Destinations for a family day out in Powys during half term

Thankfully Powys has something for everyone and the County Times shares the top five ranked days out according to TripAdvisor reviews.

Powis Castle and garden, Welshpool

This medieval castle, originally built as a fortress, houses one of the most beautiful and extensive collections of treasures from India.

Reviewer Ben K said: "An absolute hidden gem of a castle.

"It is rare to find castles with a roof but this one is special, the interiors are numerous and exquisite. The collection is incredible and the guides were full of great stories and warm welcomes.

"I must say, to all the reviews I see of people saying its too dark and the castle gloomy. Utter nonsense, it creates a wonderfully cosy atmosphere and I had no issue seeing things.

"A truly brilliant site that the National trust should be proud to look after."

Powis Castle in Welshpool. Picture by Gary Williams.

Falconry Experience Wales, Machynlleth

Reviewer David A said: "It is difficult to put into words how incredible the falconry experience Lucy and Barry offer.

"The knowledge they possess is mind blowing and it's clear to see that their lives have been sculpted around ornithology.

"They made our visit incredible and even as amateurs we were comfortable with the birds. I also had a unique request for Barry, Lucy and of course Tswana which was accommodated with enthusiasm and made it truly magical."

Meanwhile Rosemary C added: "My husband gifted me a ‘Just For You Experience’ and it was incredible.

"Barry and Luce were so welcoming and their knowledge and passion for the birds and wildlife conservation evident and so infectious.

"To be able to be up close and personal to these magnificent birds was an absolute privilege. The highlight being ‘hands on’ and being able to have them land on/fly from my hand. A memorable afternoon, thank you."

Falconry Experience Wales in Machynlleth

Elan Valley, Rhayader

Reviewer julielM4729RB said: "Lovely area, lots of information available and fantastic views. Be brave and look over, worth it. Very clean and good footpaths."

Meanwhile stephenhE3905KD added: "An absolutely stunning place to visit, and definitely somewhere to return to. We walked for miles, and always found somewhere more stunning that the last."

TripsUK2022 added: "We have been visiting this area for over 25 years and the scenery is always breathtaking and outstandingly beautiful."

Elan Valley. 

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Brecon

Voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder and the winner of all major environmental and tourism awards.

There are three exceptional caves to experience - Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave.

Each cave offers a unique underground adventure. In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk through beautifully decorated passageways for just under one kilometre; in Cathedral Cave you walk through enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago.

At the end of this cave you will walk behind 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an exceptional end to a truly breathtaking cave.

In Bone Cave learn why 42 human skeletons are buried there, and why our ancestors used caves all those years ago."

The National Showcaves for Wales.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, Llanrhaeadr

Reviewer G4855IMlisac said: "Well worth the visit. Parking at the base of the waterfall was £5 by a quaint little cafe. The walk to the top we were told was 25 minutes, obviously for someone fitter than me. Took me nearer an hour but was very pleased to have done it."

926Joanner added: "An absolute hidden gem, a must to go and see. The owner couldn’t of been more helpful when he offered to make us a coffee even though the cafe was closed."

"Well worth the car parking charge, all in all a lovely day out."

The mighty Pistyll Rhaeadr. Picture by Ed Clay.