Welshpool Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Welshpool Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Welshpool packs in plenty of attractions despite its modest size. Powis Castle (SY21 8RF, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 11am-4pm Nov-Mar) is the star attraction. This medieval fortress houses one of Britain's finest art collections and spectacular terraced gardens. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "stunning gardens" and "fascinating history".

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (SY21 7RA) runs steam trains through beautiful countryside. Operating weekends and school holidays, this narrow-gauge railway offers a brilliant day out. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 with reviewers calling it "a proper old-fashioned steam experience".

Don't miss the Montgomery Canal, perfect for towpath walks. The Powysland Museum (SY21 7AQ, open Tues-Fri 11am-1pm, 2pm-5pm) tells the story of the area's past and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. After sightseeing, your hot tub will feel even better!

Pet Friendly

Welshpool works brilliantly for dog owners. Many cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens and ground-floor layouts. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities without needing to jump in the car.

The Royal Oak (SY21 7JP) in town welcomes dogs in its bar area and serves good pub grub. For coffee, Coco's Café (SY21 7JP) has outdoor seating where dogs can join you. The Flash Leisure Centre (SY21 7DH) even runs "Doggy Splash" sessions in their pool several times a year!

Powis Castle allows dogs in the gardens (not the castle itself) if kept on leads. The Montgomery Canal towpath provides miles of flat walking, perfect for older dogs. I recommend bringing towels for muddy paws after countryside walks - especially before getting back to your cottage hot tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Welshpool

Powis Castle and Gardens tops the list. Unlike many National Trust properties, this medieval fortress feels lived-in rather than museum-like. The Earl of Powis still maintains apartments here. The terraced gardens are world-famous, with 300-year-old yew hedges and stunning herbaceous borders. The Clive Museum houses treasures from India that would make major museums jealous. One visitor wrote: "We spent 5 hours here and could have stayed longer - the gardens alone are worth the trip."

The Welshpool Livestock Market (SY21 8SR) offers a genuine slice of Welsh farming life. Monday is the main market day when farmers from across Mid Wales bring sheep and cattle. You'll hear Welsh spoken, see traditional tweed caps and experience a working agricultural town. It's free to watch and the café serves excellent bacon sandwiches. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "More authentic than any tourist attraction - this is the real Wales."

Glynd?r's Way National Trail passes near Welshpool, commemorating Owain Glynd?r's 15th-century rebellion. The 135-mile trail crosses spectacular landscapes, but you can tackle smaller sections. The Welshpool Tourist Information Centre (SY21 7JP) provides free route maps. A regular walker commented: "The section from Welshpool to Lake Vyrnwy offers the best views in Mid Wales - we saw red kites and wild ponies."

Is Welshpool actually in Wales?

Yes! Despite being just 4 miles from the English border, Welshpool is definitely in Wales, specifically in the county of Powys. The town was historically called "Pool" but was renamed "Welshpool" in the 1800s to distinguish it from Poole in Dorset. You'll hear both Welsh and English spoken around town.

Can I get to Welshpool without a car?

Yes, Welshpool has a train station with services from Birmingham (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and Shrewsbury (25 minutes). The Cambrian Line connects the town to Aberystwyth and the Welsh coast. Local buses serve surrounding villages, but a car is helpful for exploring more remote areas and reaching some cottages with hot tubs.

What's the best time of year to visit Welshpool?

Late spring and early autumn offer the best balance of good weather and fewer tourists. The gardens at Powis Castle look spectacular in May and June. The Welshpool Country Music Festival in July draws crowds, while September brings the Welshpool Winter Festival. Winter stays can be magical with frosty landscapes and hot tub steam rising into cold air!

Are there good places to eat in Welshpool?

For a small town, Welshpool has excellent dining options. The Corn Store (SY21 7JP) serves modern British food using local ingredients. The Royal Oak offers traditional pub meals with good Sunday roasts. Phayathai (SY21 7JP) provides authentic Thai food that gets rave reviews. Several farm shops around town sell local produce if you want to cook at your cottage.

Can I bring children to a hot tub cottage?

Most cottages welcome families, but check the specific property rules about hot tub use. Some owners set minimum ages for hot tub use (typically 12+) while others require adult supervision. Many family-friendly cottages provide additional features like games rooms, play equipment or enclosed gardens.

What's the Welsh name for Welshpool?

The Welsh name is "Y Trallwng" (pronounced uh-TRATH-lung), which roughly translates as "the marshy or sinking land." You'll see both names on road signs as you approach the town. The Welsh language remains important locally, with about 15% of residents speaking Welsh as their first language.

Helpful links for your Welshpool visit:

1. Powis Castle and Garden - National Trust
2. Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
3. Visit Mid Wales - Welshpool Guide
4. Montgomery Canal Information