Looking for places to visit and things to do this February half-term? We’ve put together a round-up of ideas in Mid Wales to inspire you.
 
All of these attractions and more can be found on www.visitmidwales.co.uk
 
Half term dolphin spotting trips in New Quay
 
New Quay Boat Trips, run by Winston Evans and his son Jonathan, will be welcoming passengers onboard its Dreamcatcher boat for one-hour trips from New Quay pier, starting from February 11.
 
The company usually begins its trips on April 1 but has brought them forward this year due, weather permitting, to the high demand from customers.

CAT is offering half priced entry all winter, and free visitor tours run every morning through half term with activities taking place in the afternoon.
 
CAT is situated just three miles north of Machynlleth in the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve, Mid Wales.
 
Between February 21-27, free tours take place every morning from 11:30am to 1pm and the green heart willow weaving craft activity runs from 2pm to 4pm. Activities are free with an entry ticket, and there’s free entry for locals. Enjoy interactive displays, the adventure playground, and hearty vegetarian meals. Dogs are welcome too!

If you’ve suddenly realised that Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, it’s not too late to book a last minute break to Mid Wales, or treat your loved one to a special gift or a voucher to visit later in the year.
 
They say that everyone can hug, but only the Welsh can cwtch.
 
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, one of the top beauty spots in Mid Wales, is promising guests ‘The Vyrnwy Cwtch’ when they book a midweek winter break in February and March.
 
Midweek overnight breaks for two start from £199 with a second night at half price. Included in the one night stay are luxurious accommodation, a Welsh breakfast, £35 per person towards dinner in the award-winning Tower Restaurant, a bottle of fizz in the room on arrival as well as a cuddly sheep to cwtch on the way home with happy memories of Mid Wales.
 
Cwtch is an old Welsh word and means to hug, cuddle or embrace, all blessed with love. Lake Vyrnwy is the perfect place for couples to enjoy a cwtch on a romantic lakeside walk, beside a tumbling waterfall or sipping champagne while watching the sunset over the mountains.
 
Rates are based on two adults sharing a double/twin room and the offer is from Sunday to Thursday between February 7 to March 31, subject to availability. Room prices range from £199 to £249. https://www.lakevyrnwy.com/offers-and-packages/
 
Experience something different

How about a pottery experience for you and your loved one? Think Demi and Patrick from Ghost, perhaps? Valentine’s Day vouchers and pottery wheel sessions for two are available from Alex Allpress Pottery – https://alexallpress.co.uk/ - in Builth Wells, and take place in a stunning stone chapel. There are lots of fabulous independent businesses in Builth Wells to make a day of it.
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If your business is looking to reach new markets, you may be interested in Impala; a new way to generate bookings for your property. There are no long term contracts, and you only pay commission on successful bookings.
 
We spoke to Roman Solyanyk at Impala (who some of you may remember from Expedia). “Before now, businesses have had two options to sell their rooms. Indirect supply offers the volume of bookings, but you don’t know who’s selling or where you’re being sold. On the other hand, direct contracting gives you more control but requires a lot of effort to get set-up. 

Impala is rebuilding travels infrastructure, providing direct connections between properties and room sellers. No intermediaries and middleware, just a simple approach to help you sell more rooms.”

The main benefits of Impala:

• No effort required– There’s no upfront cost, no tech integration and on-boarding is handled for you at record speed.
• Better commercials – and the ability to negotiate with room sellers in a few clicks.
• Ultimate transparency – you see where your rooms/property is sold and maintain rate integrity.
• Content that converts – we’re not another channel you need to populate, we source your rates, availability and content from public sources.
  
  

If you would like to join the Impala platform, or simply want to find out more, click here to register your interest and they will be in touch as soon as possible.

​Ffestiniog Railway is providing visitors with the opportunity to meet Santa in his Christmas Carriage Grotto at Porthmadog Harbour Station. Visitors book an hour slot within which they can visit at any time. Tickets cost between £4 or £5.
 
Tickets for both the Welsh Highland Santa Specials and Christmas Carriage Grotto can be booked online at https://www.festrail.co.uk/christmas/ or by calling the booking office on 01766 516024.
 

A popular hotel on the Mid Wales coast has released its top five reasons to stay in Southern Snowdonia this winter.
 
The 59-bedroom Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdyfi also has three self-catering properties and late season breaks are available. Anne-Marie Catling-Hughes, from the Trefeddian, encourages visitors to venture to the coast and experience all the wonders Aberdyfi has to offer in the quieter months.
 
Top five ‘wonderful things to do’ include an bracing walk along the four miles of sandy beaches that stretch out in front of the Trefeddian and a visit to Dolgoch Falls to experience the thunderous sounds of the water as it cascades down the mountainside.
 
Also in the top five, watch the waves whilst treating yourself to a delicious homemade afternoon tea, or wrap up warm and head off to Bwlch Nant yr Arian for the day.  Stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains can be seen along the woodland trails. 

