Triangle InnAlex & Katie’s local guide
A little local knowledge.
Our favourite places to eat and things to do around Rhayader, the Elan Valley and beyond — from a relaxed coffee to a full day exploring Mid Wales.
Check food service, availability and dog policies before setting off, and book ahead for groups.
A proper meal out
Rhayader
The Crown Inn
A traditional town-centre pub with a restaurant and beer garden. One of our longstanding recommendations.
View details & directions for The Crown InnRhayader
The Lamb & Flag
A welcoming pub for a casual meal or drink. One of our regular Rhayader choices.
View details & directions for The Lamb & FlagLlandrindod Wells
The Metropole — Spencer’s Brasserie
A dependable choice for a more leisurely lunch or evening meal; afternoon tea is also offered.
View details & directions for The Metropole — Spencer’s BrasserieCoffee, cake & a day exploring
Rhayader
The Lost ARC
A lively café for breakfast or lunch, with vegetarian and vegan choices. Look out for its events and pizza nights.
View details & directions for The Lost ARCRhayader
Tŷ Morgan’s
An easy stop for breakfast, brunch or coffee and cake in the centre of town.
View details & directions for Tŷ Morgan’sElan Valley
Tŷ Penbont / Penbont House
Cakes and light food in a beautiful spot near Pen y Garreg Dam; ask ahead about afternoon tea.
View details & directions for Tŷ Penbont / Penbont HouseCoffee & a walk
Chalybeate Tea Room
A favourite of ours for a coffee stop, with lovely walks around the surrounding area. Make time to stretch your legs while you’re there.
Visit the tea room website for Chalybeate Tea RoomEasy takeaway
Our secluded valley is part of the charm, but deliveries are unlikely to reach us, so please plan to collect your takeaway. Make an outing of it with a pint or soft drink at a local pub before picking up supper.
Rhayader
Evans Plaice
Fish and chips, with online ordering available through the venue.
View details & directions for Evans PlaiceLlandrindod Wells
Zeera
Indian and Bangladeshi dishes to eat in or take away; recommended by our guests.
View details & directions for ZeeraLlandrindod Wells
Golden Rice Bowl
Our Chinese takeaway pick when you fancy an easy evening in.
View details & directions for Golden Rice BowlLlandrindod Wells
Fabian’s Kitchen
Curries and takeaway favourites for a cosy evening back in the valley.
View details & directions for Fabian’s KitchenLlandrindod Wells
Quality Fish Bar
Classic fish and chips to collect from Waterloo Road.
View details & directions for Quality Fish BarLocal pubs for a relaxed drink
Llandrindod Wells
Temple Bar
A relaxed town stop for a drink, with outdoor seating.
View details & directions for Temple BarLlandrindod Wells
Arvon Ale House
A small, friendly ale house for real ales and ciders.
View details & directions for Arvon Ale HouseLlandrindod Wells
The Llanerch Inn
A characterful old coaching inn with a spacious beer garden.
View details & directions for The Llanerch InnRhayader
The Elan Hotel
A handy town-centre bar for a relaxed drink before supper.
View details & directions for The Elan HotelRhayader
The Eagles Inn
A cosy pub with a beer garden and views towards the hills.
View details & directions for The Eagles InnPenybont
The Severn Arms
A welcoming traditional pub with a beer garden overlooking the River Ithon.
View details & directions for The Severn ArmsWorth a longer outing
Old Radnor
The Harp Inn
Locally sourced pub food and wide valley views. Book ahead for Sunday lunch.
View details & directions for The Harp InnLlandrindod Wells
The Lakeside Café
A relaxed café overlooking the lake, lovely for lunch or a coffee.
View details & directions for The Lakeside CaféNear Llanidloes
Arthur’s Restaurant
A favourite from our original guidebook for a planned meal out. Reserve before travelling.
View details & directions for Arthur’s RestaurantHundred House
The Hundred House Inn
A village inn for a leisurely meal out. Book ahead, especially for groups.
View details & directions for The Hundred House InnLlanfihangel Nant Melan
The Fforest Inn
A cosy country inn serving homemade pub food. Book ahead for groups or a dog-friendly table in the bar.
