Explore the Area
Our tips for making the most of your stay…
Chirk is approximately 27 miles away and is a drive of just under an hour.The castle is open daily between February and November, except on Mondays and Tuesdays. The castle is also open on Bank Holidays and on Tuesdays throughout July and August.
Chirk Castle is a 700 year old marcher fortress, which commands fine views over the surrounding countryside. There is lots to visit including dungeons and delightful gardens. Also has a nice café.
Centre for Alternative Technology
With over 7 acres of hands-on displays and gardens and with over 40 years of experience in sustainability practice, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) inspires thousands of visitors every year. Based in beautiful Mid Wales, the Centre overlooks the Snowdonia National Park, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Join us with your family, friends or come alone and explore what you can do!
The drive from Pen-y-bont-fawr to Lake Bale winds through Llangynog and up over a magnificent mountain pass. At four miles long and a mile wide, Lake Bala is the largest body of water in Wales. In Welsh the lake is known as “Llyn Tegid” which means Lake of Serenity.
There are many watersports available at the lake including yachting and kayaking. There are steam trains running along the shore. The train gives wonderful views of the lake and surrounding scenery. The town of Bala has a market day on Monday.
There is the National Whitewater Centre for watersports nearby, opened in 1986. The centre is known by canoe enthusiasts as an excellent destination for white water rafting.
About a 20 minute drive from the house is the stunning Lake Vyrnwy. There are plenty of things to see and do around the lake.
The drive around the lake itself is beautiful and well worth doing. The dam is spectacular particularly after a heavy rainfall when you can see huge chutes of water cascading down the lower part.
If you cross the dam and turn immediately left you will find a visitors centre with photographs of the old village and the dam as it was being built. There is also an RSPB centre and an observation point for watching birds. There are a few small shops and two cafes and an outdoor sculpture park. Click here for the RSPB find your way around Lake Vyrnwy and Falls flyer
If you drive around the lake on the right hand side you will pass Lake Vyrnwy Hotel on your right. This has a pub with a terrace boasting wonderful views over the lake and is a reasonable place to have lunch. The hotel also has a much pricier restaurant.
If you drive right round the lake to the end you will find a car park where you can leave the car and take the 25 minute walk across the fields to the waterfall. This is well worth doing. Wear appropriate footwear and take a picnic!
You can hire boats and bicycles.
The beautiful church of Pennant Melangell is situated two miles from the village of Llangynog at the Head of the Tanat Valley.
The first church is said to have been founded in the 7th century by Melangell, the daughter of an Irish king, who dwelt in the valley as a hermit. One day the Prince of Powys came hunting and a hare took refuge under Melangell’s cloak. The prince’s dogs fled howling and deeply impressed by her goodness, the prince gave the whole valley to Melangell as a sanctuary. Pennant Melangell has been a place of pilgrimage since this time and Melangell herself is the patron saint of hares.
Parts of the church date from the 12th century although it was partially rebuilt in 1990. Inside the church is a 15th century oak screen with carvings relating the story of Melangell and Prince Brochwel. The church tower contains a small shop and on the first floor is a display of old photographs of the area.
At 80m (240 ft) high Pistyll Rhaeadr is the UK’s tallest single drop waterfall.
The village of Llanraedr is about 6 miles from Pen-y-bont-fawr and is a small village with a few shops and three pubs. As you drive into the village and pass over the bridge there is a very narrow left turning. This is the road to the waterfall which winds upwards for about another 3 miles. There is a café and car park at the bottom of the falls but we recommend parking off the road just before you reach there as it is free. After parking you can wander up to the waterfall or even take the stunning climb to the top following a pathway to the right hand side. It’s very steep but the views at the top are magnificent.
The castle is located 1 mile south of Welshpool, about a 45 minute drive from the house. It is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Wonderful gardens.
Snowdonia National Park is under an hour’s drive away.
The Snowdonia National Park boasts vast areas of natural beauty and unique scenery. It is known as Eryri by Welsh a name that can be translated as “the place of the eagles”.
The park which covers 838 square miles is one of the three natural parks found in Wales and the oldest one being designated as one in 1951. The area of the Snowdonia National Park has so much to offer to visitors that if you are visiting it for the first time you will wonder why it took you so long to do it.
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway
A 16 mile return journey by narrow gauge steam railway through beautiful Welsh countryside. The railway was opened in 1903 to connect the town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion.
Park Hall Countryside Experience
Park Hall the Countryside Experience near Oswestry in Shropshire is one of the region’s most exciting all weather family visitor attractions. With regular hands-on animal activities, two massive indoor playbarns, lots of outdoor play and driving activities there is never a dull moment for the kids. At a more sedate pace there are museums, exhibitions and beautiful countryside - visit their website.
Chester Zoo
There are always lots of exciting events at the zoo including the free daily animal talks that our experts do every day. You can book your tickets online. Chester Zoo is well connected to the motorway and roads network, easy to find. Plus, there is lots of FREE parking! For more information - visit their website. If you're using a Sat Nav, the postcode is CH2 1EU.
Pony & Quad Bike Treks
What a better way to appreciate the spectacular scenery and the surrounding area of Ceiriog Valley. Find out more.
Horse Riding in the Ceriog Valley
From an hour trek to enjoy the scenery, a fast hack to enjoy the lovely horses, a lesson in flat work or jumping in our manége (with the most stunning view anywhere) with qualified BHS-IT instructor, a day ride or trek for all levels of riders. Find out more.
White Water Centre
The National White Water Centre is the home of white water rafting and kayaking in the UK. The centre is based on the River Tryweryn - a real Welsh mountain river in Snowdonia National Park. Although its a truly wild mountain river the Tryweryn's water levels are dam-controlled so it’s rapids still thunder throughout the summer. Unlike any other UK venue for white water rafting at the National White Water Centre there is no need to compromise; enjoy thrilling white water, reliable river conditions and a beautiful natural environment!
You can book white rafting, canyoning or activity dates featured on their website or contact them on 01678 521083 or email
Zip World Adventures
"If you’ve not come across Zip World before, be ready for an experience of a lifetime" - visit the website.
Hovercraft Experience Days
Hoverdays have a range of activities to offer, including Hovercraft experience days, Archery, Reverse Steer Buggy Driving, Segway, Blindfold Driving and Extreme 4×4 Driving.
King Arthurs Labyrinth
An Underground Adventure...
Found deep beneath the mountains of Southern Snowdonia, this mysterious attraction is one of the best days out and right on the border of mid Wales and north Wales. Join a mysterious hooded boatman and sail by underground boat through a magical waterfall - your gateway to the Dark Ages and a time of myth, magic, dragons, giants and King Arthur.
Best described as an underground storytelling adventure, it's a cool attraction when hot, a dry attraction when wet, and with lots more things to do, King Arthur's Labyrinth is a real adventure for all ages.
Beyond that waterfall is the past. Do you want to go there? click here