Tafarn Dwynant

The old stone pub sits alone on a hillside between Machynlleth and nowhere much, which is rather the point of it. Tafarn Dwynant has the look of a place that's seen better days - weathered walls, a sagging roof line, the kind of building that makes you wonder how many generations of locals propped up the bar inside. What strikes you most is the isolation. There are no gift shops, no car parks with tidy lines, just a remote Welsh landmark that feels genuinely forgotten by time.

Historically it matters more than it looks now. This is a place with real roots in the local story, though tracking down specifics can be tricky - opening hours and admission details aren't widely advertised, which tells you something about its low-key status. If you're a sucker for crumbling rural architecture or interested in how Welsh communities once functioned away from main roads, it's worth the detour. Kids will get bored fast unless they're into exploring derelict buildings, but walkers heading through mid-Powys should pencil it in.

The surrounding landscape is what makes it work - rolling hills, proper quiet, the kind of place where you remember why you left the city. Gwerniago Campsite sits a few miles off, which gives you a proper base for exploring this corner of Wales. Don't expect much in the way of facilities or clear information before you visit. Ring ahead or check locally in Machynlleth first.