Must do in and around Welshpool

Welshpool’s main streets are lined with fine Georgian buildings. Unusually, many have façades built of brick, brought in via the Montgomery Canal or the River Severn in the town’s heyday as a transport hub. The small, hexagonal building tucked behind Broad Street was an 18th century cock-fighting ring. It’s very rare to find one still standing in Britain.

Partly medieval, but with grand 17th century interiors, Powis Castle and Garden presides over the finest historic garden in Wales. It was created in the 1670s, by terracing the slopes below the castle in an Italian Renaissance style. Its quirkiest feature is a row of ancient, topiaried yew trees. From a distance, the castle seems to sit on a gigantic green cushion.

Squeezed into a modest canalside building, Powysland is a great little museum of local artefacts and customs, covering everything from local railway history, canal building and farming to fashion. Make your way upstairs from the library for some fascinating insights into local life in centuries past.

From April to October, you can ride the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway along this delightful narrow-gauge heritage railway from Raven Square to Llanfair Caereinion. It’s a 16 mile round trip which takes around 45 minutes each way. For the ultimate retro adventure, book a Driver Experience course, which allows you to take the controls.

The Welshpool Golf Club has a top of the world location with an appropriate name – Y Golfa (which actually translates as The Bald). With panoramic views of the Welsh borderlands, the 18 hole, James Braid designed hilltop course is a magnificent spot to practice your swing. On a clear day, you can see Eryri (Snowdonia). Visitors are welcome, all year round.

Running for 33 miles, the late 18th century Montgomery Canal brings wildlife right into the centre of Welshpool. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where aquatic plants thrive and otters, water voles and kingfishers are sometimes seen. An easy, 1.2 mile stroll with QR coded waymarkers and a 9.2 mile towpath trail to Newtown encourage you to explore. 

Read more: Explore the Severn Way - Newtown to Welshpool

Llyn Coed y Dinas is a fantastic home for all sorts of wildlife. Entry is free and the site is fully accessible to wheelchair users, including the spacious bird hide. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on site.

Severn Farm Pond Nature Reserve is an urban nature reserve with meandering boardwalks where you might spot creatures such as damselflies, dragonflies, newts, frogs and toads. There's a variety of birds too, so look out for Coots, Moorhens, Mallards, Little Grebes and Reed Buntings setting up home on and around the pond during the spring and summer.

The Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in nearby Berriew is the only museum in Europe dedicated to a living artist. The museum is a vibrant space that displays examples of Andrew’s work. The museum features sculpture, water colours, jewellery, photos and mirrored portraits.

Glyndŵr's Way is a 135 mile National Trail which loops through glorious Mid Wales countryside. It starts from Knighton’s Town Clock, heads northwest to Machynlleth, then turns northeast, ending at the Montgomery Canal, Welshpool. Most people walk it in that direction, but you could easily start from Welshpool and sample a section. Welshpool is also on the route of the long distance Severn Way, so take your pick of some spectacular walks.

Read more: Walks on Glyndŵr's Way

In a country estate which rolls down to the River Severn and the River Rhiew, Glansevern Hall's 25 acre garden is full of colour and interest. If you’re in a romantic mood, you could wander through the wisteria walk, explore the walled garden, gaze at the exotic trees or relax beside the lake. Nature lovers can watch birds from the secluded, riverbank hide. The dog-friendly Naissance Cafe offers tasty toasties, pizzas and a selection of hot drinks, and includes vegan and gluten-free options.

You can easily get to Welshpool by public transport. The scenic Cambrian Line has regular trains to Welshpool from Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. Traveline Cymru is a useful public transport journey planner. 

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