Articles

Notes for a slower kind of holiday.

Short pieces written by people who spend their working lives with meadows, hedgerows and the things that live in them. Grouped by the stage of a trip they’re most useful at — deciding where to go, being there, and what to do with it once you’re home.

Before you book

Choosing where to go

Working out which corner of Mid Wales suits the sort of holiday you’re after, and what to look for in a place before you commit.

Farm Cottage Holidays in Mid Wales: A Peaceful Base at Graig Fawr Near Builth Wells

Escape to Graig Fawr, a charming one-bedroom stone barn nestled on a 40-acre conservation farm in Mid Wales. Experience the

Christmas in Mid Wales: Festive Holiday Breaks, Winter Walks and Local Events

Escape the holiday crowds and embrace the serene beauty of Christmas in Mid Wales. Picture frost-kissed hills, quiet kitchens, and

What’s the Difference Between a Holiday and a Stay in Mid Wales?

Quick answer A holiday is usually built around doing things — attractions, days out, an itinerary. A stay is built

How We Manage the Land at Tyn-y-Clyn

Discover the enchanting 40 acres of conservation farmland at Tyn-y-Clyn, nestled in the Cambrian foothills. Here, we prioritize nature over

Holidays With a Nervous Dog: How to Choose a Quiet Holiday Let in Mid Wales

Planning a holiday with a nervous or reactive dog can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Discover how

Peaceful Rural Escapes in Mid Wales: What to Look For Before You Book

Discover the true meaning of a "peaceful rural escape" in Mid Wales, where the Cambrian foothills offer genuine tranquility away

Make a Winter Fair Visit into a Mid Wales Short Break

Transform your visit to the Royal Welsh Winter Fair into a memorable Mid Wales short break! Instead of a rushed

A Peaceful Place to Stay Near the Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Discover the charm of Graig Fawr, a one-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage nestled on a conservation farm near Beulah, just a short

Off-Grid and Remote Holiday Cottages in Mid Wales: What to Know Before You Book

Discover the charm of off-grid and remote holiday cottages in Mid Wales, where tranquility meets stunning landscapes. While many properties

While you're here

Making the most of the days

Slow, close-to-the-door things to do once you’ve arrived — walks, water, and skies worth staying up for.

Elan Valley Dark Skies: A Stargazing Break Near Builth Wells

Discover the magic of the night sky at the Elan Valley, an International Dark Sky Park where light pollution is

Nature Trails, Wildlife Sites and Reserves in Mid Wales

Discover the serene beauty of Mid Wales, where nature thrives in quiet corners and hidden gems. From the enchanting Cors

A Year of Wildlife at Graig Fawr: January in the Winter Landscape

January at Graig Fawr offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of winter wildlife. While the

A Year of Wildlife at Graig Fawr: December in the Winter Landscape

December at Graig Fawr transforms the countryside into a serene winter landscape, where quiet walks and clear night skies invite

A Year of Wildlife at Graig Fawr: November in the Winter Landscape

Quick Answer November is a quiet month at Graig Fawr, as the landscape moves firmly into winter. The surrounding farmland,

Red Kites, Cuckoos and Wild Ponds: Wildlife at Graig Fawr

Nestled on a 40-acre conservation farm in Mid Wales, Graig Fawr offers an authentic wildlife experience where nature comes to

Spring in the Cambrian Mountains: Wildlife, Walks and the Land Waking Up

Spring in the Cambrian Mountains is a hidden gem, often overshadowed by autumn's vibrant colors and winter's serene landscapes. As

Your Gateway to the Elan Valley: Reservoirs, Trails and a Quiet Base to Stay

Discover the hidden gem of the Elan Valley, a tranquil escape in Mid Wales, where stunning reservoirs and lush forests

Autumn in the Cambrian Mountains: Wildlife, Colour, and the Season’s Slow Turn

Autumn in the Cambrian Mountains is a season of quiet beauty, where the landscape transforms with vibrant deciduous colours and

After you leave

Taking a bit of it home

What you saw in a Welsh meadow can inform what happens in your own patch, however small it is.

Bringing the Slow Living Home: What a Digital Detox Weekend in Mid Wales Teaches You

Quick Answer A digital detox stay at Graig Fawr, a couples-only barn retreat in the Cambrian Mountains, works because there’s

Seasons at Graig Fawr: When to Plan Your Return to the Cambrian Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, Graig Fawr offers a breathtaking backdrop that transforms with each season. From

After You Leave: Taking a Wildflower Meadow Holiday Cottage Home With You

A stay on a conservation farm like Graig Fawr doesn’t have to end at checkout. You can turn a corner

About the Author

Paul Stenning, Wildahome

Paul Stenning is the co-founder of Wildahome, a family-run British wildflower seed business growing and supplying native seed from their own meadows in Devon and Powys, Wales. With hands-on experience establishing wildflower habitats across the UK, Paul advises individuals, land managers, ecologists, and developers on species selection, ground preparation, and long-term meadow management. For site-specific advice, call 0333 242 0602 or email paul@wildahome.co.uk.