Attractions & Activities
We realise that not everyone is here to immerse themselves in muck, seek out the most thrilling rides or surf inland or zip across quarries, so we have compiled our favourite activities that well frankly are a little tamer, but equally interesting and stimulating to our slightly older visitors, families with young children or those who enjoy a slower pace of life. After all that’s one of the special things about the heart of Wales. This is just a taste of what else is on offer, so come and book today, and make Highland Moors your base for a wonderful exploration of the heart of Wales.
Highland Moors Top 20 best places to visit
1 Silver Mountain Experience (Heritage)
Based at the old silver mines, this recent attraction has taken on a whole new lease of life. Wonderfully imaginative take to bring it all to life. Now Silver Mountain Experience with Escape Room. Check it out
2 Elan Valley (Natural beauty)
Beautiful in every season and open all year round, this is a must to enjoy the dams, reservoirs and stunning landscape. Walk, cycle, ride or drive it, but do it.
Visit www.elanvalley.org.uk
3 Abbey-cwm-hir (Heritage)
A unique restored 52 room Hall and Gardens restored to a building of Gothic splendour; boasting stunning interiors and fascinating collections, set in 12 acres of restored Victorian gardens in a beautiful setting above the ruins of the 12th C “Abbey of the Long Valley. The Humperstons achievements have been featured on BBC “Discovering Welsh Houses” ,”My Secret Wales”, “Wales Today”, on ITV “Wales Tonight” ,”Great Welsh Roads” and “How the other Half Lives” and on S4C.
Visit www.abbeycwmhir.com
4 Small Breeds Farm & Owl Centre (Wildlife)
In 2012 they proudly celebrate 21 years of welcoming visitors to share their very special place and our wonderful collection of miniature, rare and friendly creatures. During winter months and in very wet weather our animals are displayed undercover which makes it more comfortable for them and for you. They are open whatever the weather, come rain or shine.
Visit www.owlcentre.com
5 Judges Lodging (Heritage)
Explore the fascinating world of the Victorian judges at this award-winning 1870’s historic house and discover the world of a most unusual household. Explore the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of the Victorian Judges, their servants and felonious guests.
Visit www.judgeslodging.org.uk
6 Thomas Shop (Heritage)
Come and enjoy an original drapery and grocery store which saw a roaring trade from 1805 – 1958. The Thomas family were known for their blends of tea, silks and skilled tailoring. Today it’s a museum, wonderful tea room and shop which sells traditional crafts and gifts.
Visit www.thomas-shop.com
7 National Cycle Collection (Museum)
The ‘Tom Norton’ building known as the Automobile Palace, is a Grade II listed building and is an example of an early motor showroom dating from 1909. Inside this, National Cycle Collection is simply the best private collection open to the public in the world.
Visit www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
8 Zip World
Fantastic three locations of adventure activities including Velocity 2, Titan, Quarry Karts, and Treetop Nets and Treehoppers
Visit www.zipworld.co.uk
9 Dan-yr-Ogof Caves & farm (Natural beauty/Activity Centre)
10 attractions in one including the stunning national showcaves, dinosaurs, shire horse centre, the farm and Barney’s playbarn. A wonderful day out for families with children of all ages.
Visit www.showcaves.co.uk
10 Cantref Adventure Farm and Riding Centre (Activity Centre)
So many things to do at this all day indoor and outdoor activity centre including Europe’s longest sledge ride, swamp ride, paddle boats, tractor and trailer rides, ball cannons, pet barn, young tractor drivers experience and playzone.
Visit www.cantref.com
11 Water-Break-Its-Neck waterfall (Natural beauty)
A wonderful walk 3-5 miles to enjoy the beautiful waterfall and the trails through the Warren Wood/Radnor forest. Bring a picnic and get lost in nature. On the way back, why not take a drive past Gilwern Hill/Carneddau through farms on the wonderful rollercoaster road to Hundred House Inn for a tasty lunch or delicious dinner. Enjoy fields of bluebells, easy walks into the hills or sledging in the winter. Route maps from Highland Moors.
Visit www.forestryengland.uk and type in water-break-its-neck
12 Powis Castle & Gardens (Heritage)
The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces. High on a rock above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress. Remodelled and embellished over more than 400 years, it reflects the changing needs and ambitions of the Herbert family – each generation adding to the magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture and tapestries. A superb collection of treasures from India is displayed in the Clive Museum.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
13 Steam train journeys (Heritage)
There are three wonderful steam train journeys in Mid Wales still operating today, the Brecon Mountain Railway, Vale of Rheidol and Talyllyn. All are special and the kids will love the experience whichever you choose.
Visit www.bmr.wales, www.rheidolrailway.co.uk, and www.talyllyn.co.uk
14 Spaceguard Centre
We want to bring the wonders of the universe to everyone in a fun and understandable way. At the same time we want to raise public awareness of the threat of asteroid and comet impacts, and the ways in which we can predict and prevent them.
Visit www.spaceguarduk.com
15 Brecon Beacons Pen-y-fan (Natural beauty)
A must for those who enjoy a challenge, the ‘fan dance’. 7 mile to the summit and back in the wonderful Brecon Beacons, self guided or with a guide.
Visit www.breconbeacons.org
16 Bounce Below in (Crafts)
Unleash your inner-thrill seeker in our enormous underground net adventure! Jump and slide your way through the disused mine on the best playground ever!
17 Surf Snowdonia
Welcome to the Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc: a revolutionary world-first inland surf lagoon and the UK’s most compelling outdoor adventure destination for you, your friends and the whole family to enjoy.
Our awesome 300-metre surf lagoon is the main deal, but there’s loads of other stuff to try out when you visit – from adrenaline thrills & spills on our Crash and Splash lagoon to SUP safaris, kayaking and kiddies soft play. Take a look around!
18 Gigrin Farm Red kite feeding & rehabilitation centre (Wildlife)
The best place to see and photograph red kites in Europe, Amateur Photographer Magazine.
Visit www.gigrin.co.uk
19 Devils Bridge via the Mountain pass (Natural beauty)
The lovely mountain route via the Elan Valley to Aberystwyth is worth a drive. On route is Devils Bridge, the spectacular waterfalls, is also well worth a stop. If you have extra time, a few hours in Aberystwyth is well worth a visit.
20 Alex Allpress Studio & Pottery Classes
Make your very own bowl in their welsh stone pottery by the river. All ages All skills.
Visit www.alexallpress.co.uk
