Get More From Your Forden Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Forden gives you a peaceful base in Mid Wales where you can explore historic borderlands and stunning countryside. This small village sits just three miles from Welshpool in Powys and offers the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and easy access to market towns. You get proper seclusion here without feeling completely cut off from civilisation.
The area works brilliantly for romantic breaks and family getaways alike. We love how Forden combines genuine Welsh character with practical amenities. You're close enough to Welshpool for shops and restaurants but far enough away to enjoy dark skies and birdsong from your private hot tub after a day exploring castles and walking trails.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Forden
Forden sits in the Severn Valley where the landscape shifts from rolling farmland to wooded hills. The village itself dates back centuries and served as an important crossing point on the old drovers' routes between England and Wales. Today it's a quiet spot that most tourists miss entirely.
This makes it ideal for hot tub stays where you want genuine peace. The location puts you within striking distance of Powis Castle, Offa's Dyke Path and the Shropshire Hills. You can book everything from boutique cottages to large holiday houses depending on your group size. Many properties welcome dogs too which matters when you're planning country breaks.
Sightseeing in Forden
The borderlands around Forden have witnessed centuries of conflict between Welsh princes and English kings. You'll find ancient earthworks, medieval castles and historic market towns all within a short drive. The countryside itself deserves attention with the River Severn winding through valleys and the Breidden Hills rising dramatically to the east.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Forden
Whether you're after cultural visits or outdoor adventures, this corner of Powys delivers variety. From National Trust properties to long-distance trails, we've picked five attractions that showcase what makes this area special.
Powis Castle and Garden
This medieval fortress sits just four miles from Forden and ranks among Wales's finest castles. The National Trust property features baroque terraced gardens that cascade down the hillside with views across the Severn Valley. Inside you'll find one of Britain's best collections of treasures from India alongside period rooms spanning 400 years.
Offa's Dyke Path
This 177-mile National Trail follows the ancient earthwork built by King Offa in the 8th century. The section near Forden offers manageable walks with big views and you can tackle as much or as little as you fancy. It's brilliant for families who want proper countryside without technical hiking.
Montgomery Castle
Six miles south of Forden, this ruined castle crowns a rocky ridge above the Georgian town of Montgomery. The fortress dates from 1223 and played a key role in border warfare. You can explore the remains for free and the views from the top stretch for miles across Shropshire and Powys.
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway
This narrow-gauge steam railway runs for eight miles through the Banwy Valley. The vintage locomotives date back over a century and the journey takes you through farmland and woodland with the Breidden Hills as a backdrop. Kids love it and there's a café at Llanfair Caereinion station.
The Breidden Hills
These volcanic hills rise abruptly from the Severn plain just east of Forden. Moel y Golfa and Breidden Hill both offer circular walks with panoramic views across six counties on clear days. The area is rich in wildlife and you might spot buzzards and ravens circling the crags.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Powis Castle and Garden | Medieval fortress with baroque gardens and museum-quality collections | Everyone |
| Offa's Dyke Path | Historic long-distance trail with accessible sections and valley views | Families |
| Montgomery Castle | Atmospheric ruins with free access and commanding hilltop position | Everyone |
| Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway | Heritage steam trains through beautiful Welsh countryside | Families |
| The Breidden Hills | Volcanic peaks with challenging walks and spectacular panoramas | Couples |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Forden?
Welshpool station is three miles away with direct trains to Birmingham and Shrewsbury. By car take the A458 from Shrewsbury or the A483 from Newtown. Most visitors hire a car to explore the area properly.
What family activities are available near cottages with hot tubs in Forden?
The steam railway is a guaranteed hit with children. Powis Castle has family trails and the grounds are perfect for picnics. Welshpool has swimming pools and play areas for rainy days.
Where are the best romantic spots?
Walk the Breidden Hills at sunset or visit Montgomery's Georgian streets. Book dinner at The Checkers in Montgomery for locally sourced food. Your cottage with hot tub provides the perfect end to any evening.
Is there good shopping nearby?
Welshpool has independent shops, supermarkets and a traditional market on Mondays. Shrewsbury is 20 miles away for more variety including high street brands and department stores.
Why choose a hot tub cottage in this area?
After walking the hills or exploring castles, a private hot tub feels essential rather than indulgent. The rural setting means you get proper dark skies and peace. Many properties offer luxury cottages with jacuzzi facilities alongside log burners and country views.
Forden gives you the best of rural Wales without the remoteness of Snowdonia or the crowds of the coast. Whether you're booking a 1 bedroom retreat for romantic getaways or large family accommodation for group cottages, this area delivers. The combination of history, landscape and genuine tranquillity makes it perfect for self catering breaks where you want to properly switch off.
We think the real appeal lies in how accessible everything feels. You can visit Powis Castle in the morning, walk part of Offa's Dyke after lunch and still be back at your holiday house in time for an evening soak. That's the beauty of choosing holiday cottages in this corner of Powys.