This area is one of the most sparsely populated in the UK, but interspersed with some wonderful old towns, each with their own character:

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Llanwrtyd Wells (5 miles) – this small and friendly town plays host to the World Alternative Games and the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, as well as Man vs Horse! 

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Builth Wells (8 miles) – Charming old market town with a lively high street and cut through by the River Wye.  It grew up around a Norman Castle and you can walk up to the mound.  It has a  very good butcher and a Co-Op supermarket.

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Llandrindod Wells (12 miles) – owes its modern origins to the railway line and the spring waters which were recognised to have healing properties.  A beautiful and fashionable Victorian getaway,  the town has some fantastic examples of Victorian architecture and an excellent small museum.  It has a big Tesco and Aldi for all your holiday requirements.

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Hay on Wye (20 miles) – a book lover’s idyll and host to the Hay Festival.  It is a wonderful day out with many book shops, independent stores, antique shops, excellent cafes and a castle.

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Brecon (20 miles) – this town sits in the Brecon Beacons National Park and the peaks can be seen from the town.  As well as the Cathedral, it also has a great entertainment calendar including the Brecon Jazz Festival, Green Man Festival and an excellent programme at Theatr Brecheiniog.

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Rhayader (20 miles) – Rhayader is the first town on the River Wye after it has wound down from its source in the Cambrian Mountains.  Acting as a gateway to the stunning Elan Valley, it is a beautiful small market town which acts as a crossroads between east, west, north and south meaning that the town has welcomed travellers for centuries.

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Presteigne, Knighton, Llandeilo and Llanidloes – are also all within an hour of Llwyn Madoc and all offer something different.

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The Elan Valley – is a very special region, an International Dark Sky Reservation – thousands of acres of open moorland and wonderful scenery.  The Elan Valley Dams are fabulous examples of Victorian engineering.

 

Brecon Cathedral – this houses a fantastic choir, vaulting, stained glass windows.  There is also a Heritage Centre, craft shop and tea rooms.

 

Aberglasney – a BBC TV series followed the restoration of these glorious gardens.  It is a ‘Plantsman’s Paradise’ and with the restored Grade II listed mansion is well worth a visit.

 

The National Botanic Gardens