Yurt holidays in Mid Wales.
"We'll be back, and with some family and friends next." It's something we hear a lot at Strawberry Skys Yurts from delighted customers after a fun, relaxing yurt holiday in the stunning countryside of Wales. Our Yurt camping site is nestled into the rolling hills of Powys and the yurts overlook the Cambrian and Berwyn mountains, making our beautiful, secluded hideaway an ideal location for a wonderful glamping yurt holiday in the great outdoors.
Whether you want to simply relax and unwind in a tranquil, peaceful setting or have an adventure in nature's great playground, our secluded yurt camping site has everything you need for a unique, magical, glamping experience in Wales. You can enjoy spending uninterrupted, quality time with family and loved ones, unhurried and far removed from the pressures of day-to-day living. You can spend an evening under the stars, chatting around the campfire and toasting marshmallows. And the next morning, you can wake to beautiful, unspoilt natural scenery, a skyline framed by mountains and a quiet tranquility broken only by birdsong and the distant clucking of chickens on our smallholding.
Yurt holidays for families and couples.
Whether you're looking for a fun, family getaway with a large open space for children to explore, or a romantic retreat in a secluded, idyllic hideaway, a yurt holiday is an exciting and unique experience that will stay with you long after you pack up and go home. Many of our customers love our Wales yurt camping site so much they return again and again to get their fix of nature, fun and relaxation.
With just three traditional Mongolian yurts on our spacious yurt camping site you will never feel cramped or hurried, so you can simply enjoy your yurt holiday at your own pace. Children can roam free, exploring their natural surroundings, or brush up on their outdoor survival skills, gathering wood, building campfires or rustling up an alfresco feast on the barbecue. If you want to venture into the surrounding Powys area, there are loads of family friendly things to do, as well as a wealth of excellent pubs, restaurants and shops in the nearby market towns and villages.
Couples seeking a romantic break can enjoy stunning sunsets and starry nights from the comfort of their yurt. There is plenty of space between yurts, so the site always has a peaceful, intimate ambiance.
Yurt holidays are also ideal for large family groups, or to celebrate special birthdays, anniversaries or other important occasions.
Our story...
Setting up Strawberry Skys Yurts was a complete lifestyle transformation for us. We both lived busy lives working in London which all changed whilst camping at a music festival in 2006 when we realised we didn’t have to return to London at all and decided to try something completely different. We agreed to put our house on the market as soon as we got home and decided to set up a smallholding and yurt camping site in Wales instead.
With our house on the market, we then embarked on a mammoth journey across Wales, searching the country far and wide for the perfect yurt camping spot that combined outstanding natural beauty with fantastic, welcoming and picturesque nearby towns and villages. When we saw the smallholding near Llanfair Caereinion, Powys, we fell in love instantly, and in November 2007, just over a year after the idea first took root in our imaginations, Strawberry Skys Yurts was born.
Since then, we have not looked back. We love country life and our two sons, who were born since we set up Strawberry Skys Yurts, are enjoying the freedom of being able to play and explore the outdoors on our yurt camping site.
We are passionate about yurts and yurt holidays, and love welcoming guests to Strawberry Skys Yurts. In fact, over a third of the guests we welcome onto the yurt camping site are previous visitors who enjoyed their stay so much they want to return again and again.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Eric and Anya
The farm
Strawberry Skys Yurts is set on a 10-acre smallholding, which is home to sheep, chickens and pigs. Each spring, newborn lambs can be seen in the fields, playing in the sun, and the friendly dogs Milla and Buffy are often around to welcome guests.
Our traditional Mongolian yurts are simple but elegant, offering guests unique glamping holidays that combine the simplicity of rustic outdoor living with the comforts of modern life. Our yurts are heated by woodburners, so they are warm and cosy all year round, and all yurts have a campstove and outdoor barbecue so guests can enjoy authentic, outdoor cooking or take a 30 minute walk into nearby Llanfair Caereinion, which boasts three pubs and a wine bar.
Our Wales yurt camping site, near Welshpool, Powys, is easily accessible from Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, the Midlands, Liverpool, the Wirral, Cheshire, South Wales and Bristol.
