Machynlleth — Travelrags

The GuardianOct 3, 2026

In the footsteps of Wales’s heroic rebel prince: hiking Glyndŵr’s Way

As Michael Sheen prepares to bring Owain Glyndŵr to life on stage, our writer walks the peaceful national trail named after the last Welsh Prince of Wales Between the treetops, I can see the towers of a distant mist-shrouded castle. Is it possible I could make contact with the spirit of the great Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr so soon, at the very start of our hike? We are not even on the actual trai…

18 things in this story

Glyndŵr’s parliament buildingSightBuilding where Glyndŵr briefly set up parliament
Elsewhere
Glyndŵr’s WayTrailKnighton, United Kingdom135-mile national trail across mid-Wales
Castle InnHotelKnucklas, United KingdomAccommodation that takes dogs, a mile off route
The UprisingPlaceUnited KingdomFilm about the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt
Owain & HenryPlaceCardiff, United KingdomNew play by Gary Owen starring Michael Sheen
Francis Kilvert’s DiaryPlaceWelsh borders, United KingdomVictorian curate's record of life in Welsh borders
Brandy House farmHotelFelindre, United KingdomWelcoming place with vintage caravan accommodation
Wharf InnPubFelindre, United KingdomSimple pub serving Butty Bach beer
Castell y BlaiddSightAbbeycwmhir, United KingdomCastle of the wolf, an epic location
Wales in the WoodsHotelAbbeycwmhir, United KingdomCabin accommodation in a silent pine plantation
Welsh Mountain CiderRestaurantSaint Harmon, United KingdomSuperb cider stop
UnicornHotelLlanidloes, United KingdomAccommodation in Llanidloes
Y Star InnHotelLlanidloes, United KingdomOne of the highest pubs in Wales with pods
Foel FadianSightLlanidloes, United KingdomHill offering great panoramas
Wales Millennium CentreArts centreCardiff, United KingdomThe site covers a total area of 7.5 acres (3.0 ha).
Clywedog damSightLlanidloes, United Kingdom
Cadair IdrisSightLlanidloes, United Kingdom
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)SightLlanidloes, United Kingdom

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The GuardianJul 18

20 brilliant UK family days out for summer

From 100,000 sunflowers in Gower and cosmic art in Galloway to a bat safari and messing about in boats, there’s enough here to keep you and the kids busy till September At the westernmost tip of the Gower peninsula, Rhossili Bay is a gloriously wide sweep of sand, backed by dunes and licked with waves perfect for bodyboarding and surfing. Wild ponies graze on the southern headland, while walker…

25 things in this story

Dyfi Osprey ProjectSightObservatory tower near nest to watch osprey chicks.
Elsewhere
Kynren: the Storied LandsFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomDaytime counterpart to Kynren, journey through time and legend.
Kew GardensGardenLondon, United KingdomDisplays 30 Henry Moore sculptures until January 2027.
Rhossili BayViewpointGower, United KingdomWide sweep of sand, perfect for bodyboarding and surfing.
Worm's HeadSightGower, United KingdomSerpent-like promontory, time tide to avoid getting cut off.
Moors Valley country parkParkDorset, United KingdomGiant ant nests, snake pits, hawks, spiders, play trail.
North Downs WayTrailSurrey Hills, United KingdomLinks vineyards for wine hikes and scenic walks.
Albury VineyardSightGuildford, United KingdomOffers a self-guided wildlife walk through the vines.
Denbies Wine EstateSightDorking, United KingdomBoard the vineyard train or explore walking loops.
Moray FirthSightInverness, United KingdomHome to about 200 bottlenose dolphins.
Scottish Dolphin CentreCaféSpey Bay, United KingdomFormer fishing station with dolphin exhibition and ice house tours.
Salts MillMuseumSaltaire, United KingdomFormer textile mill, now a cultural hub with Hockney art.
Quentin Blake Centre for IllustrationMuseumClerkenwell, United KingdomPermanent home for illustration art in an 18th-century waterworks.
Magdalen Hill Down nature reserveNature reserveWinchester, United KingdomChalk grassland, wildflower meadows, woodland for butterfly counting.
Caldey IslandSightPembrokeshire, United KingdomMonastic island with chocolate, perfume, lighthouse, and beaches.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of EnglandFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomOutdoor show with 1,000 cast members, history and legend.
Bat Safari Punting tourPlaceCambridge, United KingdomPunting tour along the River Cam to spot bats.
Sea Lanes Canary WharfSightLondon, United Kingdom50-metre six-lane pool designed for swimming lengths.
Royal Docks Summer SplashSightLondon, United KingdomFree paddling pool, deckchairs, and sandpits for younger children.
Henry Moore Studio & GardensMuseumHertfordshire, United KingdomSculptor's former home and studios, with works displayed outdoors.
Sherwood PinesTrailNottinghamshire, United KingdomWoods with mountain biking trails and a family loop.
St Monans tidal poolSightSt Monans, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, revamped by community projects.
Pittenweem tidal poolSightPittenweem, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, funds upkeep with mini golf.
Peace MuseumMuseumSaltaire, United Kingdom
Cliff LakesSightStaffordshire, United Kingdom

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