Ideas for Days Out & Things to Do

Events Mid Wales 2026

When you’re planning your holiday to Coedmor Cottages you may need some ideas for days out. Here is a handy list of events in Mid Wales 2026 including festivals, fairs and concerts to help you to make the most of your time in wonderful Wales. Events in West Wales are easily accessible from our cottages too. All these days out are doable as a day trip from our cottages and each listing is a clickable link so you can find out more about the event.

Events Mid Wales 2026 - food and drink festivals

January, February & March

24th & 25th January 2026 – Food & Craft Market (10am – 4pm)
National Botanic Garden of Wales

6th & 7th February 2026 – Transform Festival
Aberystwyth Arts Centre

7th & 8th February 2026 – Antiques Weekend (10am-4pm)
National Botanic Garden of Wales

28th February 2026 – Lampeter Beer & Cider Festival (12pm-10pm)
Lloyd Thomas Refectory, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

28th Feb & 1st March 2026 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
(11am-4pm) Pembrey Country Park

20th-22nd March 2026– The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

21st-22nd March 2026 – Battle on the Beach Cycle Race
Pembrey Country Park/Cefn Sidan Beach

Events Mid Wales 2026 - horse shows

April

18th April 2026 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB 

25th April 2026 – Aberystwyth Pride
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

25th April 2026– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

25th & 26th April 2026- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

26th April 2026 – West Wales Plant Fair
(10am-3pm) Rhosygilwen Mansion, Cilgerran

Mach comedy Festival Events Mid Wales 2026

May

1st-3rd May 2026 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

3rd & 4th May 2026 – Cae Hir Gardens Plant Fair 
(10am-4pm) Cae Hir, Cribyn, Lampeter

10th May 2026 – Llanllyr NGS Open Garden & Plant Fair
(2pm-6pm) Llanllyr, Talsarn

14th May 2026 – International Dylan Thomas Day

24th & 25th May 2026 – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
(10am-4pm) Alban Square, Aberaeron

21st – 31st May 2026 – Hay Festival
Hay-on-Wye

Events Mid Wales 2026 - royal welsh show

June

12th – 14th June 2026 (TBC) – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

13th June 2026 – Man v Horse
Llanwyrtd Wells

13th June 2026 – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show 
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth 

13th & 14th June 2026 – Pride Cymru
Coopers Field & Cardiff Castle

20th June 2026 – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

21st June 2026 – Llanllyr NGS Open Garden & Plant Fair
(2pm-6pm) Llanllyr, Talsarn

27th & 28th June 2026 – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

Saundersfest - events west wales 2026

July

2nd – 5th  July 2026 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

3rd & 4th July 2026 – SaundersFEST
Saundersfoot

4th July 2026 – Lampeter Agricultural Show
Pontfaen Fields, Lampeter SA48 7JN

TBC July 2026 – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

11th July 2026 – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

11th July 2026 – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

16th – 19th  July 2026– Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

18th July 2026 TBC – Carmarthen River Festival
The Quay Centre Carmarthen

20th – 23rd July 2026 – Royal Welsh Show 
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

25th  July 2026 TBC – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

26th July 2026 – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events Mid Wales 2026 Royal Welsh show

August

31st July – 2nd  Aug 2026 – New Quay Music Festival 
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

1st August 2026 – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

1st August 2026 – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

TBC August 2026 – Brecon Jazz Festival
Various Venues in Brecon

TBC  August 2026 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

8th August 2026 Lampeter Town Carnival
Town Centre (12:30pm)

8th August 2026 – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

8th August 2026 – Llanilar Agricultural Show
Castle Hill Fields (nr The Falcon)

18th – 20th  Aug 2026 – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

TBC Aug 2026 – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

Events West wales 2025 Aberaeron regatta

TBC Aug 2026 – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

TBC August 2026 – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

TBC Aug 2026 – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2025 bog snorkelling

30th Aug 2026 – World Bog Snorkelling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

30th August 2026 – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

TBC August 2026 – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

31st Aug 2026 – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

TBC August 2026 – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

Aberglasney events in 2025 West Wales attractions

September

4th – 6th September 2026 – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

TBC September 2026 – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

TBC September 2026 – Llandysul Agricultural Show
Hengae Fields, Saron SA44 5DP 

5th & 6th Sept. 2026 – Aberglasney Summer Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen

TBC September 2026 – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery (10am-4pm)

TBC September 2026 – Dark Sky Festival
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre

TBC September 2026 – Food & Craft Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am-6pm)

TBC September 2026 – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

26th & 27th Sept. 2026 – Autumn Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

Music Festival Mid and West Wales 2025

October

TBC October 2026 – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

2nd – 4th  October 2026 – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

16th – 19th 2026 October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

Christmas Festivals and Fairs Mid and West Wales 2025

November & December

13th-15th November 2026- Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

TBC November 2026 – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

30th Nov & 1st December 2026 – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

TBC November 2026 – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

28th November 2026 – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

TBC December 2026 – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

TBC December 2026 – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

Date TBC December 2026 – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

Check available dates for our cottages: Romantic Holiday Cottages for Couples

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.

