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.

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.

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.

Set in the small village of Newchurch, this detached house was once a country inn and is full of character and charm. Newchurch is set just 7 miles from Hay-on-Wye which is famous for its many book shops and also the Hay Festival which takes place in May, attracting visitors from all over the world. With Hay-on-Wye and Kington Town being close by there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy, including many country pubs dotted along the England/Wales border. For those looking for a more active break, Offas Dyke Path passes right by the front door and offers stunning walks through the beautiful countryside. Nearby there is horse riding and canoeing. After a day exploring the area, relax in the well maintained, lawned garden with a glass of your favourite tipple. Shop and restaurant 7 miles, pub 3 miles.

A large, detached cottage on a quiet country lane in the village of Hendomen near Montgomery. Woodburning stove. Hot tub. Close to the Wales/England border. Forden 2.4 miles; Welshpool 7.2 miles; Bishop's Castle 10.5 miles.

A spacious end-of-terrace cottage resting in the heart of Brecon, Wales. Spacious interior. Pet-friendly. National Park location. Hay-on-Wye 15.8 miles; Builth Wells 17.1 miles; Abergavenny 19.9 miles.

This impressive holiday lodge rests in Beggar's Bush near Presteigne, Wales. Private hot tub. Enclosed garden. Partial ground-floor living. Leominster 18.1 miles; Llandrindod Wells 19.2 miles.

This detached, single-storey cottage, next to the owner’s home, is set on a working small holding. It has stunning views over open countryside towards the Welsh border and enjoys a wonderful location for walkers, with Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath nearby. After a long day enjoying all the area has to offer, there is a wonderful patio space on which to relax overlooking the neighbouring farmland, where guests can enjoy watching the free range hens around the property. The historic city of Chester and the market town of Shrewsbury are both under an hour’s drive, and offer a wide selection of bars, shops and restaurants. Snowdonia National Park is also easily accessible. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

This lovely, large detached property, situated next to a chicken farm, is just 4 miles from the town of Newtown yet sat in a rural location with great views of the rolling countryside. This property is an ideal base for groups of friends and large family gatherings. It comprises of an open plan kitchen/dining room which leads into a large conservatory, great for watching the wildlife in the area as it opens onto the large lawned garden and patio area, which hosts the private hot tub. The living room has a wood burner and again some fabulous views of the countryside. This room leads into the cinema room which boasts a 60" screen - great for movie nights! Upstairs there are four bedrooms, two doubles with en-suite facilities and two further twin bedrooms sharing a family bathroom. There is also a games room on the ground floor of the property. Plenty of walks can be had from the property so this is a great place for taking your four legged friends too. There is so much to do and see in the town of Newtown, with its array of shops, coffee shops and restaurants, and the coast is a short drive away. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.