Things to Do at Garth Barns & Country House and Nearby
Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors or rest, recharge and relax in peace and tranquility.. there is simply so much on offer for everyone to enjoy
Garth Barns & Country House is set in 200 acres of private land, with so many wonderful facilities on site to explore and enjoy. At the venue, you will find plenty of active options, including fabulous walking, wild swimming and a gym. Looking for something more subdued? There is also a sauna, plenty of space for relaxing over an al fresco lunch or simply wind down in one of the many cosy living spaces on offer.
Staying a little longer and keen to see what’s nearby? There are so many wonderful things to do and see, you are certain to find something fantastic to complement your stay at Garth Barns & Country House.
Please see below for a list of curated ‘Things to Do’, both at the venue and in the local area.
Things to do at Garth Barns & Country House
Walking: there are great walking opportunities directly on your doorstep at the Garth Farm, with maps and guidance available from the owners John & Veronica, too. From the venue, you can also venture further, with some of the best walking and hiking opportunities in the country available in Mid Wales.
Wild Swimming & Canoeing: the lake at Garth Barns & Country House is large enough for a thrilling afternoon spent lakeside enjoying a cooling dip, multiperson canoe fun and BBQ by the lake hut.
Gym & Sauna: gym with running machine, cycling machine, cross trainer, shower & WC. Sauna with capacity for up to 8 people – perfect after that cooling dip in the lake!
Treasure Hunt: often a highlight on the agenda and fantastic fun for adults and children alike, the Garth Treasure Hunt is not to be missed! Do ask Veronica to set this up for you when convenient.
Firepit: the accommodation may be luxury but the firepit promises a true campfire experience. Located in the Orchard to the front of Hafod Barn, the Firepit is perfect for a large group to gather round, relax and reflect on the excitement of the day.
Table Tennis, Pool & Darts: all available for guests’ exclusive enjoyment at Garth Barns & Country House! Please bring your own darts to make use of the dartboard, as these are not provided due to safety requirements.
Extras on offer at Garth Barns & Country House: It is often possible to hire in a local expert or small business to provide equipment and activities conveniently for you at the venue e.g. Archery, Yoga, Baking, Chocolate Making, Donkey Rides. Do ask for guidance when booking.
Things to Do Nearby
Llanidloes: the nearby town of Llanidloes is well worth a visit, just 2 miles from Garth Barns & Country House. Llanidloes is a friendly town with a variety of independent shops, cafes, pubs as well as a number of grocery stores, supermarkets, a fish shop, several butchers’ shops, a post office and a lovely market on Saturdays. The Town’s website can provide further detail on what’s on offer here
Forests & Woodland Walking: with so many wonderful footpaths to choose from, the nearby Hafren Forest and the Source of the Severn walk are highly recommended (more info)
Fly Fishing: available at Clywedog Reservoir, just 15 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website)
Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboarding: available at Clywedog Sailing Club – as above, just 15 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website)
Golf: available for visitors at St. Idloes Golf Club, 5 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website)
Tennis: available at Llanidloes Lawn Tennis Club, located in nearby Llanidloes (book here)
Bowling Alley: visit uStrike in nearby Newtown which has a brilliant indoor bowling alley and is perfect for adults and families alike. uStrike also has laser shooting and a golf simulator available. Located approx. 20 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website)
And for the thrill seekers, the Yamaha Off Road Experience (located 10 minutes drive away near Llanidloes, book here) and the Forest Rally School (located c. 25 minutes drive away in Carno, Powys, book here) are not to be missed!
Day Trips & Half Day Trips from Garth Barns & Country House
Staying a little longer and keen to venture further afield for a fun-filled day out? There is plenty on offer within an hour’s drive from Garth Barns & Country House!
Beautiful Beaches: West Wales is home to some of the most beautiful, clean and calm beaches in the UK. Ynys Las and Aberdovey are most highly recommended for a sun (and sea!) soaked afternoon. Approx. 50 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House.
Aberystwyth via Devil’s Bridge: Aberystwyth is a charming and vibrant seaside University Town, approx. 45 minutes drive away. With plenty to do and see and the option of stopping en route at Devil’s Bridge for some of your group to take the narrow gauge steam train for the rest of the journey, this is a fabulous and fun-filled day out! Do visit the website to check the timetable here.
Bwlch Nant Yr Arian: approximately 30 minutes from Garth Barns & Country House, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre provides a range of waymarked walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding trails and a mountain bike skills park. There is also a Café, shop and play area and a daily Red Kite feeding display (visit website)
Elan Valley Walking: a beautiful location with fantastic views and excellent walking trails, just 40 minutes drive away (visit website)
Machynlleth & Centre for Alternative Technology: Machynlleth is a charming Welsh market town located 40 minutes away. With a variety of independent shops, cafes and galleries (more info here), it makes for a delightful excursion. It is also home to the Centre for Alternative Technology, a thoroughly interesting and educational experience for all (visit website)
Two Michelin-starred Dining: located near Machynlleth and 40 minutes drive away, YnysHir offers truly outstanding two Michelin-starred dining by celebrated chef, Gareth Ward, that is nothing short of spectacular and perfect for celebrating a special occasion (visit website). The recently opened Gwen Restaurant located in the heart of Machynlleth, comes from the team at Ynyshir and offers an intimate restaurant and more casual wine bar that is a must-visit when passing through (visit website)
Powis Castle & Gardens: Powis Castle is a medieval castle now managed by the National Trust. It provides a fabulous day out with beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, a museum, delightful cafe and a shop to enjoy. Located 45 minutes drive from Garth Barns & Country House near Welshpool, Powys (visit website)
King Arthur’s Labyrinth: perfect for a family excursion, King Arthur’s Labyrinth is the underground storytelling adventure experience and a hugely fun day out for all, located 40 mins from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website)
Slightly further away, but impossible to leave off the list.. a visit to Port Meirion Italian Village in North West Wales also makes for a truly spectacular and wonderfully scenic experience. Located 1.5 hours drive from Garth Barns & Country House (visit website).