County counsel: Powys
Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, culture or simply beautiful landscapes, this county has it all, says Bryony Symes
Bryony Symes is your guide to this historic area that marks the border between England and Wales
1 A fortified symbol of power in Powys
The striking red-stone walls of Powis Castle are surrounded by a world-famous garden and terraces, but at its heart, this is an imposing medieval fortress. Discover centuries of history within the castle itself, plus fantastic Indian treasures on display in the Clive Museum. Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2 Time to put on your hard hats
Delve deep underground with Corris Mine Explorers to see the forgotten world of the slate miner, an industry that has shaped this region since Roman times. Braich Goch Slate Mine was dug by hand in 1836, and mining continued here until the 1970s. Visit this time capsule to learn about working in the mines. Web corrismineexplorers.co.uk
3 Eyes to the sky and see the stars
The remoteness of the Welsh Marches makes this area ideal for astronomy, and The Spaceguard Centre takes full advantage of the dark skies. Take a guided tour to find out more about this observatory and the work it does studying asteroids and comets. Web www.spaceguardcentre.com
4 History made on two wheels
Find out all there is to know about the development of two-wheeled transport at the National Cycle Museum. Displays feature more than 260 cycles, including a Hobby Horse, which dates from 1818. Web www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
5 Nature meets engineering
The spectacular dams of the Elan Valley Reservoirs are quite a sight to behold, surrounded by some 70 square miles of countryside for you to explore. While you’re there, don’t miss the visitor centre, where you can find out about the fascinating history of the area, starting with the creation of the reservoirs in 1894. Web www.elanvalley.org.uk
6 Adventures in the great outdoors
The Brecon Beacons National Park dominates the south of the county, with really spectacular scenery, and great hiking and walking trails for all, whether you class yourself as adventurer or just gentle wanderer. Don’t miss the steep gorges and tumbling waters of Waterfall Country, which you’ll find in the south of the National Park. Web www.breconbeacons.org
7 Learn about the people of the past
Explore the area’s fascinating and diverse archaeology at Powysland Museum; from prehistoric settlers to life in the present day, this is a social history that’s worth knowing. As a bonus, the museum is located in a pleasant spot, by the Montgomeryshire Canal. Web www.powys.gov.uk
8 Daily life in the workhouse
Visit one of the best-preserved workhouses in the UK, in the far north of the county. Llanfyllin Workhouse was built in 1837 and has a fascinating history, which you can explore in the small visitor centre and museum. There’s also a self-guided walking tour through the courtyards and part of the workhouse itself. The buildings are now owned by the local community, and are being developed as an arts, music and education centre. Web www.the-workhouse.org.uk
9 Explore below the Brecon Beacons
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales (aka Dan-yr-ogof) has far more to offer than ‘just’ the 17-kilometre cave system under the Brecon Beacons. Other attractions include a shire horse centre and fair, a dinosaur park with more than 220 life-size models, an iron age farm and a museum. But don’t let these distract you from the spectacular underground sights, which include Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. Web www.showcaves.co.uk
10 Where Wales meets England
Stroll along Britain’s longest ancient monument, Offa’s Dyke, which roughly follows the eastern edge of the county where Wales meets England. Take in even more spectacular scenery as you follow this famous border rampart, originally built by the Saxons in the eighth century. Web www.visitwales.com