Accessible guide to Mid Wales

Housed in an atmospheric Victorian town-house and Wesleyan chapel, MOMA Machynlleth (Museum of Modern Art) is a theatre and gallery with more than 400 contemporary pieces of Welsh art. It also offers anything from classical music to comedy, history talks and workshops. With Blue Badge accessible parking spaces, there are lifts to all galleries and level access throughout. Other accessible features include large print and Braille information, induction loops, wheelchairs to borrow, accessible toilets, and assistance dogs are always welcome. It also offers quieter times for those with sensory needs.

The striking building that is the National Library of Wales is home to some 6.5 million books, historical archives, paintings, prints and manuscripts, and the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales. Free exhibitions are held throughout the year in its galleries and guided tours are available. With accessible parking, the entrance is accessible with a ramp and automatic doors. Inside, there are lifts to upper floors, accessible toilets, wheelchairs to borrow, and assistance dogs are welcome. The Drwm auditorium is accessible with wheelchair access and an infrared transmission system for use with personal hearing aids or the headsets provided. The Library is equipped with Smartview magnification, ScannaR machine and Supernova facilities for reading books aloud.

Covering 520 square miles of South and Mid Wales is the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Choose to relax and enjoy a barrier free accessible trail in the impressive surroundings, or get exploring in one of the many accessible attractions. Bordering South Wales, explore the scenery on board a narrow gauge steam train with The Brecon Mountain Railway, which has an accessible carriage. Or look out for the Milky Way on a clear night, as the first International Dark-Sky in Wales is found within the park.

From sand to shingles and pebbles, Mid Wales offers visitors a quintessentially British and accessible seaside experience. Positioned in front of picture-perfect Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses, Aberystwyth North Beach is a Blue Flag award winner. With accessible facilities including wheelchairs and accessible toilets at the Marina Terrace, explore the Victorian Pier and main promenade and enjoy the summer street performances. The pebbly South Beach sits at the base of Aberystwyth Castle near the harbour breakwater. Accessible toilets can be found at the South Prominade at The Harbour.

Sitting along the Cardigan Bay coast is the picturesque seaside town of New Quay. The streets in the town are quite steep, but there is sloping access down to the water front and beach. Arriving at the golden sands, it’s easy to see why the poet Dylan Thomas was inspired by the location. While beach wheelchairs are not currently available, you can keep a look out from the path for the Bottlenose dolphins often spotted in the bay.

Perched on a dramatic hilltop with views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains is the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre. Here, visitors can head out into nature on one or the several accessible trials, which are ideal for adapted bikes and wheelchairs. Set around the edge of the lake, the circular Barcud Trail is suitable for people using wheelchairs. Pick up an Animal Puzzle Trail leaflet and see how many creatures you can spot along the route. A highlight each afternoon is feeding time for the red kites. Part of the conservation programme, watch as many as 150 birds circle above before swooping down for their daily feed.

Cruse along the Brecon Canal, which follows the mountainside above, as you float leisurely along on a brightly-coloured on a narrow boat. With an accessible lift, the Dragonfly Cruises narrow boat has room for two wheelchairs and offers a scenic and leisurely two-and-a-half-hour return trip along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Take in the rolling hills and teaming wildlife of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, marvel at the process of going through a canal lock, and take in the views as you travel over an aqueduct over the River Usk.

Sitting in the shadow of the Caban Coch dam is the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, perched on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains within the Cwm Elan estate. The centre has accessible parking with level access, there is also an accessible toilet, assistance dogs are welcome and all staff have Dementia-friendly training. You’ll find a range of accessible trails, such as the easy access loop of Cnwch Wood Trail. For something a little more challenging, try the Elan Valley Trail – a nine-mile accessible path that follows the route of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway, taking in Craig Goch Dam. It’s the perfect spot for stargazing as the area is also an international Dark Sky Park.

This prominent Medieval castle, turned grand family home, sits atop the sprawling 17th Century Italianate and Edwardian gardens below. Accessible facilities at Powis Castle and gardens include designated accessible parking, wheelchairs available to hire, sensory tours, touch tours, virtual tours of the house, Braille guides and more. There is a step-free route around the garden – an accessible map is available at reception – though access the castle is via steps. Wheelchairs are allowed on the ground floor though there are steps to access this area, the second level is also accessible via stairs only. Inside, you’ll find The Clive Museum, which houses one of Britain’s largest collections of South Asian artefacts.