For those looking for wide open spaces, historic towns and villages, and plenty of outdoor adventure, a holiday on a farm in Powys is a wonderful way to experience the Welsh countryside. Whether you’re planning a getaway with family or friends or a peaceful break for two, a farm stay puts you right in the heart of rural Powys.
Known as the green heart of Wales, Powys is the largest county in the country. Its rolling green hills and deep valleys are well suited to traditional upland farming, with hardy livestock breeds grazing the hillsides and lower-lying pasture used for grazing and silage. Sheep farms dominate the county, alongside beef cattle and dairy herds.
Powys is also home to a significant number of smallholdings, including council-owned holdings that are tenanted to farmers. These provide valuable opportunities for young and new entrants to establish themselves in agriculture. On smaller farms and smallholdings, it’s not uncommon to find goats, alpacas, and chickens alongside pet ponies and traditional livestock.
In recent years, some farms have diversified into larger-scale poultry enterprises, while others are exploring whether fruit and vegetable production can be grown commercially in the county.
For visitors, this means that staying on a farm gives you a real insight into rural life, with opportunities at some properties to meet the animals or get hands-on with farm activities, such as feeding lambs or calves, watching sheep shearing, or collecting eggs.
For anyone who loves being outside, a farm stay in Powys makes an excellent base for exploring the mid Wales countryside.
The Elan Valley is a spectacular landscape of dams, reservoirs, and rugged countryside in the Cambrian Mountains. Often described as the Welsh Lake District, it offers challenging hiking and cycling routes alongside gentler scenic walks. With exceptionally low levels of light pollution, it is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it a wonderful place for stargazing.
Further south, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, is characterised by dramatic mountain ranges, deep green valleys, and open moorland. Climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, explore the waterfalls of Waterfall Country, or discover the landscape on horseback. If you want to bring your own horse on holiday, we have farm stays in Powys with stables and equestrian facilities.
Powys is rich in wildlife too. Look up for red kites soaring overhead, watch for ospreys around the county’s waterways, and keep an eye out for otters along its rivers, while forests dotted across the county are home to the last remaining strongholds of red squirrels in Wales.
After a day exploring, return to your farm stay with a soothing hot tub or warm your toes in front of an open fire or wood burning stove.
A farm stay in Powys is a great choice for families, with spacious farmhouses and traditional barn conversions giving everyone plenty of room. A lodge on a working farm can be particularly well suited to families, offering comfortable, home-from-home accommodation while still providing a strong connection to the countryside.
For couples, a farm cottage makes a cosy base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Or choose glamping accommodation, such as a shepherd’s hut, bespoke cabin, micro-pod, or safari tent, for a more unusual way to experience rural life.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic break, or a countryside escape with friends, a farm stay in Powys is a wonderful way to discover the county.
From child-friendly farms with animal experiences to rural retreats for two, browse our collection of Powys farm stays and find somewhere to start planning your next Welsh countryside holiday.
