Plynlimon Shepherd's Hut

Out into nature's big backyard, you go… there are river Severn footpaths through pine and spruce trees in Hafren Forest (10 minutes' drive)… stunning waterfalls at Devil’s Bridge Falls (20 minutes)… nature trails around the lake at Clywedog Reservoir (25 minutes)… Some of your other options include Elan Valley (25 minutes), where bike rides along the former Elan Valley railway are rather splendid, or the Red Kite Feeding Station (20 minutes), where you’ll get to be a fly on the wall for the kites’ daily feedings. The beach fans among you might like to take a soak at Borth beach (40 minutes), or tackle the waves head-on with surfing or windsurfing activities. If you time your visit for the right season, the sea will retreat back and reveal a fossilised forest with stumps from old trees (cool, right?). Now, what about some more old sites? Take a tour around the lead mine at Silver Mountain Experience (15 minutes) or get your brains going in one of their escape rooms. Similarly, there are mine building remains at the Bryntail Lead Mine Buildings (20 minutes). From Aberystwyth (35 minutes), you could take a steam train ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway or have a simpler time shopping, eating out or strolling down the prom.