1. The ABERMULE INN

VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT | Abermule, Montgomery, Sy15 6nd | Open: Mon – Thurs (4pm – 10:30pm) & Fri, Sat & Sun (12pm – late)

Formerly a Coaches Inn and known among locals as ‘the Hotel’, The Abermule Inn is now a country pub and restaurant with a friendly atmosphere.

Split into two sides, the restaurant offers exquisite homemade meals made to order, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients; whilst the public house offers a comfortable and welcoming place to enjoy a drink or two.

In the Summer months, the Abermule Inn also offers camping pitches in the Summer months including shower and toilet facilities with prices starting from £10 a night.

So whether you are looking for places to stay in Mid Wales or a place for great food and a drink, pop by the Abermule Inn.

2. Dolforwyn Castle

LOCAL ATTRACTION | Abermule, Montgomery SY15 6JJ | Open Daily: 10am – 4pm

Built back in 1273 by Lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (also known as ‘Llewelyn The Last’), Dolforwyn Castle demonstrated the escalated tensions between the Welsh and Anglo-Saxons during these times.

During its construction, word reached King Edward I about Llewelyn building Dolforwyn Castle above the Severn Valley, and he wrote to Llewelyn forbidding its construction. In response, Llewelyn stated that it was his land to build upon, and he did not need permission from the king and continued with the erection of Dolforwyn Castle.

Unfortunately, short-lived in his defiance, Dolforwyn Castle was taken by Marcher Lord Roger Mortimer in 1277 following a hard-fought two-week siege.

Later abandoned in the 14th century, the castle fell into disrepair and has only fairly recently been carefully excavated to reveal its ruins.

Dolforwyn Castle is open daily between 10am and 4pm, with the latest admission at 3:30pm. It has bike access, disability access, parking available and is dog friendly.

3. Kerry vale Vineyard

LOCAL ATTRACTION | Pentreheyling, Shropshire, SY15 6HU | Open: Weds – Sun (10am – 4pm)

A family-run business just over the border, Kerry Vale Vineyard was founded in 2010. A thriving vineyard, it now has over 6,000 vines, with a mix of four grape varieties (Rondo, Pinot Noir, Phoenix, and Solaris) all perfectly suited to growing in the English climate.

Branching out the business, Kerry Vale Vineyard now has a contemporary cafe where you can enjoy a drink and some food and a cellar door shop.

Kerry Vale Vineyard also offers highly popular wine-tasting tours of the vineyard with an expert guide, that start from as little as £22 per person and can be booked via their website.

4. ANDREW LOGAN MUSEUM

LOCAL ATTRACTION | Berriew, Welshpool, SY21 8AH | VISIT BY BOOKING ONLY

A truly hidden gem in Mid Wales, the Andrew Logan Museum is unique in that it is a museum containing the work of a living artist. Andrew Logan has devoted his life to creating incredible pieces of art using only shattered shards of glass. Stating that “it has an energy like no other material, the humble grain of sand transforms to glamourous glass”.

Crafting an extensive collection of pieces, from small earrings to large-scale eggs, moons, and even suns, each article has its own spectacular dazzle and sparkle.

The Andrew Logan museum displays Andrew’s lifetime of work with shattered glass. Beginning with his earliest pieces crafted during his time as a student, commissions, travel-inspired pieces, and finishing with his most famous work, the ‘Alternative Miss Worlds’.

To visit the Andrew Logan museum you can book a viewing via the website. Tickets cost £5 for adults or £10 for families (maximum 2 adults).

5. MONTGOMERY CASTLE

LOCAL ATTRACTION | 2 Pool Rd, Montgomery SY15 6QY | OPEN: 1ST Apr – 30 Sept (10am – 6pm) & 1 Oct – 31 Mar (10am – 4pm)

Located above the Georgian-era town of Montgomery, the castle has an exceptional view across the Welsh border into England. Although mostly ruins, Montgomery Castle still retains a powerful atmosphere, with its foundations allowing you to imagine the impressive structure this castle had once been.

Built long ago in 1223 under the orders of King Henry III, the purpose of Montgomery Castle was to replace the nearby wooden fort of Hendomen and strengthen the location’s defences, as King Henry III became nervous about the increasing power of Welsh native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great).

Montgomery Castle was constructed from stone, strategically placed on a rocky ridge, surrounded by deep defensive ditches with drawbridges and included a walled town, to make it difficult to attack.

Experiencing combat in 1228 and 1231 from Llywelyn’s army, and then in 1245 led by Llywelyn’s son Dafydd, the castle stood strong in its defense.

Unfortunately, Montgomery Castle’s demise came in 1649 during the Civil War. Once taken by the Parliamentarians, the castle was demolished, leaving only a few remaining tower structures and low walls that can still be seen today.

6. Montgomeryshire canal

LOCAL ATTRACTION | Llangollen, Llanymynech, Welshpool, ABERMULE & NEWTOWN

Steeped in history, the Montgomeryshire canal starts from Frankton Junction on the Llangollen Canal and travels all the way through Welshpool, Abermule, and then Newtown. The Abermule to Newtown section is named ‘Brynderwen’ and includes the incredible restoration of Byles Lock and Newhouse Lock that can be explored via the walking and cycle-friendly footpath.

Originally built to carry limestone from the quarries in Llanymynech to the kilns along the canalside, it was a vital part of the farming industry. Using coal from both Oswestry and Chirk areas, limestone was heated to make quicklime that was spread over the fields to improve crop yields.

Now the restored canal is home to an abundance of wildlife and a very popular walking route for both tourists and locals.