View details & directions for The Fforest InnThings to do · Mid Wales
Explore from our valley
A hand-picked mix of countryside, wildlife and activities from our wider guidebook. Start close to Wales in the Woods, then choose a longer day out when you fancy exploring farther.
Check access, weather, tickets and activity availability before travelling.
Download the things-to-do guide (PDF)Abbeycwmhir, Rhayader and Llandrindod Wells
Close to home
Abbeycwmhir
Cwmhir Abbey
Discover the remains of the historic abbey in our own village; a lovely quiet stop while exploring the area.
Visitor information & directions for Cwmhir AbbeyElan Valley
Elan Valley Visitor Centre & dams
Start at the visitor centre, then explore the dramatic reservoirs by road or on foot. Café, trails and family facilities.
Visitor information & directions for Elan Valley Visitor Centre & damsRhayader
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre
Watch wild red kites gather for a feeding spectacle. Book ahead, particularly during school holidays.
Visitor information & directions for Gigrin Farm Red Kite CentreNear Rhayader
Gilfach Nature Reserve
Follow waymarked routes through the Marteg Valley and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Visitor information & directions for Gilfach Nature ReserveLlandrindod Wells
Llandrindod Wells Lake Park
A lovely spot for dog walks and ice creams, with children’s paddleboarding and pedal boats for family fun on the lake. Check seasonal activity availability before visiting.
Visitor information & directions for Llandrindod Wells Lake ParkRoutes and guided activities
Get moving
Elan Valley
Cycle the Elan Valley
Choose a gentle ride or a mountain bike route. The visitor centre has a bike hub and route information.
Visitor information & directions for Cycle the Elan ValleyLlyn Clywedog / Mid Wales
Brenin Adventures
Book a canoe, kayak or paddleboard session if you fancy a more active day on the water.
Visitor information & directions for Brenin AdventuresPack walking shoes
Waterfalls & woodland
Warren Wood, New Radnor
Water-Break-its-Neck
A short waymarked woodland walk to the waterfall; especially impressive after rain.
Visitor information & directions for Water-Break-its-NeckNear Llanidloes
Hafren Forest
Choose from riverside cascades, waterfall trails and a longer walk towards the source of the Severn.
Visitor information & directions for Hafren ForestLonger outings — allow more travel time
Family days & heritage
Welshpool
Powis Castle and Garden
Grand historic rooms and remarkable terraced gardens for a full sightseeing day.
Visitor information & directions for Powis Castle and GardenNear Aberystwyth
Devil’s Bridge Falls
A dramatic gorge and waterfall walk. Check the route and conditions before you set off.
Visitor information & directions for Devil’s Bridge FallsAberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Take a heritage steam train through the valley and pair it with the falls. Check the timetable.
Visitor information & directions for Vale of Rheidol RailwayCeredigion coast
Borth Beach
For a seaside day, head west for a long sandy shore and coastal views.
Visitor information & directions for Borth BeachCwm Rheidol, near Aberystwyth
Magic of Life Butterfly House
Walk among tropical butterflies and discover giant insects, fish and corals. Dogs welcome.
Visitor information & directions for Magic of Life Butterfly HouseFor more ideas, browse our full activities guidebook. Trails, access and operating days can change.
More places to discover
Browse our fuller Airbnb guidebook for more choices, or plan a day exploring Mid Wales.
Curated September 2026 · Menus and opening times can change.
More local reading
Explore our guides to Mid Wales and planning a stay.
- Discovering the Elan Valley
- Top 10 Things To Do In The Elan Valley
- Abbeycwmhir - A Mid Wales Hidden Gem Holiday Destination
- Rhayader - An Adventure Holiday in Mid Wales
- Best Beaches of Mid Wales
- Exploring the Rich History of Mid Wales
- Llandrindod Wells: A Timeless Welsh Gem
- The Majestic Red Kites of Rhayader, Mid Wales
- The Ultimate Cycling Holidays in Wales
- Group Accommodation Options in Wales
- A Pet-Friendly, Scenic Retreat for all ages
- Your Ideal Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Tranquil Mid Wales
Choose your base: large group stays, a dog-friendly cottage or glamping pods.