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.

Where to Stay for the Royal Welsh Show 2027: A Quiet Holiday Cottage Near Builth Wells

Quick answer The Royal Welsh Show 2027 runs from Monday 19 to Thursday 22 July at the Royal Welsh Showground

A Quiet New Year Short Break in Mid Wales

Quick answer A quiet New Year short break in Mid Wales swaps crowds and fireworks for frosty walks, dark skies

Couples’ Holidays in Mid Wales: A Quiet Base for Two

Quick Answer The hard part of couples’ holidays in Mid Wales is rarely the destination — it is that two

Self-Catering for a Week or More in Mid Wales: A Practical Food Guide

On a week-long holiday in rural Mid Wales, planning your meals can transform your experience from stressful to serene. With

A Fortnight in Mid Wales: Longer Holidays at Graig Fawr

A fortnight in Mid Wales offers a unique experience that a week simply cannot match. Imagine having the time to

Dog Events at the Royal Welsh Showground: A Guide for Visiting Owners

The Royal Welsh Showground at Llanelwedd is a hub for dog lovers, hosting three prestigious Kennel Club championship shows each

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.

Llanwrtyd Wells Events: A Holiday Guide to Man v Horse, Bog Snorkelling and More

Quick answer Llanwrtyd Wells, about eight miles from Graig Fawr, runs a year-round programme of unusual events organised by Green

Rainy Day Things to Do Near Builth Wells: A Wet-Weather Guide for Your Mid Wales Holiday

Quick answer Rain on a Mid Wales holiday is no reason to stay in. Within half an hour of Builth

Autumn Scenic Drives in Mid Wales: The Devil’s Staircase, Llyn Brianne and the Elan Valley

Quick answer The best autumn scenic drives in Mid Wales from Builth Wells and Beulah are the Abergwesyn Pass over

Walking Holidays in Mid Wales: Cambrian Mountains Base

Quick Answer Walking holidays in Mid Wales work best when you plan around three things: how much daylight you actually

Hiking Near Builth Wells: An Outdoor Guide to the Cambrian Mountains

Discover the breathtaking hiking opportunities near Builth Wells, where the stunning Cambrian Mountains offer three distinct tiers of adventure. From

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

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