Building a Bird Hide at Coedmor Cottages

We have worked hard to re-wild the meadows around our cottages over the last 5 years and the results have been very rewarding. We now get a wonderful variety of birds living and nesting all around the gardens and meadows. So it was obvious (me being a complete bird nerd) that building a bird hide would mean we could enjoy watching them all year round whatever the weather.

When building a bird hide, location is key. We scoped out quite a few different areas of our garden, but ultimately, following the birds showed us the perfect spot. A quiet corner of our garden, bordering our wildlife meadow, was always popular with the smaller birds. A hedgerow with willow, beech, alder, hawthorn, holly, blackthorn and elder trees provides great habitat along with a lovely bramble patch and borders full of dock, thistles and teasels.

We designed the bird hide so it is nestled into the trees with a small stream behind it. Leigh started the groundworks in March and by May we were starting to see it taking shape.

We had such beautiful weather all through the Spring and Summer we were able to make pretty fast progress. The interior of the hide is fully insulated so that it stays warm in winter and cool in summer.

Leigh built a dead hedge beside the hide entrance so that entering and leaving the hide would not disturb the birds. The hide has two windows facing west where we have installed perches, and two windows on the north side where we decided to create a raised bathing/drinking pool.

Reflection Pool at the Bird Hide in Mid Wales

By September Leigh had finished the bathing pool and we turned to adding some accessories inside to make it feel homely.

Luxury Bird Hide in West Wales

The hide is designed to be versatile with photographers in mind, but it is also ideal if you just want to watch the birds and not take pictures. There are three comfortable office-style chairs and also a sofa for relaxing.

The hide has full electrics so we’ve provided a kettle and tea & coffee making facilities. There is also high speed wi-fi and underfloor heating for that touch of luxury.

We finished the hide in October and Leigh has already taken some stunning images – here are a few of our regular visitors.

We will continue tweaking the posing perches and reflection pool through the seasons so that we can offer photographers a good variety of shooting options. And we will be adding a composting loo beside the hide too (we also have toilet facilities 50m from the hide in our studio until this is ready).

Building a bird hide

We’re currently working on a dedicated website for the bird hide and also photography workshops, so it is not available for photographers to hire just yet. But any cottage guests staying in the next couple of months can arrange free taster sessions and spend a few hours photographing the birds or simply relaxing in the hide. 😊

Here’s a little Reel I made for Instagram of the bird hide build in progress in May.

A progress update Reel on building a bird hide in July.

See more of our Instagram Reels here:

https://www.instagram.com/coedmorcottages/

Beautiful Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines

Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines

One of our favourite local places for a country walk is The Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines. It is only 15 minutes drive from the cottages and offers several different walking options – from easy to challenging. The beautiful 2,500-acre estate has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It offers 25km of scenic footpaths. Wander through peaceful riverside trails, charming meadows, enchanting woodlands, and breathtaking upland landscapes.

Over time, nature has transformed this former industrial landscape so beautifully that it feels like a completely natural woodland. However, look a little closer, and you’ll discover there’s much more hidden beneath these rolling, tree-covered hills!

Here, the industrial past and the wild world come together to create the perfect home for lichens, mosses, and rare ferns.

Dolaucothi Estate Woodland

Dolaucothi Through the Seasons

Every season brings something special to Dolaucothi!

🌸 Spring – Wander through woodlands blanketed in bluebells and watch the parkland trees burst into vibrant color.

☀️ Summer – Count the busy bees and pollinators in the sunshine whilst Red Kites soar overhead.

🍂 Autumn – Take in the breathtaking valley views from the trig point, the estate’s highest spot at 925ft (282m), surrounded by golden hues.

❄️ Winter – No need to stay indoors! Pull on your wellies and explore crisp trails, spotting wildlife along the way.

There’s always something to see and enjoy—whatever the season.

Lime Trees at Dolaucothi Estate

Around the estate you’ll see nuthatches, pied wagtails, blackbirds, thrushes and a variety of tits (including long-tailed). Look up to watch the swallows who return to nest every year. You may even be lucky enough to spot a tree-creeper or pied flycatcher.   Listen out for Woodpeckers drumming as you enjoy the bird song. The estate has some very beautiful trees too, like this majestic Lime.

