Llanidloes

The River Severn cuts right through the middle of this market town, making its presence known from the moment you arrive. Llanidloes sits at a proper crossroads in mid Wales, where four valleys meet and the landscape opens up in all directions. The town centre still revolves around its Tudor market hall - one of the last surviving timber-framed ones in Wales.

Wander down to the Minerva Arts Centre, run by The Quilt Association, and you'll find it's become something of a cultural hub for the area. The building itself is worth a look, but the exhibitions change regularly enough to keep things interesting. Just across the way, Llanidloes Museum tells the story of the town's industrial past - this place was once at the heart of the Welsh flannel trade.

St Idloes Church dominates the skyline from most angles. Built on the site where the town's patron saint supposedly founded a monastery in the 7th century, it's been rebuilt several times but still feels ancient. The current structure dates mostly from the 13th century, though Victorian restoration has softened some of the medieval edges.

Outside town, the countryside rolls away in gentle hills and forestry plantations. The Severn winds its way through The Severn Port Park, where there's a footpath that follows the river and a rather dramatic statue of Sabrina, the Roman goddess of the Severn. It's a bit of an odd addition but makes for decent photos.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A470 runs right through the centre, connecting north to Dolgellau and south towards Builth Wells. Several touring parks dot the surrounding valleys, including Clywedog Riverside Holiday Home Park right by the water and Red Kite Touring Park up in the hills. Both make decent bases for exploring this corner of Powys without the summer crowds you'll find further west.