Calling all adventure seekers! Are you looking for breathtaking views and amazing attractions? Rhayader is the home of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into nature hikes, heritage sites, or biking trails, check out this fantastic list of things to do in Rhayader in Mid Wales.
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Rhayader Things To Do
I was introduced to the wonders of Rhayader by Hisdoryn, as it’s her home town. The small town (look, it’s small, you could confuse it for a village!) is in the heart of Mid Wales. Take a trip with me and see what the fuss is all about. Here are all the things to do in Rhayader.
You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The quaint, narrow streets are lined with shops and cafes. The sleepy town wakes up in the summer as people come for the crisp air, countryside and scenery.
Table of Contents
Things To Do In Rhayader Wales
What are the top attractions to visit in Rhayader? Let’s find out!
Things To Do In Elan Valley
The most popular reason people visit Rhayader is the Elan Valley, just a few miles outside the town. It is an experience you will never forget. The beauty of the place will leave you awestruck. The rolling hills and glistening lakes are breathtaking. The best part of the visit is the dam. The sight of water gushing out is mesmerising.
How long is the Elan Valley Trail? It is a long walk around the valley. The full route is challenging, is 18.7km (11.6 miles) and takes 6 hours to complete. Of course, you can do much shorter routes. Take snacks or a picnic, plenty of water, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The Elan Valley is a place of natural beauty and has a rich history. The dams were constructed in the early 20th century to provide water to Birmingham. It was an engineering marvel at the time and was considered one of the largest civil engineering projects of its time. There are six dams; Craig Coch, Pen y Garreg, Garreg Ddu, Caban Coch, Claerwen and the unfinished Dol y Mynach.
The Elan Valley is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The natural beauty, the fresh air, and the rich history make it a perfect destination for a family outing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and refreshing break from their busy lives.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Waterfalls Near Rhayader
Discovering a waterfall will also be a highlight of your visit to Rhayader. The waterfalls cascade down the rocky cliffs in a beautiful display of nature’s power. The air is filled with mist and the sound of water crashing against the rocks. Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall is often called one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. It falls over a 240-foot cliff face into the river below.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Rhayader Walks | Rhayader Riverside Walk
The short loop takes around half an hour but offers a beautiful walk alongside the River Wye. You can choose to walk right along the bank of the river, or you can use the pedestrian path provided. Signposts along the route point out what wildlife you should be looking out for, and there are some picnic benches along the way too.
🐾 Dog-friendly. There are opportunities on the route for them to dip their paws.
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Cycling Routes in Rhayader
There are various long-distance, off-road and circular routes in and around Rhayader, with several routes leading into town. Some of the popular cycle routes in Rhayader include:
- Route 825 – a 66-mile cycle route, starts in Rhayader and predominantly runs through Powys. It’s a mix of mountain roads, trails and valleys.
- Radnor Ring – 84-mile circular route with a combination of on and off-road cycling through the beautiful scenery of the Cambrian Mountains.
- Route 81 – a 118-mile route from coastal Aberystwyth to Wolverhampton. The section that runs through Wales is called Lôn Cambria.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Pump Track Wales
It’s only fitting that the biking capital of the UK has its very own pump track to play on. Pump Track Wales is the UK’s first split sprint pump track and offers daring visitors a thrilling ride. Beginners and proficient riders can use the track. There is a series of slopes, banked turns, hips and berms. Track design also allows riders to race against each other, splitting either way on a mirrored circuit back to the start.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Red Kite Feeding Station
The Red Kite Feeding Station is a truly unforgettable experience. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by dozens of magnificent red kites soaring through the sky, their wingspan spanning over six feet. You will feel grateful for the opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat. Learn the history of the red kites in the area – once on the brink of extinction – these birds have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts in the United Kingdom.
The feeding station plays a crucial role in this effort, providing the kites with a reliable food source that helps them thrive. During British Summer Time, the feeding is at 3pm; during other months, it’s at 2pm.
🐾 Dog-friendly. Dogs must always be on a lead as the centre is in a sheep farming area.
Gilfach Nature Reserve
The lush greenery and calming sounds of the river are the perfect escape from busy city life. Gilfach Nature Reserve at Gigrin Farm is an old hill farm with glorious views and is rich in wildlife and history. From the main car park, you can access the walking trails; Marteg Valley Nature Trail, Walk Through Time and Wyloer Hill Walk. You’re bound to see farm animals along the way as a working farm.
Some barns have been transformed into a Nature Discovery Centre with exhibitions about the reserve. Generally, it’s open during school holidays and on weekends, so you should check if it is open before you visit. It is volunteer-led and often has refreshments available.
🐾 Dog-friendly. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, as this is a working farm.
Rhayader Leisure Centre
Found in the heart of the town is Rhayader Leisure Centre. There is a gym, group exercise classes, an indoor swimming pool, squash courts and a soft play area. As well as a sporting facility, it is a social hub for the local community and surrounding businesses. It hosts concerts, pantomimes, discos, weddings, birthdays, plays and farmers’ markets throughout the year.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Rhayader Castle
Rhayader Castle is now remains. It was built by Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1177. The castle was built to counter the threat of Norman incursions into Wales along the River Wye. Today, you can wander around the fortifications, with an information panel at the site entrance showing various points of interest.
