Llandrindod Wells

Victorian grandeur meets Welsh countryside in this once-fashionable spa town where thermal springs made millionaires out of hoteliers. Llandrindod Wells feels like it's still waiting for the crowds to return - wide tree-lined streets, ornate bandstand, and those magnificent red-brick hotels that once hosted European royalty now serve a quieter crowd of walkers and cyclists.

The Elan Valley's string of reservoirs lies just west, offering some of Wales' most dramatic lake scenery. Carn Wen houses an ancient stone circle that predates the Romans by centuries, while Drums Ddu peak provides proper mountain views across mid-Wales. Those willing to venture further will find Llyn Gwyn, a glacial lake that's particularly lovely on misty mornings.

Church architecture enthusiasts have several gems to explore, from the medieval Llanwrthwl Parish Church to St Michael & All Angels at Llanfihangel Brynpabuan. The countryside here is gentle rather than dramatic - rolling hills, scattered farms, and plenty of woodland like Ty'n-y-lon Wood for afternoon rambles.

Getting here is straightforward enough via the A483 from either direction, though the Heart of Wales railway line offers a more scenic approach from Swansea or Shrewsbury. Builth Wells sits 12 miles south if you need proper shops.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Powys. You're well-placed for the Elan Valley's engineering marvels, the Cambrian Mountains, and those therapeutic springs that put this place on the map. Plus the town centre's compact enough to walk everywhere.