Welshpool

Red-brick market buildings and Montgomery Canal waterways define this Welsh borderland town that's stayed refreshingly unpretentious. Welshpool feels properly lived-in rather than polished for tourists - the high street shops serve locals first, visitors second.

Powis Castle looms above the town centre, though the real draws lie in the surrounding countryside. Deri Woods offers cracking walking through ancient oak and beech, while the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway chugs through some of the finest scenery in mid-Wales. Don't miss The Farmhouse Gallery for local art that actually captures the area's character.

Montgomery Canal runs right through town. You can walk or cycle the towpath for miles in either direction - it's properly peaceful, especially early morning when mist hangs over the water. The restored sections are lovely, though some stretches remain a bit wild and overgrown.

Getting here is straightforward enough from Shrewsbury (20 minutes by car) or you can catch the train, though services aren't frequent. The town sits bang on the English-Welsh border - you'll cross it several times without noticing.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the Severn Valley and deeper into Powys. Several glamping options have popped up recently, including Brook Valley Glamping and The Secret Yurts, though traditional touring parks like Llwyn Celyn still dominate. From any of these bases, you're well-placed for day trips to the Brecon Beacons or the Shropshire Hills.