As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Mid Wales, Paul Bloomfield picks out a selection of places to stay, from welcoming B&Bs and traditional stone cottages, to pampering hotels, to tipis and eco pods with breathtaking mountain vistas.
All these places are making great efforts to reduce their impact on the environment, too: stay at any of these places and you will sleep with an easy eco-conscience. There are solar panels aplenty, delicious locally-sourced breakfasts, eco-friendly conversions and acre upon acre of wildlife-rich habitat for you and the family to roam.
You'll find a great geographical spread, too, so whether you want to be in the Snowdonian mountains or the Brecon Beacons – or you need a bit of inspiration to help you decide – you'll find plenty of ideas in our selection of B&Bs, hotels and cottages and campsites.
Lasswade Country House & Restaurant, Powys, Wales
A warm and homely four star b&b hotel with fabulous views of the Cambrian Mountains, Epynt Hills and Brecon Beacons. Breathe in the lovely clean air, enjoy the peace and quiet and taste the delicious award winning sustainable food. lasswadehotel.co.uk
The Start, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales
Riverside bed & breakfast set in a quiet location on the banks of the river Wye. Ideal base for walking, cycling and browsing the many book shops of Hay-on-Wye. Large garden with off-road parking, cycle lockup, drying facilities and flasks filled! the-start.net
Gwaenynog Farmhouse B&B, Powys, Wales
A beautiful farmhouse with exposed beams, an inglenook fireplace, comfortable beds, wonderful showers & plentiful breakfasts. Enjoy mountain views and a variety of birds. A great place to relax, unwind and escape. gwaenynog.com
Lion Hotel, Mid Wales, Wales
A well-established, family run, friendly, country pub with B&B rooms in Mid Wales. A perfect base for walking, cycling and exploring the local area. Delicious home cooked food and real ales. Open all year. lionhotel-llanbister.co.uk
Old Radnor Barn, Powys, Wales
Old Radnor Barn, Talgarth is an award winning, 4* B&B, nestled in the foothills of the Black Mountains/Brecon Beacons National Park, renowned for its scenic beauty. Luxury accommodation and facilities with ground floor rooms for elderly/disabled. oldradnorbarn.com
Rhedyn Guesthouse, Powys, Mid Wales
Rhedyn Guesthouse is by the wild Cambrian Mountains: good for walking, biking and hacking, and minutes away from Builth Wells Showground. Rhedyn B&B is also good for its home produce, delicious dining and comfortable luxurious rooms. rhedynguesthouse.co.uk
The Granary, Powys, Wales
The Granary is a luxury 5 star B&B situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The stunning scenery is a fab backdrop for outdoor activities, and the peaceful location makes it a perfect spot to appreciate the recently awarded "Dark Skies" status. thegranaryinthepark.com
The Drovers Rest Restaurant with Rooms, Powys, Wales.
An award winning riverside restaurant and tearoom offering cosy accommodation. Home to the J & R School of Cooking Masterclasses, the local food and service are renowed througout Wales and the UK as one of the best little restaurants. food-food-food.co.uk
The Old Coach House, Machynlleth, Mid-Wales
A 1 bed, self-catering holiday cottage in the peaceful Dyfi Valley and Snowdonia National Park. Ideal for walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers. Evening meals can be provided in the dining room in the main house with prior notice theoldcoachhousecottage.co.uk
Nannerth Country Holidays, Rhayader, Mid Wales
Delightful 4 star cottages, farmhouse B&B and wild camping on a 200 acre organic Welsh family farm. Secluded, beautiful and green. Great for badger watching from the treehouse, seeing lambing live or soaking in the tranquillity. nannerth.co.uk
The Old Vicarage, Dolfor, Powys, Mid Wales
A former Victorian Vicarage offering 5-star accommodation and a licensed restaurant. It's in the hills above Newtown so expect peaceful relaxation with views that stretch for miles, plus home-grown produce, hens and local organic free-range meats. theoldvicaragedolfor.co.uk
Cwmbiga Farm, nr Llanidloes, Wales
Award winning 4* cottages sleeping up to eight, in the Hafren Forest and Cambrian Mountains. Plus B&B accommodation in a refurbished Grade II farmhouse. A great base for activity holidays and breaks from the hustle and bustle. Small party discounts. cwmbiga.co.uk
YHA Brecon Beacons, Brecon, Wales
Formerly known as Llwyn y Celyn YHA Brecon Beacons is set in 15 acres of ancient woodland, overlooking the River Tarell with views towards Y Gyrn - great countryside for walking or cycling holidays. Tasty home-cooked food and local ales served. yha.org.uk
The Forest B&B and Cottages with hot tubs, Powys, Wales
A beautiful country house in a secluded rural setting, 3 mi to Newtown. The 5 star B&B has 5 en-suite bedrooms, guest lounge and fine views; 4 self catering cottages and log cabin have a hot tub, gardens, tennis court, play area, games room and wifi. bedandbreakfastnewtown.co.uk
Brynich Farm Cottages, Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales, UK
Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, our converted 18th century farm buildings offer beautiful accommodation in four seperate cottages; sleeping a total of 20 guests we happily take dogs. We are sure you will enjoy this stunning setting. brynichcottages.co.uk
Alltybrain Farm Cottages Brecon Beacons Wales
Superb self-catering cottages for two and friendly, comfortable farmhouse bed and breakfast. Situated in peaceful farmland with extensive views of The Brecon Beacons and surrounding countryside. alltybrainfarmcottages.co.uk
Beili Helyg Guest House, Brecon Beacons, Wales
In the secluded, rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons lies Beili Helyg, an 18th Century stone built farm house. Ideally located for both walking and cycling routes, the farm house also offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding moorlands. beilihelygguesthouse.co.uk