River Cothi at Dolaucothi Estate

Stop for a moment beside the River Cothi. It is so peaceful and the water is very clean. Otters and kingfishers live along the banks.

Views at Dolaucothi

Walking Trails at Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines

There are four way marked trails: The Parkland Trail (Easy), The Woodland Trail (Moderate), The Miner’s Way Trail (Moderate) and The Estate Trail (Strenuous).

TWIG Project
At the beginning of 2024, the Dolaucothi Estate was awarded a sum of money from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG). This project is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to create and enhance woodlands for local communities to use and enjoy.

They are using the funds to try to boost local biodiversity, through the installation of Pine Marten and wildlife nesting boxes, and a programme of native species tree planting.

Next, they are improving access to the Dolaucothi Estate with improved walking trails, enhanced waymarking and new interpretation boards.

Walking trails at Dolaucothi

The Gold Mines

The Dolaucothi Gold Mines are ancient Roman surface and underground mines. These mines are believed to be the only known Roman gold mines in Britain, and they have a history that dates back over 2,000 years. The Romans are thought to have extracted gold from this site as early as the first century AD. Mining then continued over the ages until it was finally closed in 1938.

There are several guided tours you can take and the mines are generally open from mid-March to the end of October. Do check opening days as these vary with the time of year & whether there are school holidays.

Check opening Times & Prices: Dolaucothi Estate & Gold Mines Visitor Information

Dolaucothi Gold Mines & Estate

Here’s a little Reel I made for Instagram of the bluebells in May.

See more of our Instagram Reels here:

https://www.instagram.com/coedmorcottages/

Events in Mid Wales 2025

When you’re planning your holiday to Coedmor Cottages you may need some ideas for days out. Here is a handy list of events in Mid Wales 2025 including festivals, fairs and concerts to help you to make the most of your time in wonderful Wales. Events in West Wales are easily accessible from our cottages too. All these days out are doable as a day trip from our cottages and each listing is a clickable link so you can find out more about the event.

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - food and drink festivals

February & March

15th February 2025 – Lampeter Beer & Cider Festival
Lloyd Thomas Refectory at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, Lampeter

1st & 2nd March 2025 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park

Date TBC March St David’s Day Food & Craft Weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 16:00)

28th-30th  March 2025 – The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

29th-30th March – Battle on the Beach Cycle Race
Pembrey Country Park/Cefn Sidan Beach

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - horse shows

April

19th April 2025 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB 

Date TBC April 2025 – Pride in Aberystwyth
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

26th April 2025– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

Date TBC April 2025 – A Taste of Wales Spring Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 17:00)

26th & 27th April 2025- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Mach comedy Festival Events in Mid Wales 2025

May

2nd – 4th May 2025 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

14th May 2025 – International Dylan Thomas Day

17th & 18th May 2025 – Spring Festival
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Date TBC May – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - royal welsh show

June

5th – 9th June 2025 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

Dates TBC  June – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

14th June 2025 – Man v Horse
Llanwyrtd Wells

14th June 2025 – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show 
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth 

21st & 22nd June 2025 – Pride Cymru
Coopers Field Cardiff

Date TBC June 2025 – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

Date TBC June – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

27th -29th June – Balloons & Tunes Festival
Carmarthen Showground

Saundersfest - events west wales 2025

July

5th July 2025 – Lampeter Agricultural Show
Pontfaen Fields, Lampeter SA48 7JN

5th & 6th July 2025 – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

12th July 2025 – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

12th July 2025 – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

17th – 20th  July 2025– Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

19th July 2025 – Carmarthen River Festival
The Quay Centre Carmarthen (11:00-15:00)

20th July – BBQ and Beats
Aberaeron Yacht Club

21st – 24th July 2025 – Royal Welsh Show 
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

26th  July 2025 – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

27th July 2025 – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

27th July 2025 – Mind Body Spirit Fair
Ystwyth Garden Nursery (11:00-17:00)

Events in Mid Wales 2025 Royal Welsh show

August

1st – 3rd  Aug 2025 – New Quay Music Festival 
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

2nd August 2025 – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

2nd August 2025 – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

8th -10th August 2025 – Brecon Jazz Festival
Various Venues in Brecon

9th  August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

9th August 2025 Lampeter Town Carnival
Town Centre (12:30pm)

9th August 2025 – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

9th August 2025 – Llanilar Agricultural Show
Castle Hill Fields (nr The Falcon)

