Yr Nyth

Wildlife lovers can get their fill of birds of prey at Gigrin Farm (35 minutes’ drive), where red kites come into feed several times a day; there are also several hides for watching the enormous raptors tussle with buzzards and ravens for the food. Nearby, you can get out into the Cambrian Mountains for nature rambles from the visitor centre in Gilfach Nature Reserve (also 35 minutes). Learn something about the history of the region with a visit to the sumptuous rooms, landmark topiaried yew bushes and Italianate gardens at National Trust-owned Powis Castle and Garden (half an hour), or step further back in time with an uphill yomp up to the Bronze Age standing stones at Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle (35 minutes). It’s only a short walk to the dramatic gorge viewpoint at Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls (45 minutes), or you can take the weight off your legs altogether and climb aboard an historic locomotive to chug through stunning countryside on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (half an hour).