“An astonishing 150 red kites swoop down at feeding time, so be sure to plan your visit to spectate this magnificent sight,” said Mrs Catling-Hughes.

Last but not least, the Trefeddian is encouraging potential visitors to put on their winter woollies and “feel like you’re five again” whilst kicking the autumn leaves when you explore Ynysmaengwyn. 
 
“Meander through breathtaking and beautiful woodlands to the delightful River Dysynni.  Pass tumbled down remains of the once grand estate and the tranquil walled garden, always warm whatever the weather.” 

The hotel is offering 15% off all stays until December 12, after which it will be closed for Christmas and re-opens on January 16, 2022.
 
The Trefeddian offers a variety of gift vouchers which can be found on their website; https://trefeddian.giftvoucherbrilliance.co.uk/
 
Seascape are The Trefeddian’s two, five-star luxury, self-catering properties built in the hotel grounds. These fantastic properties have everything needed for a Christmas or New Year getaway on the coast. Guests at Seascape will have full access to the hotel’s indoor heated swimming pool, tennis court and putting green.

The Trefeddian Hotel is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents more than 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
 
Picture captions:
 
Aberdyfi boardwalk in winter.
 
Seascape self-catering.
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One of Wales’ iconic and historic country houses is holding two open days on the first weekend of December.
 
Gregynog Hall in Tregynon, near Newtown is inviting visitors on December 4 and 5 to explore and relax in the ground floor library, senior common room and front hall sitting room to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
 
Selected items from the hall’s collection and archive that celebrate the winter months will be on display
 
The Open House days will be from 12pm to 5pm and admission is free, although a donation is requested. Visitors will also be allowed to bring their well behaved dogs on both days. Booking not required and parking costs £2.50 or free for Friends of Gregynog.
 
Gregynog Hall will also be serving Festive Afternoon Teas on both days in the beautifully decorated Blayney and Music Rooms. The tea costs £13.95 per person or £16 with a glass of mulled wine.
 
For Festive Afternoon Teas, pre-booking is required at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/212382360357 , or email enquiries@gregynog.org or call 01686 650224. All Gregynog Hall’s winter events will be posted on its Facebook page.
 
The Christmas spirit continues on Saturday, December 18 throughout the day, beginning with a matinee screening of the seasonal classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in the hall’s elegant Music Room.
 
The film lasts 90 minutes and costs £5 for adults and £3 for children under 14.
To book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-a-wonderful-life-screening-tickets-211767340817 or email enquiries@gregynog.org or call 01686 650224
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At 6pm, Quindici Chamber Choir will be performing in the Music Room followed by Christmas carols at 8pm in front of the hall if weather permits. This performance is free but a donation is requested.

​Mince pies and mulled wine will be for sale throughout the day along with soft drinks and snacks. The Cambrian Coffee Company will also be visiting on December 18.
 
Following Government guidelines, people booking tickets to watch the film or attending the choir performance will require a Covid Pass to show their vaccination status or proof of negative test.
 
Gregynog Hall’s grounds, woods and walks are open all year round free of charge, subject of a parking fee, and are ideal for families who are being invited to help re-build dens in the former Forest School near ‘The Warren’.
 
Car parking costs £2.50 for all events but is free for Friends of Gregynog.
 
The hall’s café is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter months from 10am-4pm. As café opening times differ over the Christmas period, check http://www.gregynog.org/ for details.
 
Picture caption:
 
A warm and unique welcome awaits at Gregynog Hall.
 
Gregynog Hall in the snow.

​“The industry is bouncing back and this summer has been one of the best, if not the best ever, for a large number of us,” said Rowland Rees-Evans, chairman of MWT Cymru, who organised the conference.
 
Speaking about the winter campaign, Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, said: “The staycation trend has been a much-needed boost for the industry over the past few months and we would like to see that continue into winter.
 
“It’s important that people recognise Mid Wales as a year-round destination. We have fantastic member businesses offering accommodation, food and drink, festive experiences and events, and of course Christmas gifts. It’s also a great time to book new year breaks and holidays in Mid Wales.”
 
MWT Cymru has released guidance on what content they’re looking for, including wintery images, cosy accommodation, warming pubs and winter wildlife spectacles.
Businesses who would like to participate in the campaign should contact MWT Cymru, info@mwtcymru.co.uk  or Tel 01654 702653 as soon as possible.
 
Businesses that have the facility to provide gift vouchers for overnight stays, places to eat, activities, attractions, experiences, are also encouraged to get in touch.
 
“We’ve had a great response from businesses so far,” said Mrs Hawkins. “The Talyllyn Railway is just one example. During December, they are running their 'Tinsel & Turkey' services where passengers can combine a steam train ride with a full Christmas roast dinner or festive hamper.
 
“On December 18, they will also be hosting their popular Carol Train, and Sion Corn comes to the railway from December 22-24 for Santa Specials.”

CymruStock - https://cymrustock.co.uk/ - offers Welsh stock film, footage and production services which link broadcasters, advertising, marketing companies and businesses in any sector, especially tourism, to the best content creators covering the whole of Wales.
 