14th – 16th  Aug 2025 – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

16th August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

16th – 24th Aug 2025 – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

Events West wales 2025 Aberaeron regatta

16th Aug 2025 – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

16th August 2025 – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

23rd  August 2025 – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

23rd Aug 2025 – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2025 bog snorkelling

24th Aug 2025 – World Bog Snorkelling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

24th August 2025 – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

24th August 2025 – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

25th Aug 2025 – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

25th August 2025 – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

Aberglasney events in 2025 West Wales attractions

September

5th – 7th September 2025 – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

5th – 7th September 2025 – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

6th September 2025 – Llandysul Agricultural Show
Hengae Fields, Saron SA44 5DP 

6th & 7th Sept. 2025 – Aberglasney Summer Fayre
Aberglasney, Llangathen

20th & 21st September 2025 – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery (10am-4pm)

20th September 2025 – Dark Sky Festival
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre

21st September 2025 – Harvest Festival
Ystwyth Garden Nursery

27th & 28th September 2025 – Food & Craft Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am-6pm)

27th & 28th September 2025 – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

27th & 28th Sept. 2025 – Autumn Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

Music Festival Mid and West Wales 2025

October

3rd – 5th October 2025 – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

3rd – 5th  October 2025 – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

12th October 2025 – Tywi Valley Vintage Car Rally
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10am – 4pm)

17th – 20th 2025 October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

30th October – 1st November 2025 – Other Voices Cardigan
Various venues, Cardigan

Christmas Festivals and Fairs Mid and West Wales 2025

November & December

14th-16th November 2025 – Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

14th -16th November 2025 – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

24th & 25th November 2025 – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

29th November 2025 (TBC) – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

29th November 2025 – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

30th November 2025 – Christmas Market
Ystwyth Garden Nursery

5th – 7th December 2025 – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

5th – 7th December 2025 – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

Dates TBC December 2025 – Polar Express Train Rides
Vale of Rheidol Railway Aberystwyth

Date TBC December 2025 – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

Date TBC December 2025 – Lampeter Christmas Fayre
Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, Lampeter University (10:30-15:00)

Check available dates for our cottages: Romantic Holiday Cottages for Couples

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.

Elan Valley – Beautiful Lakes & Dramatic Dams

Visiting Elan Valley is one of our top recommendations if you’re happy to travel a little further from The Cottages. It is about 90 minutes away, but the drive itself is a very enjoyable part of the day. Elan Valley boasts 72 square miles of unspoilt nature and reservoirs. But it is the dams that make this such a unique place to spend a day.

Visitor Centre

When you arrive, head to the visitor centre where you can get a guide with maps of the estate. There is a gift shop, cafe and loos there and they often host exhibitions. You can pay for parking (£3.00) here, then you can park in any of the car parks around the Estate. You can also hire a mountain or E-bike from the visitor centre. Either book in advance through the website or on the day.

Which Way First?

There are several routes you can take to explore the estate. You will see Caban Coch Dam first as it is close to the Visitor Centre. Caban Coch was the first dam worked on and was designed to look like a waterfall when it overflows. The stone in the quarry nearby was used inside the dams. The facing stone was a sandstone brought up from the Vale of Glamorgan. 

Caban Coch Dam - Visiting Elan Valley

Claerwen Dam

We like to visit Claerwen Dam next. There is a large car park at the bottom of the dam (with toilets and picnic benches). There is also a smaller parking space at the top of the dam. It’s worth doing both – the dam is so dramatic from the bottom, but you get great views from the top.

The construction of the Claerwen Dam, the last of the dams in the district, took six years, using a workforce of 470. It was ceremonially declared open by the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II in October 1952, in one of the first official engagements of her reign. There are walks that you can do here: More info on Claerwen

Garreg Ddu Dam

The submerged dam can only be seen at low reservoir levels. Garreg Ddu has two purposes: to hold back water to enter the Foel Tower, and to provide access to the Claerwen valley. The Foel Tower is where drinking water is extracted to start its three day journey to Birmingham. Drive across the bridge and there is a car park on the other side. Park here and there is a nice walk by the river and through woodland to the next dam – Pen y Garreg.

Visiting Elan Valley - Garreg Ddu

Pen y Garreg

Pen y Garreg is the smallest dam and reservoir. When full, it holds just over two weeks’ worth of water. The tower was built in the Birmingham Baroque style. This dam is unusual in that it houses an access tunnel to the central tower which is lit by apertures in the downstream side of the dam. This enables Pen y Garreg to be opened to the public on certain days of the year. The walk to Pen y Garreg from the car park at Garreg Ddu is steep in places, so do wear walking shoes or boots. You can drive to the top of the dam and view it from there if you don’t want to do the walk.

