The land is ancient, mystical, wild and comprises beautiful coasts, estuaries, soft valleys and shimmering snow-covered peaks. There is a vast assortment of things to do, from very lazy to very strenuous. So much in fact that even reading this page entire might wear you out. Take it slowly.

Walking

Few areas of Britain, or indeed the world, offer quite such a range of scenery and walking possibilities in such a small space. From super-gentle and flat walking beside the sea to mountain peaks. Snowdonia is probably the finest National Park in the British Isles. Yes, we are biased.

For long distance walkers, The Glyndŵr's Way, a National Trail since 2002, passes close by Felin Crewi.

Castles galore

The Welsh used to be a troublesome lot, which is great news for people who like to visit castles. King Edward I built a whole string of them to subdue the populace.

Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech, Aberystwyth and more. Some are extremely well-preserved.

Touring

The roads in Wales are surprisingly empty and pass through scenery that is almost always spectacular. It is still possible to drive around here just for the simple pleasure of it. And because the country is compact, a day tour can encompass a surprising variety of treats: sandy beaches, charming towns and national parks.

Museum of Modern Art

Slightly smaller than the one in New York, but perfect in every other respect.

The MOMA WALES in Machynlleth showcases leading artists from Wales, works from the growing Tabernacle Collection and a wide range of events, from choral singing and jazz to chamber music and poetry readings.

Cycling

Both mountain bikers and tour cyclists are beautifully catered for. Mountain biking and informal free riding is available on the famous 15km Climachx mountain bike trail near Machynlleth. It boasts the longest descent in Wales. Don't look down.

Another excellent mountain bike trail is at Nant yr Arian, just inland from Aberystwyth – about 25 minutes' drive away from Felin Crewi. If you want the ultimate experience, the 'Beast of Brenin' is about a 45mins drive from Felin Crewi – not for the faint-hearted.

Railway buffs

Anyone who loves trains knows that the ultimate joy is to sit in a train running along the edge of the sea. The Cambrian Coaster from Machynlleth to Pwllheli runs so close to the sea that you could catch fish from your seat. If they let you open the window.

Estuaries

The two most beautiful estuaries in the world are both slightly over a stone's throw from us. The Dyfi and the Mawddach. They both have beautifully improbable railway bridges that appear to be made from lollypop sticks and treacle. Both are quite lovely in all weathers, even heavy rain. Not that it ever rains here, of course…

Heritage Railways

Does your heart miss a beat when you hear the whistle of a steam engine? Don't worry, you are among friends. There are also a surprising number of steam-driven narrow gauge railways in Wales. Eleven in fact. Here they are:

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Bala Lake Railway, Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, Talyllyn Railway, Vale of Rheidol Railway, Llanberis Lake Railway, Brecon Mountain Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Fairbourne & Rhyl miniature railways

The Las Vegas of West Wales.

Would that be Machynlleth or Aberystwyth? Well, since neither is much like Las Vegas, it's probably a draw. But they are both fine towns worth visiting. Machynlleth on our doorstep is a lovely bustling small county town where you can buy crafts, antiques, souvenirs and get a great meal or a decent pint. On a clear day, you can see Guardian journalist George Monbiot.

Other activities available close by:

• Golf
• Pony Trekking
• Sailing
• Quad Biking
• Clay Pigeon/Laser Shooting
• Fishing (sea, river and lake)

 

More light-hearted ones, if you fancy checking them out:

You are Number 6

If that strange phrase resonates in your heart, then you too were brought up on the cult 60s TV series starring Patrick McGoohan called The Prisoner. Few people realised back then that the beautiful Italian Riviera village in which it was shot was actually in Wales. Portmeirion, a splendid village-sized architectural folly, the life's work of architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.

Seek the Holy Grail.

All your life, you have been searching for it, the legendary cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Percival, they all screwed up. But you can find it on display at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. There are at least 200 artefacts in Europe vying for the honour, but we are pretty sure this is the one.

Be

Is there a word missing? No. When you've tried everything else, when you've walked and climbed and swam and fished, now try nothing. Just be. This, after all, is what we were put here in this world for. The clue is in the name: You are a human being, not a human doing.

The Welsh Atlantis

To see the Welsh Atlantis head to the quite indescribably lovely beach running between Borth and Ynyslas and look west at low tide. You see those strange dark nobbly shapes at your feet containing glistening pools of seawater? They are ancient tree stumps, remains of a land to the west that was inundated a few thousand years ago. It's a strangely moving experience to see these glimpses of a long lost world. Local legend claims you can hear the ghostly bells of the lost kingdom of Cantre'r Gwaelod pealing at night.

We can't guarantee you will hear the bells during the day, but you definitely can in your dreams.

It's Aberystwyth Jim, but not as we know it.

Slightly further afield, the seaside town of Aberystwyth is definitely worth a visit. For decades the town was a pretty staid affair, with the highlight being a Shipham's paste sandwich with real sand in it. More recently, it has become dangerously chic with bistros, gastro-pubs and trendy cafes tempting the visitor. It all makes a nice complement to the more traditional seaside treats of winding Prom, fishing harbour and Cliff Railway. Alas, not much sign of the druid ‘wise guys’ and ladies of ill repute in stovepipe hats depicted in the Aberystwyth Noir fiction of local author Malcolm Pryce. Read it, and you will understand why the mayor has put a bounty on his head.