Customers seeking bespoke filming or photographic services for a specific project in Wales can contact CymruStock with their brief which is then passed on to content creators.
 
A customer has the option of either dealing directly with the content creators or a dedicated CymruStock project manager, who can also provide complementary creative, technical and marketing services.
 
“CymruStock is the first collaborative stock film, photography and production hub where customers can harness the power and beauty of Wales in their marketing, production, advertising and social media,” said Charles Symons from Cymru Creative Group.

“Our hugely talented network of creatives across Wales work with customers at both local and national level. We provide creative advice, editing services and specific filming, and we are happy discuss future projects.”
 
CymruPrint - https://cymruprint.co.uk/ - is an e-commerce digital gallery which enables Welsh photographers to showcase and sell their photography, art and illustrations to a worldwide audience.
 
If customers are unable to find the print they want in the gallery, they can email  info@cymruprint.co.uk and CymruPrint will, wherever possible, source the required image from its photographers.
 
Both digital platforms have access to some of the top film makers, videographers and photographers in Wales who have their own profile and biography at CymruStock and CymruPrint.
 
“Our mission is to provide Welsh creatives with a digitally level playing field to be heard, seen and engage in commerce in a hugely competitive world dominated by commercial giants,” explained Charles.
 
“It’s the first time Welsh creatives have had quality digital platforms of this type to showcase and sell their services and we are delighted with the interest that is being generated at this early stage of development.
 
“We already have more than 1,000 images stored on CymruPrint and are inviting other talented photographers to join to ensure that every part of Wales is covered. We can also give customers professional advice on how our assets could be used to the best effect.
 
“The potential for Cymru Creative Group is huge and we already have ideas for developing other platforms to showcase and sell specific services. The model is perfect for franchising to other countries.”
 
Working with business partners Jamie Walker and Neil Ferguson, Charles has harnessed their detailed knowledge of digital media to develop Cymru Creative Group.
 
It is a natural extension of his work as managing director of AMP Digital Services in Aberystwyth, which creates and delivers full service content, branding and marketing solutions from conception to production for clients across the UK.
  
The company specialises in video and film production, music video production, aerial photography and video, CGI creation, website build, augmented reality, strategic marketing, insight​ brand strategy, development design, art direction print, digital advertising and social media marketing.
 
CymruStock has received a grant from Ceredigion Council via the Welsh Government funded Arfor Innovation Fund. The fund is designed to pilot innovative approaches in promoting entrepreneurship, business growth, community resilience and the Welsh language in the Arfor region of West Wales.
 
Picture caption:
 
Matt Wilby, Charles Symons and Jamie Walker from CymruStock.

Collaboration between the Cambrian Mountains Initiative and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has resulted in The Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink and Craft Fair, to be held in the Elan Valley on October 23, between 10am and 4pm.
                                                         
During the dark times of the COVID-19 pandemic, local food, drink and craft producers in the Cambrian Mountains of Wales came together to create a virtual local produce network.
 
Whilst it was the dark times that motivated producers to join forces, it’s the world-class dark skies of the Cambrian Mountains that have recently inspired them to create brand new produce.
 
The producers will meet for the first time at The Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink and Craft Fair, to be held at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, near Rhayader. Local people, tourism and hospitality businesses and visitors will have a chance to see, buy and order their dark sky themed produce.
 
The Elan Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, the only one in Wales and the only one on private land, but accessible to the public, in the world - https://www.elanvalley.org.uk/darkskies

​Shropshire business joins forces with border vineyard
 
Shrewsbury-based double glazing specialist Heritage Glass Group has announced a new partnership with Kerry Vale Vineyard on the county border with Powys.
 
Heritage Glass has been supplying and installing quality replacement windows and doors to homes throughout Shropshire and the surrounding areas for more than 12 years.
 
Established in 2010, Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery, is home to 6,000 vines, used to make still and sparkling English wine.  The vineyard hosts a cellar door shop and café and boasts an impressive array of awards, earned over the past decade.  
 
Heritage Glass will be giving executive customers a bottle of Kerry Vale Vineyard’s award winning wine. In return, the vineyard will deliver corporate hospitality to the company’s most valued customers.
 
Tony Randell, managing director of Heritage Glass, said “Partnering with Kerry Vale Vineyard to provide gifts and deliver hospitality for our executive clients will enable us to thank our highly valued customers in a very special way.
 
“Both Heritage Glass Group and Kerry Vale Vineyard share the same important core values, with excellent customer service at its heart.”
 
Russell Cooke, vineyard owner, said: “We are thrilled to be able to work with Heritage Glass and are proud that this discerning business has chosen us to partner with. 
 
“We are both family-run Shropshire businesses who place high emphasis on sourcing locally and pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and our excellent products and services.
 
“I am confident this will be a great partnership which will host many benefits for both of our businesses and our customers.”
 
Picture caption:
 
Kerry Vale Vineyard owner Russell Cooke (left) with Tony Randell and Jason Richards from Heritage Glass.