Woodland Waterfalls, LLANIDLOES, Wales
Dog friendly, secluded converted bungalow for four, sitting in natural woodland in mid Wales. With stunning gardens the gigantic windows overlook the grounds, surrounded by waterfalls, stream, pools and wildlife. Explore the surrounding landscape. countrycottagesonline.net
Aberhyddnant Farm Cottages, Brecon, Powys, Wales
Two comfy cottages on a 220-acre working organic farm in the heart of the splendid Brecon Beacons National Park. There's fresh spring water, home produced organic meat and eggs. Great for walks and bike rides in outstanding countryside. abercottages.com
Lon Lodges, Mid Wales, Wales
Two five-star lodges, each sleeping six, which have been sustainably built using locally sourced timber. Take in the relaxing and beautiful countryside of Mid Wales, enjoy the wonderful walks, mountain bike tracks and peaceful lanes for cycling. lonlodges.co.uk
Luxury Lodges, Caersws, Wales
Six family-run luxury lodges on their own private grounds in the mid-Wales cambrian mountains countryside, with Snowdonia to the north and Cardiff to the south. Each with a hot tub and gorgeous panoramic views of the open countryside. luxury-lodges-wales.com
Owl Barn Retreat, Powys, Wales
Owl Barn, a cottage offering a stunning, pet-friendly rural retreat, surrounded by rolling fields and wildlife. 1 mile from the pretty village of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant in the heart of the Berwyn Mountains, perfect spot to relax or be active. owlbarnretreat.com
Rose Cottage, Dutlas, Powys, Wales
Get away from it all in a charming, cosy cottage in Mid Wales: discover some of the country's most beautiful scenery, rich in wildlife and a real sense of escape - a true eco friendly cottage, but one that doesn't sacrifice any home comforts. rosecottagedutlas.com
The School Annex, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Wales
Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park we offer a high standard of self catering accommodation and great green credentials. You can take time out to relax or be as active as you want, even star gaze in our dark sky reserve, all on the doorstep! staybeacons.com
The Peren, Hay On Wye, Wales
A 19th century barn offering space, peace and privacy near to the quirky town of Hay on the English Welsh border. A green, luxurious and stylish base from which to explore the area's dramatic countryside and the Brecon Beacon's national park. theperen.com
Cantref Coachhouse, Brecon Beacons, Wales
A warm and cosy one-bedroom cottage, sleeping 2 persons, in the heart of the countryside. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic break and to get away from it all. There's walking, cycling and riding direct from the doorstep. brecon-cottage.co.uk
Carno Farm, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
A group of lovingly restored barns and farmhouse in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, under the west shoulder of PenyFan with direct access onto the hills & mountains. Ideal for families and those wanting to get away from it all. carnofarmbrecon.co.uk
Llanilid Holiday Cottages, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Four and five star converted barns in the heart of a splendid 220 acre organic farm. The perfect base for an activity packed holiday, exploring the Brecon Breacons National Park or a stress free mini-break. llanilidcottages.co.uk
Merryfields Barn, Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons, Wales
A 4* quality barn with stunning views of the River Usk, Black Mountains and historic Crickhowell town. With oak beams/floors in the bedroom, a heated limestone floor downstairs, walk-in shower and Japanese square bath. merryfieldsbarn.com
Nannerth Country Holidays, Rhayader, Mid Wales
Delightful 4 star cottages, farmhouse B&B and wild camping on a 200 acre organic Welsh family farm. Secluded, beautiful and green. Great for badger watching from the treehouse, seeing lambing live or soaking in the tranquillity. nannerth.co.uk
Yr Hen Stablau Self-Catering, Dyfi Valley, Wales, UK
Unfussy, renovated stables overlooking the peaceful Dyfi Valley woodland near Machynlleth. It has impressive eco credentials including solar energy, underfloor heating and woodburning stove. Dogs are welcome and it is wheelchair accessible. selfcateringcottagewales.co.uk
Penpont, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Magnificent Penpont is set in lovely grounds in the middle of a 2000 acre working rural estate in the heart of the Brecon Beacon National Park. The self catering wing is attached to the main house, accessed via a private courtyard. penpont.com
Baddegai Holiday Cottage, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Recently refurbished, 4 large en-suite bedrooms that can be either doubles or twins. Surrounded by fields with views to Pen-y-fan. Direct access on to the Brecon Beacons. Wood burning stoves, oak pannelling, beams. Dogs & children welcome. breconbeaconscottagebreaks.co.uk
Cosy Under Canvas, Domes, Mid Wales
The Cosy Under Canvas dome glamping site lends itself to a relaxed, alternative break away from the trappings of a hectic life. It's perfect for those who love the idea of a unique, low impact and eco-friendly camping holiday. cosyundercanvas.co.uk
Eco Retreats, Powys, Wales
Way out west in the wilds of Wales, deep in the forest and miles from anywhere, find some peace and quiet in the sumptuous surroundings of these well-furnished tipis (and one yurt). Good for a romantic getaway or family holiday. ecoretreats.co.uk
Glanmor Isaf Farm, Feather Down Farm, Talybont, Wales
You'll find this fantastic collection of tents hidden in an orchard behind the old farmhouse, with fantastic views across to Snowdon and a fantastic selection of coastal paths, cycle tracks and nature reserves at your doorstep. featherdown.co.uk
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