Pen y Garreg - Visiting Elan Valley Dams

Craig Goch

Craig Goch is the highest upstream of the series of dams in the Elan Valley and is often referred to as the ‘top dam.’ It is seen by many as the most attractive of the dams, with an elegantly curved retaining wall and a series of arches carrying a narrow roadway across the top of the dam. It has a domed valve tower and the structure is typical of the ‘Birmingham Baroque’ style of much of the waterworks scheme.

Craig Goch - Visiting Elan Valley, Mid Wales

Find Out More

The landscape is of national importance for the diversity of lower plants (mosses, liverworts and lichens) and the Estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales. It is covered by 12 separate Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 

The Estate has been awarded an International Dark Sky Park Award and it is filled with a wealth of nocturnal Wildlife which thrives under the very dark skies.

Elan Valley is good to visit all year round as the landscape changes with the seasons. Autumn is a particularly splendid time to go for the colours.

Find out more about visiting Elan Valley : Elan Valley Trust and Elan Valley Welsh Water.

Make sure your route back to the cottages takes you along the Mountain Road from Elan Valley to Devil’s Bridge – it is awesome.

Events in Mid Wales 2024

When you’re planning your holiday to Coedmor Cottages you may need some ideas for days out. Here is a handy list of events in Mid Wales 2024 including festivals, fairs and concerts to help you to make the most of your time in wonderful Wales. Events in West Wales are easily accessible from our cottages too. All these days out are doable as a day trip from our cottages and each listing is a clickable link so you can find out more about the event.

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - food and drink festivals

March

1st & 2nd March 2025 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park

Date TBC March St David’s Day Food & Craft Weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 16:00)

28th-30th  March 2025 – The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - horse shows

April

12th & 13th April 2025 – Spring Steam Rally
Pembrey Country Park

19th April 2025 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB 

Date TBC April – Pride in Aberystwyth
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

26th April 2025– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

Date TBC April – A Taste of Wales Spring Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 17:00)

26th & 27th April 2025- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Mach comedy Festival Events in Mid Wales 2025

May

2nd – 4th May 2025 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

14th May 2025 – International Dylan Thomas Day

17th & 18th May 2025 – Spring Festival
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Date TBC May – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2024 - royal welsh show

June

5th – 9th June 2025 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

Dates TBC  June – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

8th June – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show 
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth 

15th June – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

28th-30th June – Wales Balloon Festival 
Carmarthen Showground

29th-30th June – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

Saundersfest - events west wales 2024

July

6th & 7th July – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

8th July – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

12th-14th July – Saundersfest
Saundersfoot

13th July – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

19th – 21st July – Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

20th July – Aberaeron Sailing Regatta
Aberaeron Yacht Club

22nd-25th July – Royal Welsh Show 
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

27th July – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

28th July – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2024 Royal Welsh show

August

2nd– 4th Aug – New Quay Music Festival 
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

3rd August – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

3rd August – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

TBC Aug – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

9th – 11th Aug – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

9th – 11th Aug – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

Events West wales 2024 Aberaeron regatta

10th Aug – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

14th-16th August – Welsh National Sheepdog Trials
Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron

16th-18th August – Tresaith Beach Party 
Tresaith Beach

17th Aug – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

17th August* – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

24th Aug – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2024 bog snorkelling

25th Aug – World Bog Snorkling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

25th August – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

23rd – 25th August Aberystwyth Street Food Festival 
Aberystwyth Marina

23rd – 26th August – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

26th Aug – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

26th August – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

30th August – 1st September – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

Aberglasney events in 2024 West wales attractions

September

6th – 8th September – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

7th & 8th Sept. – Aberglasney Food & Music Fayre
Aberglasney, Llangathen

14th & 15th September – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery

27th September – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

28th & 29th September – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

28th & 29th Sept. – Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

Wales Music Festival 2024

October

4th – 6th October – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

11th – 14th October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

31st October – 2nd November – Other Voices Cardigan
Various venues, Cardigan

Mid Wales Christmas Fayre 2024

November & December

8th – 10th November – Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

15th – 17th November – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

25th & 26th November – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

29th November – 1st December – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

30th November – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

30th November – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

30th November – 24th December – Polar Express Train Rides
Vale of Rheidol Railway Aberystwyth

6th December – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

7th December – Lampeter Christmas Fayre
Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, Lampeter University (10:30-15:00)

6th – 8th December – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

8th December – Nanteos Mansion Christmas Market
Nr Rhydyfelin, Aberystwyth (11:30-4:30)

Check available dates for our cottages: Romantic Holiday Cottages for Couples

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.