Welshpool

Railway enthusiasts make pilgrimages here for one very specific reason - the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway winds through some of the finest countryside in Powys. This narrow-gauge treasure runs for eight miles through proper Welsh valleys, and frankly, it's one of those experiences that reminds you why Britain does heritage railways so well.

Welshpool itself sits comfortably in the Severn Valley, close enough to the English border that you'll hear more than a few Midlands accents on market days. The town has that lived-in quality that comes from being a proper working place rather than somewhere that exists purely for tourists. Thursday's livestock market brings farmers down from the hills, and the high street still has independent shops that serve locals rather than day-trippers.

For something completely different, the Cloverlands Model Car Museum packs an impressive collection into a surprisingly compact space. It's the sort of place that either captivates you completely or leaves you wondering why anyone needs quite so many miniature vehicles. Either way, it's uniquely Welsh in its dedication to a very particular passion.

The surrounding countryside rolls away in all directions, with Gelli-gason offering decent walking if you fancy stretching your legs properly. Montgomery is just down the road for those who want medieval ruins with their afternoon tea.

Staying at one of the glamping sites or touring parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Welshpool for supplies or a proper pub lunch, but far enough out to wake up to genuinely quiet mornings. The railway station at Llanfair Caereinion connects you to the broader narrow-gauge network, and frankly, there's something deeply satisfying about basing yourself in countryside this unspoilt.