Historic Towns in Powys

Builth Wells is a pretty market town between Llandrindod Wells and the Brecon Beacons. The town grew up around a 12th-century castle and in the 19th century became a popular spa town after mineral springs were discovered nearby (which accounts for the 'Wells' part of the town name).
Builth Wells, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 12th century Builth Castle

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Crickhowell is a picturesque Georgian market town on the River Usk, on the eastern fringe of the Brecon Beacons. The town grew up around the 12th-century Crickhowell Castle, built by Sir Grimbald Pauncefote, whose effigy can be seen in the 13th-century parish church of St Edmund. Crickhowell is known for its elegant 13-arched bridge across the Usk, built in 1706.
Crickhowell, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century Crickhowell Castle ruins

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Hay-on-Wye is a pretty town on the Welsh border, known for its annual literary festival and its large number of second-hand bookshops. The town grew up around Hay Castle, built in 1200 and destroyed by siege and fire multiple times over the centuries.
Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: Hay Castle, begun in 1200

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Llandrindod Wells is known for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the legacy of its heyday as a fashionable spa. Visitors came to take the waters at the Spa Buildings in Rock Park, to promenade, attend theatres and concerts, and the go boating on The Lake.
Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The quintessential Welsh spa town, with beautiful Victorian architecture

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This attractive Mid Wales town stands in glorious countryside near the source of the River Severn. At the heart of Llanidloes is the Old Market Hall, a timber-framed hall built in 1612 and now housing an exhibit on the heritage of timber-framed buildings in Wales.
Llanidloes, Powys, Wales

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Machynlleth is a historic market town on the river Dyfi, known for its links to Owain Glyndwr, the 15th-century Welsh rebel who had himself crowned Prince of Wales here in 1404 and called a Parliament to meet at what is now the Owain Glyndwr Centre. Look for Y Plas, a sumptuous Victorian mansion now used as a local art centre and event venue.
Machynlleth, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: Owain Glyndwr's medieval parliament building

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The pretty Welsh border town of Montgomery grew up in the early 13th century as a planned town, beneath the walls of Montgomery Castle. The castle was built by Henry III in 1223. Look for the Robber's Grave in the graveyard of St Nicholas church, and the elegant Georgian Town Hall.
Montgomery, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century Montgomery Castle

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Newtown is the largest town in Powys, established on the River Severn by Roger de Mortimer in 1277. Newtown is best-known today as the birthplace and burial place of the social reformer Robert Owen. You can learn about Owen's life in Owen Memorial Museum that stands opposite his birthplace.
Newtown, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: St Mary's Church and Robert Owen's grave

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Presteigne is a pretty market town on the River Lugg, directly on the Welsh border. It was the former county town of Radnorshire and is home to The Judge's Lodging, the 19th-century judge's residence, county gaol, and courtroom for the county assizes. On the edge of town is The Warden, an 11th-century motte and bailey castle.
Presteigne, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The Judge's Lodging, historic county gaol and courthouse

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Rhayader is a historic market town on the River Wye, with a history going back to at least the 12th century when Lord Rhys of Deheubarth built a motte and bailey castle here. Little remains of the castle today, but the town is full of fascinating historic buildings. A few miles west are the Elan Valley dams, one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century.
Rhayader, Powys, Wales

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Heritage Highlight: The 12th-century remains of Rhayader Castle

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