February 14 is a date that most people will recognise, but the Welsh version of Valentine’s Day, St Dwynwen’s Day (or Dydd Santes Dwynwen in Welsh) is also celebrated on January 25 every year.

St Dwynwen (Santes Dwynwen) was a fourth century Welsh princess who lived in what is now the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

If you’re looking to spend more time with your loved one, whether it’s St Dwynwen’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or indeed any time of year, uncover a place you’ll love in Mid Wales.

MWT Cymru  (Mid Wales Tourism) has put together the following Powys round-up for inspiration.

1. Rhayader – the Outdoors Capital of Wales https://www.rhayader.co.uk/  https://elan-valley.co.uk/  Visit Rhayader, first town on the River Wye, home to the spectacular dams and reservoirs of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Get off the beaten path and explore everything that Rhayader has to offer, from relaxing walks to something to challenge the most experienced climbers. 

Stay: Nannerth Country Holidays https://nannerth.co.uk/the-loft/  Nannerth’s cosy farm cottage apartment for two, has its own hot tub and pretty roof terrace, located in the top part of Nannerth Fawr farmhouse with its own separate entrance. The Loft overlooks the gorgeous Wye Valley.

2. Presteigne - certified as the first International Dark Sky Community in Wales https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/information/product-catch-all/llanandras-presteigne-p1722301  What could be more romantic than stargazing? Presteigne, on the border of Wales and England, was once the county town of Radnorshire. Its High Street has a good range of independent shops, restaurants and pubs, and Presteigne is surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

Visit The Judge's Lodging's in the town centre, wander through the stunningly restored judge's apartments, also the starting point for the Presteigne Town Trail. Book a guided tour of the Spaceguard Centre in nearby Knighton, a working observatory and the main source of information about near Earth objects in the UK.

Stay: Orchard Cottage https://www.sidneynolantrust.org/your-visit/staying-here/ Stay in a cottage on the 250-acre Rodd estate formerly owned by Sir Sidney Nolan. The estate sits in the Hindwell Valley on the English Welsh border next door to Presteigne. Perfect for modern art lovers.

Haywood Cabin at Hergest Croft Gardens https://www.hergest.co.uk/holiday-let  Hergest Croft Gardens extend over 28ha (70 acres) with more than five thousand rare trees and shrubs.  Described as ‘one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the British Isles’, the Gardens hold the UK National Collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas.

Haywood Cabin, cosy but spacious studio accommodation for two, is perched at the top of Hergest Croft Gardens, just above the Maple Grove, with the added benefit that you are free to visit outside opening hours and enjoy the gardens at their most peaceful.

With its medieval street layout, Town Hall, mix of Georgian, Victorian and timber framed buildings, you’ll find plenty of comfortable and friendly places to stay, as well as to eat and drink. The views across the Welsh border from Montgomery Castle are stunning. Find your path along the Montgomery Trails walking and cycling routes. 

Visit nearby Kerry Vale Vineyard for wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard, or afternoon tea. Dine or stay at Mellington Hall Hotel, a Grade II Listed 19th Century house set in beautiful landscaped grounds. 

In the town centre: The Dragon Hotel https://www.dragonhotel.com/  The Dragon Hotel is an historic 17th century, former Coaching Inn with 20 en-suite bedrooms, many with exposed ancient timbers, a cosy restaurant and indoor swimming pool. The Old Stores B&B https://www.theoldstoresbnb.co.uk/  The Old Stores is a stunning Georgian house with two uniquely designed, deluxe guest rooms, retained period features alongside contemporary art and handwoven antique carpets.