Rainy day Activities in Mid Wales and Herefordshire
Mid Wales and the Herefordshire borders are known for its dramatic mountain ranges and lush greenery. It attracts outdoor explorers from all over the world, but there’s plenty of indoor adventures and activities to be had too. Contact us if you have any questions about thing’s to do in the area during your stay. Here’s a selection of places to visit in Mid Wales and Herefordshire on those (occasional!) rainy days.
Home to the Institute of Art and Ideas, The Globe in Hay on Wye is a vibrant epicentre for everything from poetry and string quartets to comedy and club nights. Visit the cafe for excellent local food (weekend brunch is amazing), join in with Lego Club on Sunday afternoons and look out for the art and philosophy festivals held here during the year.
At the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne, Mid Wales, hear tales of murder, dastardly trials and the servants who worked in the quarters below at this grand 19th century house, nodding to almost 500 years of judicial history. It’s a murky, gaslit world to step into, with Victorian activity boxes for kids and some gruesome surprises for adults.
Coal mining is a huge part of Wales’ history. Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the miners and the work they did on this site in the South Wales Valleys. Get kitted up with a miner’s helmet and battery pack then travel 300 feet (100 metres) underground to find out what being down the mines was like. There’s an on-site exhibition to stroll through and there are often events and workshops to take part in.
The National Showcaves for Wales – an11-mile (17km) cave system is one of the largest in Europe. One local cave diving expert believes that the caves may stretch up to 90 miles (150km) in length! Dan yr Ogof caves were discovered in 1912 and were inhabited during the Bronze Age, while remains of 42 human skeletons were found in Bone Cave, along with jewellery and other ancient artefacts. It is also home to the world’s largest award-winning dinosaur parks – see over 220 life-sized dinosaur models, and get up close and personal with some of the monsters from millions of years ago!
Enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture of Brecon Cathedral and don’t miss the heritage centre: an interpretative exhibition, restaurant and shop in an atmospheric 17th Century former tithe barn. The exhibition centre makes use of the latest technology in telling the story of Brecon Priory from its 1093AD beginnings to its present use, and really makes history come alive.
Want to have a go climbing? Visit Wales’ leading dedicated Indoor Climbing & Training Centre! Llangorse Activity Centre provides high-quality facilities for all ages & abilities – both experienced climbers and those looking to get involved in the sport.
One for the grown ups! Chase Distillery – Visit the field to bottle distillery in Herefordshire. Browse the distillery shop or buy a drink from the bar and enjoy the beautiful countryside views from the outside seating area.