🐾 Dog-friendly
CARAD Rhayader Museum and Gallery
Walking through the doors, you’ll be struck by the impressive collection of artefacts and artwork at CARAD Rhaydar Museum and Gallery. The museum showcases the town’s rich history, with exhibits highlighting the local agriculture, industry, and figures who called Rhayader home. The informative displays were engaging and well-presented, making it easy to lose track of time as I explored the museum’s many offerings.
The gallery is equally impressive, with a rotating selection of artwork from local and national artists. The pieces on display are diverse in style, ranging from traditional oil paintings to contemporary sculptures. Although small, it’s a true gem of a museum, showcasing the best of local history and culture alongside an impressive collection of modern artwork.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Waun Capel Parc
Waun Capel Parc has a children’s play park and tennis courts if you’re looking for parks. It is home to Rhayader Bowling Club and football pitches. The park is on the right of the river, across the bridge.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Places to Eat in Rhayader
Rhayader has plenty of delicious dining options to suit every taste and budget. You won’t be disappointed if you’re in the mood for a hearty pub meal or a fancy dinner. Here are my top picks:
- The Lost Arc: The café is open during the week until 4pm. However, Friday is pizza night. Cooked indoors and wood-fired pizzas are available from 5pm. They are insane! There is a good choice of toppings too. The venue also often does themed nights, including Italian, Vietnamese, Persian, Moroccan and cocktail nights.
- The Lamb and Flag: This traditional pub is a must-visit for any foodie. The menu features classic British cuisine, including bangers and mash, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting, with a roaring fire in winter.
- The Old Swan Tea Room: For a more refined dining experience, head to The Old Swan Tea Room. This elegant restaurant serves delicious afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries. The decor is charming, with vintage teapots and floral wallpaper.
- The Eagles Inn: This family-friendly pub is perfect for those with kids in tow. The menu features a mix of British and international dishes, including lasagne, burgers, and curries. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
- The Elan Valley Hotel: If you’re looking for a romantic meal, look no further than The Elan Valley Hotel. This intimate restaurant serves gourmet cuisine, focusing on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, so you can always expect something new and exciting.
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Rhayader Shops
There are various independent shops and producers to be discovered in Rhayader. You’ll find antiques, local crafts, pottery, clothing and souvenirs. Stroll along East, West and North Street to find them. They include No.8 Clothing, Hafod Hardware, Hill Walking Outdoor Wear, Quillies and Lyn Morgan Furnishings.
🐾 Some shops are dog-friendly. There may be a sign on the doorway, or feel free to pop your head inside and ask.
Welsh Royal Crystal
Welsh Royal Crystal, situated in Rhayader, is Wales’ only Hand Made Lead Crystal manufacturer. The crystalware, tableware and personalised awards are luxury products. They produce various items, from stemware to large bowls, with exclusive Celtic designs incorporating ancient motifs. Tours of the factory are available, and glass-blowing demonstrations on certain days.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Rhayader Market Day
Presently, Rhayader doesn’t have a regular farmer’s market. However, there are livestock markets where farmers buy and sell sheep.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Getting to Rhayader
Even if you don’t drive, you can get to Rhayader by train with Transport for Wales. The closest station to Rhayader is Pen-y-Bont. It is an unstaffed request stop station with a small wooden waiting shelter. Even though it is only a 13-minute drive from Rhayader, it is in a remote location. So, only use it if you have someone picking you up. Alternatively, use Llandrindod Station. It is a further 17 minutes to Rhayader by car, or buses take between 25 and 30 minutes.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And who doesn’t want to save money? Especially when you can spend the savings on your staycation. There’s also a pretty excellent Capacity Checker tool that helps indicate the often full trains and the ones with plenty of seats available, so you can decide the best time for your journey.
Places To Visit Near Rhayader Powys
There are plenty of things to do near Rhayader. Head to the nearby town of Builth Wells, where you can explore historic castle ruins and wander through charming streets lined with antique shops and cosy cafes.
One of the other things to do around Rhayader is take a drive to Hay-on-Wye, about 45 minutes away. It is famous for its plethora of independent bookstores and literary festivals. You can spend hours browsing the shelves, discovering new authors and titles to add to your collection.
You can also visit the quaint and charming town of Llandrindod Wells. Rolling hills and lush green forests surround the picturesque town. As you walk through, you’ll notice the Victorian architecture and well-manicured gardens that line the streets. Historical landmarks and museums are scattered throughout the area. Things to do in Llandrindod Wells: a real highlight is Lake Park, surrounded by colourful flowers and towering trees, making it the ideal spot for a picnic.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Rhayader To Aberystwyth
Many people stop off in Rhayader on the way to Aberystwyth, about an hour away. The scenic drive crosses the spine of the central Cambrian Mountains. There are lots of exciting things to do in Aberystwyth. Explore Constitution Hill, an iconic symbol of Aberystwyth’s past. Take in the views at Aberystwyth Promenade, kayak along the coastline, explore the forests on horseback or experience the beauty of the parks.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Travelling from Aberystwyth to Barmouth
A little further North, On the west coast of Wales, near Snowdonia National Park, is the seaside resort of Barmouth. You can walk along the promenade, swim in the sea, hike through the nearby hills, or cross the Barmouth Viaduct. Check out all of the things to do in Barmouth.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Hotels in Rhayader
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Sykes Holiday Cottages
The award-winning business has cottages across the UK, and the ones near Rhayader are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
🐾 Dogs welcome
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. They have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price. When booking a hotel, utilising LastMinute enables you to secure fantastic deals on accommodations, ensuring a budget-friendly and spontaneous travel experience.
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