Despite its peaceful setting in the Welsh countryside, there’s plenty of fun to be found for everyone around Builth Wells. You’ll find charming towns, restaurants, attractions and activities just a stone’s throw from the campsite.
Where to eat & drink in the Builth Wells area
There are several cafes in the centre of Builth Wells if you’re craving a good coffee and a slice of cake. The Cwtch Cafe offers hot food, delicious bakery items and coffee, as well as a good selection of gluten-free options. If you don’t fancy cooking and want a treat there are takeaway places for kebab, pizza, fish & chips, Indian and Chinese in town.
If you’d like to have a proper sit-down meal, head to The Roast Ox Inn for hearty British dishes like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips or a roast dinner. For a special meal with friends or a loved one, Llangoed Hall offers fine dining and delicious afternoon teas, while for pub grub The Fountain Inn is just the ticket.
Hay-on-Wye and the Hay Festival
Our nearest town is in fact Hay-on-Wye, the beautiful border town that’s most famous for its bookshops and literary festival, but which also makes a fantastic destination year-round. Delve into its many quaint and quirky shops, relax over a delicious meal, or take a lazy canoe trip along the meandering River Wye.
The Hay Festival is a world-famous annual literary gathering, held in the border town of Hay-on-Wye and only 8 miles from our site. Any arts lover will love this meeting of the minds, and over its 30+ years running the festival has earned a reputation for being a must-visit for anyone who enjoys burying their nose in a good book! Well-known writers, Nobel prizewinners, comedians and politicians all feature among the hundreds of events spread over the festival’s 11 days, so you’re sure to find something to stimulate the mind and get you thinking.
We’re perfectly situated to be your cosy hideaway for the festival — what better place to read your latest find from the festival’s giant book store than your own slice of relaxing Welsh countryside?
Natural beauty around Builth Wells
Glamping in Builth Wells means you’re just a short drive away from the magnificent Brecon Beacons National Park. Aside from the Beacons, you can also explore the beauty of Wales by scaling The Begwns, a low summit that is very easy to reach but which offers sensational, panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
A leisurely stroll along the Brecon Canal makes for a relaxing afternoon, although you can also try your hand at fishing or kayaking on the canal for some extra excitement. Hikers looking for a challenge will love a walking holiday along the Wye Valley Walk: this 136-mile hike follows the Wye River and takes about two weeks to complete. Our glamping site sits about a third of the way into this walk, making us a perfect stopover along the way.
Where the Wye flows through Builth Wells itself, you’ll find some unusual trees towering over the others — four giant redwood trees were planted here in 1903 ahead of a visit by none other than the American showman Buffalo Bill! These trees normally grow in the humid Pacific northwest of America, but seem to like life in Wales just fine.
Attractions for a day out
There’s a good deal of art galleries and other cultural hotspots just a short drive from Builth Wells: The Globe At Hay is an independent arts centre that showcases local talents all year round as well as hosting an annual art and philosophy festival. Meanwhile, Brycheiniog Theatre in Brecon is a great way to catch a play or some live music.
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has a great restaurant as well as offering a good opportunity to do a bit of shopping. For a truly decadent day out, why not take a tour of the Penderyn Distillery? A whisky tasting experience is sure to raise your spirits and elevate your holiday to a whole new level.
Activities for the whole family
Try some adventurous activities at Black Mountain Adventure to get everyone up and moving: there are activities on land and water from archery, caving and clay pigeon shooting to canoeing to white water rafting, there’s something for everyone, whatever you’re into. The Builth Wells Golf Club offers a chance to practice your putting before enjoying a refreshing drink at the Clubhouse. After a day enjoying the fresh air your Wigwam cabin is the perfect place to rest and recharge while you enjoy the peace and quiet, ready to do it all again tomorrow!
Other festivals near Builth Wells
There are also a number of fun festivals in the local area that make for a slightly different day out. The Royal Welsh Show takes place every July 10 miles from Our Wigwam glamping site and gives you an opportunity to see livestock competitions as well as enjoying some great food, local crafts and exciting entertainment.
The Brecon Jazz Festival offers a great chance to enjoy some live music every August across a variety of venues. The event is hosted by the Brecon Jazz Club who put on live music all year round.
For something completely different, visit the World Championship of Bog Snorkelling! This event is hosted every August in Llanwrtyd Wells. The first championship took place in 1976, and this event sees competitors snorkelling through a peat bog using only the power of flippers to get forward. Cheering the brave competitors on makes for a truly memorable day out! Unless you feel up to the challenge yourself?
