Pet Friendly Holidays Powys

The stunning location of Gorsddu is just one of its surprises when you arrive. You can’t tell by looking at this beautifully restored property that the original house, built before 1840, was the size of, what is now the living room. What was once a cowshed added in about 1901, is now a fitted kitchen. Records show that the owner’s great, great, great grandfather purchased the property in 1848 for £65 and it has been painstakingly built and renovated by the family using mostly their own home grown oak. Now the luxurious house of Gorsddu boasts huge panoramic windows from the spacious sun room that looks out over the eastern edge of the rolling Cambrian Mountains known as the ’roof of Wales’. You will probably want to while away many hours with a pair of binoculars and a drink and soak up the stunning scenery. From mid April to mid June you will often hear the plaintive call of the cuckoo.

The hamlet of Llanwrthwl, nearest to Gorsddu, lies on the River Wye south of Rhayader. From here you can take a walk, part of the National Trust Abergwesyn Common know as the Llanwrthwl Horseshoe Walk which starts at the church taking you through mountain moorland and peat bogs. The National Cycle Trail also passes through here, and with the Élan Valley cycle path close by, this area really is a haven for cyclists. The property is also well accommodated for keen cyclists, with a lockable shed for storage of up to seven bikes, and it also acts as a drying room.

To the north west is the RSPB nature reserve called Carngafallt, a heather clad hill with slopes covered in ancient hanging oak woodlands. Legend says that King Arthur’s dog, Gafallt, left his paw print in a stone somewhere on Carngafallt. It was also here that a hoard of bronze age gold jewellery was found, now in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. In the churchyard next to the parish church of St Gwrthwl in Llanwrthwl is a huge standing stone.

The region is also home to spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Rich with rare wildlife, including the magnificent Red Kites, the area offers wonderful walking and some of the best mountain biking routes in the British Isles. Nearby Rhayader, about six miles, also renowned for being the canoeing capital of Europe, is best explored on foot where you should take time to discover the variety of independent shops and crafts where you’ll find everything from gifts to the essentials. There is a good choice of places to eat, where you can try traditional Welsh dishes and home cooked comforts, and for a friendly evening out, there are pubs in every direction each with its own welcoming atmosphere. There is also a convenience store, petrol station and cafe situated just two miles down the road from the property, so guests are within easy reach of essentials!

Other places to visit nearby include Wales’ most central town Llandrindod Wells, known locally as ’Llandod’ it was developed as a spa town in the 19th Century. Builth Wells, the interesting market town now famous for the annual Royal Agricultural Show and numerous smaller shows and fairs throughout the year. LLanwrtyd Wells, reputedly the smallest town in Britain, also has lots going on including the wacky events of bog snorkelling and Man Versus Horse marathons. Shop 2½, pub and restaurant 6 Miles.

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.

Lovely detached barn conversion, a quality Llandrindod Wells cottage, with wonderful valley views near Dolau in Powys. Woodburner, beams, rural setting. Llandrindod Wells 8 miles.

Beautifully and thoughtfully presented character holiday cottage on the Welsh/English border set in unspoilt countryside in the Vale of Montgomery Lovely views. Woodburning stove. Montgomery 5 miles.

A beautiful stone-built farmhouse resting in Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd. Woodburning stoves. Hot tubs. Games room. Off-road parking. Enclosed gardens. Dog-friendly. Mountain views. Excellent walking and cycling. Dolgellau 7.9 miles.

Delightful Rhayader cottage in splendid isolated position. Games barn, large gardens, lovely views, ideal family retreat. Rhayader 4.5 miles.

A stylish, modernised farmhouse with stunning country views. Luxury hot tub, woodburner, two reception rooms. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Welshpool 8 miles.

Fabulous detached 16th century farmhouse with hot tub. On owners' working farm, surrounded by Welsh countryside, close to border. Exposed beams. Woodburning stove. Pets welcome. Beguildy 5 miles.

A lovely cottage in the heart of the village. Ideal for families or a small group of friends looking to enjoy the border countryside. Easy reach of fabulous days out and various activities. Woodburner. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden with hot tub.

This spacious, detached family home, nestled down a private lane, is situated on the owners working farm in the Radnorshire valley. It is a great place for families and friends to get together and has its own hot tub and games room. Set in the open countryside, with fabulous rolling views of the valley to be had from all angles of the property, it’s in an ideal location for those wanting to explore the countryside with Offa’s Dyke being just 15 minutes’ away, as well as other fabulous walks and cycle paths in the area.

After a long day of exploring the area, head back to Upper Close and dry off your four-legged friends with the dog towels found at the property, and tuck into some home made cake from the generous welcome pack provided. Sit back in the living room, complete with a wood burner, or make the most of the views and relax in the oak conservatory. There is also use of a lovely enclosed garden, great for letting your furry friends and children let off some steam. Shop 3½ miles, pub 2½ mile, restaurant 2 miles.
Upper Close (UK10873) can be booked together with Offa’s Dyke Lodge (UK10835), Red Kite Lodge (UK32610), Middle Hanter (UK37355) and Larchwood Lodge (UK42917) to accommodate up to 30 guests.