A Rhiw Wood Treehouse family guide to things to do in Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog this summer
- Emma Hammonds
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
There’s something special about summer in Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). Long golden evenings, mountain walks with ice creams at the finish, wild swimming spots hidden between forests, and family adventures that feel a million miles away from busy everyday life.
At Rhiw Wood Treehouses, we’re surrounded by some of the best family-friendly experiences in Wales: from steam railways and castles to waterfalls, lakes, farm experiences, nature reserves and beaches all within reach for a day trip. With easy access to Mid Wales countryside and adventures into Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, there’s something for every kind of family escape.
Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or a full summer escape, here’s some of our favourite family guide to making the most of Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog this summer.
1. Explore the Elan Valley dams and reservoirs
If you only visit one outdoor destination during your stay, make it the Elan Valley.
Known as the “Welsh Lake District”, this spectacular area is packed with scenic drives, cycling routes, picnic spots and gentle walking trails suitable for families.
Children love spotting waterfalls, crossing old stone bridges and watching water thunder from the dams after rainfall. There’s also a visitor centre, café and bike hire available during summer.
Perfect for:
Family bike rides
Picnics with a view
Easy walks with younger children
Photography and wildlife spotting
Top tip: Bring a blanket and stop for sunset beside the reservoirs on a warm evening.
2. Ride the Vale of Rheidol steam railway
A heritage steam train journey through the Welsh countryside is one of those timeless family experiences everyone remembers.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway runs between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge, weaving through forests, hills and dramatic valleys.
Children love the old-fashioned carriages and steam engines, while adults get to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales without needing hiking boots.
At Devil’s Bridge, you can explore the famous waterfalls and woodland trails before returning by train.
Best for:
Rainy-day adventures
Multi-generational family trips
Scenic sightseeing
Top tip: Enjoy fish and chips on the beach at the end of the day.
3. Discover the waterfalls at Devil’s Bridge
Once you arrive at Devil’s Bridge, the waterfalls are well worth exploring.
The dramatic gorge and famous stacked bridges create one of the most atmospheric spots in Mid Wales.
There are walking routes suitable for different ages and abilities, with plenty of places to stop for photos or snacks.
In summer, the woodland paths stay cool and shaded, ideal on warmer days.
Top tip: after your walk head to the little shop in the village for an ice-cream and homemade Welsh cake or head to the Hafod Hotel for a spot of lunch
4. Spend a day at the beach
One of the best things about staying in Mid Wales is that mountains and coastlines are both within reach.
For a classic family beach day, head towards:
Borth Beach
A long sandy beach perfect for paddling, sandcastles and relaxed family walks.
Ynyslas Nature Reserve
A beautiful dune system and beach backed by wildlife-rich landscapes.
Aberdyfi
A lovely seaside village with sandy beaches, cafés and watersports.
Top tip: Pack a picnic, buckets and spades, and make a full day of it.
5. Visit King Arthur’s Labyrinth
For something completely different, King Arthur’s Labyrinth near Machynlleth is a brilliant family attraction.
You travel underground by boat through ancient caverns while Welsh myths and legends are brought to life through storytelling, sound and special effects.
It’s imaginative, atmospheric and especially popular with children aged 5–12.
There’s also an arts centre and café nearby, making it an easy half-day trip.
6. Go wildlife spotting at the Red Kite Feeding centres
Mid Wales is famous for its red kites, and seeing dozens swooping overhead at feeding time is unforgettable.
There are feeding centres at Gigrin Farm Rhayader, Bwlch Nant yr Arian, nr Aberwystwth or at Llanddeusant, Bannau Brycheiniog who operate during summer and offer excellent opportunities for children to learn about local wildlife.
Top tip: Bring binoculars if you have them, although the birds usually come close enough for incredible photographs.
7. Enjoy farm experiences and woodland adventures at Rhiw Wood
Sometimes the best summer days are the simplest ones. At Rhiw Wood Treehouses, families can slow down and reconnect with nature through simple outdoor experiences children genuinely love. We offer staying guests complimentary farm experiences as part of your stay.
Depending on the season, you can enjoy:
Meeting friendly farm animals
Helping feed animals with the family
Watching wildlife around the woodland
Exploring nature trails and den-building
Relaxed outdoor play away from screens
These slower farm experiences are often the highlight for younger children and create the kind of memories families talk about long after the holiday ends. See all Rhiw Wood Treehouse experiences here.
Wake slowly with coffee on the deck, listen to birdsong drifting through the trees, and spend the day exploring the woodland surroundings at your own pace. Children naturally slow down here. Parents do too.
And after a day of adventures across Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog, returning to your private treehouse feels wonderfully peaceful.
8. Explore Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) is one of the most iconic landscapes in Wales and makes a fantastic day trip from Rhiw Wood Treehouses.
Families can enjoy:
Waterfall walks
Scenic mountain drives
Picnic spots with incredible views
Gentle hiking routes suitable for children
Stargazing in one of Wales’ Dark Sky Reserves
A day trip on the Mon and Brecon canal
a visit to Big Pit, Dan yr Ogof Showcaves or Cantref Adventure farm
Popular family-friendly areas include Waterfall Country, Pen y Fan viewpoints, a visit to the National Park visitor centre, or head to Llangorse lake for lakeside walking or hire a boat.
9. Spend a day exploring Welsh castles and market towns
Mid Wales is full of charming towns and hidden historic gems.
Some favourites for summer exploring include:
Powis Castle or Hay Castle
A fantastic day out with beautiful gardens and fascinating interiors.
Rhayader or Hay on Wye
Both friendly market towns perfect for cafés, independent shops and riverside walks.
Exploring a local market town is one of the easiest ways to experience the slower pace and warm welcome Mid Wales is known for.
10. Slow evenings back at the Treehouse
The magic of summer at Rhiw Wood isn’t only about where you go. It’s also about coming back.
After beach days, mountain walks and steam train rides, evenings here become part of the adventure:
Outdoor dining as the sun sets through the trees
Board games and books together
Watching stars appear from the deck
Listening to owls after dark
Hot chocolate under blankets on cooler evenings
Having a family movie night
Those slower moments are often the memories families talk about most.
Planning your Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog summer escape
Summer holidays in Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
You can spend the morning hiking beside waterfalls, the afternoon at the coast, and the evening tucked away in the peaceful woodland surroundings of your treehouse.
Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, wildlife, farm experiences, beaches, history or simply time together away from busy routines, Mid Wales and Bannau Brycheiniog have something for everyone.
And at Rhiw Wood Treehouses, you’re perfectly placed to explore it all.
Looking for a summer family stay in Mid Wales or Bannau Brycheiniog?
Rhiw Wood Treehouses offers luxury woodland accommodation designed for slowing down, reconnecting and exploring the beauty of Mid Wales.
With private decks & hot tubs, peaceful farm surroundings and easy access to some of Wales’ best family attractions, it’s an ideal base for your summer escape.
We can’t wait to welcome you this summer. Book your stay here.
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