An elephant pub on the high streets of Lanid Rose, Mid Wales, England (Image: Yackers1 via Getty Images)
Located in the heart of Alwistri's ancient medieval kingdom, Lanidroes is the first town on the Severn River and serves as a gateway to the Cambrian Mountains in the Midwest.
This quaint market town, often unnoticed by many travelers, is a treasure trove of historical architecture, traditional pubs and charming vintage tea rooms. With its 17th-century timber framed market halls, a selection of independent shops and cafes, and an ideal blend of chic boutiques and small town charm, Llanidloes is also close to natural attractions such as the Hafren Forest.
Read more: Ancient British seaside town surrounded by medieval walls
Hafren Forest is an attractive environment for walking. (Image: Portia Jones)
Here's why you should consider visiting Llanidloes
Explore shops and markets
Despite its size, Llanidloes boasts an incredible small boutique that assembles around an old market hall of wood.
Here you can find everything from vintage clothing and walking boots to kids' toys, both old and new fair dishes, and furniture, Wales reports online.
If you are in Llanidloes on Saturday, don't miss out on the Llanidloes Charter Market, which operates from 9am to 4pm.
This fun market has been a staple in town since 1280 and now thrives along Great Oak Street.
What's even more unique is that it is run by the market traders themselves.
In 2012, when the Powis County Council and Town Council struggled to maintain the market, a group of local traders and residents gathered to maintain this historic gem.
From local produce and bone suques to unique crafts and clothing, there are always treasures waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Cobbler's Tea Room
A vintage heaven on High Street, Cobbler's Tea Room is one of the best teahouses in Mid Wales.
This cozy corner is ideal for enjoying homemade cakes, afternoon tea, sandwiches and heartwarming homemade soups.
Once in, you'll be greeted with the pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee and oven warm baked goods.
This quaint, traditional tea room has been a hit with visitors since changing hands in December 2018 and quickly became a local favorite.
The reasonably priced menu features plenty of homemade treats, including the attractively delicious Welsh Rarevit.
Cakes are baked on the premises, with seasonal specials ranging from winter mince pies to summer gelato.
Enjoy a heartfelt pub meal
Llanidloes has some reputable pubs that taste local ales and can be featured in pub favourites such as fish and chips, curry, steak and kidney pie.
Located in the heart of Llanidloes, Red Lion has two main bars, a cozy lounge room with roars, and nine En-Suite bedrooms on the second floor for those who want to extend their visit over the weekend. Their Sunday Carberry is highly recommended.
Equally attractive, the mouth whitch badger is a perfect place for barrel ale after a day of sightseeing. This family-run pub and B&B are just a short distance away from the old market hall.
Llanidloes is a lovely market town (Image: Portia Jones)
Discover the Clywedog Reservoir
The breathtaking artificial reservoir, Llyn Clywedog was formed between 1965 and 1967 with the construction of the Kleiwedog dam, controlling the flow of the Severn River.
Towering at 236 feet, it holds an impressive 11 billion gallons of water, making it the UK's tallest mass concrete dam.
The lake itself covers 615 acres (equivalent to about 230 football pitches) and extends over six miles, with the surroundings decorated with picturesque walking trails and exceptional perspectives.
The area is also a wildlife sanctuary and home to the North, buzzards, red kits and the occasional Osprey.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the lake offers ample opportunities for fishing, voyage and wildlife spotting, and Ranidoroe offers events hosted by society and the Klaiwedog Sailing Club.
The town centre has its historic charm (Image: David Williams)
Don't miss the Winford Vaughan Thomas Lookout Point during your visit. Beloved Welsh broadcaster and nature lover Vaughn Thomas gives his name to this perspective, which offers a panoramic view of Eliri (Snowdonia) National Park.
I'm off to a hike in Hafren Forest
Llanidloes serves as a gateway to Hafren Forest, a meticulously managed forested area immersed in an interesting history.
Originally planted in the 1930s by the Forest Commission for Forest Production, today it offers more than just a row of trees.
Currently, under the stewardship of Natural Resources Wales, forests balance commercial forestry, conservation and public enjoyment. Not only is it an important habitat for wildlife, it also makes it a heaven for those who love the amazing outdoors.
Llanidloes has some decent booters (Image: Getty)
The name Hafren comes from the Welsh term for the Severn River (Afon Hafren), and begins an impressive journey from this location to the sea.
Over time, Hafren Forest has transformed into a pedestrian-friendly and accessible destination with natural splendors, with visitors depicting its natural splendor, historic landmarks and well-maintained trails all year round.
Severn Trail sauce
For those looking for a challenging trek through the forest, the Severn Trail source within Hafren Forest offers the ultimate day hiking adventure.
This seven-mile path leads you past Brean Hafren Falls and deep into the forests of Pamurmont's vast Moorlands.
The ascent to the sauce is steep and rough, with stone slabs leading the way across the wetlands. The summit discovers hidden sources of the Severn River, signed with discreetly carved wooden posts.
Llyn Clywedog is a stunning artificial reservoir created by the Clywedog dam (Image: Jordanaiel Price)
This secluded, windy place gives you a sense of a world away from the lush forests below.
Along the trail you will encounter historical sites such as mine wreckage, farms and standing stones. Note the map panels placed at key points. Provides useful signs for progress and remaining distance.
Hafren's Forest hideaway
If you are considering extending your visit over the weekend, Hafren Forest hideaway offers a quiet base just a short drive from the forest trail.
Located near Staylittle, this perfect sanctuary can accommodate up to 13 guests, making it perfect for family, groups of friends, or even the only adventurers looking for a peaceful rest in nature.
The Coble Tea Room is well worth a visit (Image: Portia Jones)
The accommodation offers versatility and offers self-selling and homemade meal options whipped by affable hosts Sarah and Darren. A day after exploring the trail or visiting the source of the river Severn, guests can relax in a spacious lounge equipped with a timber burner for those nippy evenings.
For those who like great outdoors, this place is a dream and is close to hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing spots.
