With half-term upon us, take a look at these fantastic attractions in mid Wales.

All these attractions and more can be found on www.visitmidwales.co.uk

Make a Willow Bird Feeder!

When? Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 1:30pm- 2:30pm.

Where? RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve, Eglwys-fach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8DQ.

Help the birds in your garden and create your own willow bird feeder for fat balls.Suitable for 8+ with an accompanying adult. Wrap up warm as this event is held in their tractor shed. More details here: https://events.rspb.org.uk/ynys-hir 

The Centre for Alternative Technology
Family fun at The Centre for Alternative Technology. (The Centre for Alternative Technology)

Stomp around the Quarry Trail!

Where? Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ.

Pull on your walking boots and set off for an adventure round CAT's Quarry Trail. A manageable and well-maintained footpath, which takes visitors up into the hills surrounding CAT through beautiful woodland to unlock stunning views of the surrounding area: https://cat.org.uk/visiting/woodlands-and-wildlife/quarry-trail/ 

Find out all about renewable technologies through CAT’s hands-on displays, and discover their beautiful organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats. More details here: https://cat.org.uk/visiting/family-activities/

Visit over 200 life-size dinosaurs!

Where? Dan-yr-Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercrave, SA9 1GJ (in the Brecon Beacons National Park).

Explore one of the world’s largest award-winning dinosaur parks – see over 220 life-sized dinosaur models, and get up close and personal with some of the monsters from millions of years ago.More here: https://www.showcaves.co.uk/

Hire a bike (or bring your own)

Where? Artisans, The Old Sawmill, Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, SY10 0NA.

A great way to explore beautiful Lake Vyrnwy. Bike hire is available from Artisans Craft and Coffee shop so you can take on the 12 miles of road around the lake and relax with tea and cake afterwards.

Join a Knight’s Quest!

Where? The Silver Mountain Experience, Llywernog, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB.

Get ready to join a Knight’s quest, as you undertake your expedition to find a shy and secretive Dragon by the name of Grotty. Follow the clues, crack the codes, and see if you can find this friendly creature. A Dragon’s Tale is an exciting actor-led experience, which is perfect for younger explorers under the age of 8, and an adventure for all the family this half term.

Learn about astronomy!

Where? The Spaceguard Centre, Llanshay Lane, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1LW.

The Spaceguard Centre is a working observatory, and the main source of information about near Earth objects in the UK. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Check tour times on their website, here: https://spaceguardcentre.com/visit-us/

Alex Allpress Pottery, Builth Wells.
Alex Allpress Pottery, Builth Wells. (Alex Allpress Pottery, Builth Wells.)

Throw clay on a potter’s wheel!

Where? Alex Allpress Pottery School, Y Stiwdio, Church Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3BS.

Arrange a bespoke two-hour workshop or full experience day: throwing / hand building / tiles / mugs / bowls / firings / glazing. Ages and skills from 2-102! Beginners to Advanced. It’s as much about enjoying making and learning a new skill, as having your work fired and using it when you get home. Pre-booking essential. More details: https://www.facebook.com/AlexPotteryStudio/

Solve puzzles to complete a special mission!

Where? Beyond Breakout, 4th Floor, Royal Welsh Warehouse, Pryce Jones Building, Newtown, Powys SY16 1BJ.

Breach the Red Queens castle and steal the crown or find the lost mask of the Sun God, Intu. You and your team have 60 minutes to solve the mystery and emerge victorious from Beyond Breakout’s indoor escape rooms.More details: https://www.beyondbreakout.co.uk/

Explore a world-famous garden!

Where? Powis Castle & Garden, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 8RF.

This February half term, the National Trust is encouraging visitors to get active and explore the world-famous garden at Powis Castle in an unusual and exciting way. Pick up a map from the Welcome Cabin and embark on an adventure along terraces, through formal gardens and around large lawns. The trail will be running beyond half term until Sunday 26 March. Normal admission prices apply. More details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/powis-castle-and-garden

Gregynog
Gregynog Hall & Gardens, near Newtown. (Gregynog)

Discover a woodland walk!

Where? Gregynog Hall & Gardens, Tregynon, Nr Newtown, Powys SY16 3PL

Gregynog has a variety of colour-coded woodland walks of varying length (for long legs and shorter ones), weaving their way through the estate, with views of the Hall and the stunning Mid Wales countryside. Attractions on the walks include the secluded Mellor’s cottage, the Davies sisters’ painting shed and Quackers Hall, perched in the middle of the lily lake, and a birdwatching hide located deep in the Garden House Wood. Not forgetting the famous stone statue of a giant hand protruding from the earth! There is no charge for the walks, but there is a £2.50 charge per car for parking in the estate. More details: https://www.gregynog.org/visit/walks/