Facilities
In a separate paddock from the yurts is a communal log cabin kitchen for you to use during your yurt holiday. The yurt kitchen is fully equipped with all the crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and glasses you should need. As well as a kettle, toaster, gas cooker, fridge freezer and a large kitchen sink we also provide washing up liquid, dish cloths and tea towels. There are baskets for storing food or to carry items up to your yurt. Outside the yurt kitchen is a covered veranda with a large refectory table and bench seating.
Inside the yurt kitchen is a leaflet stand with details of local attractions you can visit during your yurt camping holiday, as well as OS maps and directions on how to walk to our nearest village. We want you to enjoy your yurt holiday as much as possible and Eric is nearly always on hand to offer advice on where to go and what to do.
At the bottom of the yurt camping field is a very eco compost toilet. If you have never used one before then don't be scared, it's not that different to a normal loo, just without the flushing! The heated shower cabin is situated a few metres from the yurt camping field. Inside is a hot electric shower, sink, electric heater, hairdryer and a heated towel rail.
Outside each yurt is a picnic bench, BBQ and campfire pit - yes your very own fire pit! So no need to share the marshmallows out with the other yurt guests if you don't want to.
Our large well stocked woodshed contains all the wood for the woodburners in the yurts and campfire pits outside each yurt, plus kindling, wheelbarrows and canvas bags for carrying the wood up to your yurt. And remember, unlike most other yurt holiday campsites we do not charge extra for wood or to use of any of the facilities so you can relax in the knowledge that once you arrive the only thing you risk burning is the sausages on the BBQ and not a hole in your pocket!
What to bring on your yurt holiday
The essentials:
Bedding: The beds in our yurts are covered with brightly coloured throws for decorative purposes. However, you will need to bring your own bedding for warmth and comfort. Sleeping bags are ideal, as they pack up smaller when travelling, but duvets are also perfect. The cushions inside the yurts are not designed for sleeping on so bringing your pillows is also strongly advised.
Towels: You'll need these for the shower. The yurt shower room is fully heated and has a towel dryer for you to use as well as a hair dryer.
Torches: At least one good powerful torch is essential as it can be incredibly dark at night and trying to make your way across the yurt field at night without one can be very difficult.
Wellies: Even during the driest spells the grass will always be wet in the mornings so a pair of wellingtons are an essential year round. And you will be glad of them if walking down to the village across the fields as livestock can be very messy.
Charcoal: Each yurt has it's own charcoal BBQ outside, so please bring your own charcoal if you wish to use these. Of course, this can be bought locally so you don't actually need to bring it with you.
The nice to haves:
Slippers: For wearing inside the yurts. Outdoor footwear is not permitted inside the yurts, so bringing some slippers, or other easy to get on and off footwear will make everything much more comfortable especially during the winter months.
Camping Lanterns: The yurts are lit by solar-powered fairy lights and tea-light lanterns which create a wonderfully relaxing environment. We do provide some battery powered camping lanterns in each of the yurts for when additional lighting is required, but it is a good idea if you already have some of your own to bring them along especially for using outside the yurt around the campfire.
Insect repellent: We are fortunate enough not to be plagued by swarms of nasty biting creature. However, this is the great outdoors and some people are more prone than others to getting bitten. So please do bring some insect repellent if you think yo may need it.
Citronella candles: As above, but these can make a great difference to an evening round the campfire.
What we provide:
Firelighters
Tealights
Matches/Gas lighters
Toilet paper
Hand wash
Hand towels in the compost loo
Washing up liquid
Tea towels
Each yurt has a smoke detector, carbon-monoxide detector & fire extinguisher
Wood for the wood burners inside the yurts
Wood for the camp fires outside
Kindling
The yurt kitchen is fully equipped with all the pots/pans, crockery, cutlery, mugs & glasses you should need. There is also a fridge, freezer and a gas cooker.
What to do
At Strawberry Skys Yurts we hope to provide you with perfect yurt holidays that you will always remember. Our philosophy is to keep everything simple, we provide warmth and comfort and let our beautiful surroundings and mother nature take care of the rest! As we enter our fifth season providing yurt holidays we know that relaxation/chilling down is the number one reason for coming to stay in our yurts. There really is nothing like stoking the woodburner to make sure the yurt is nice and cosy whilst sitting outside round your own open campfire for banishing any stresses and strains. Throw in some good company, be it a loved one, the children, or family group and you have the makings of great yurt holiday, be it a short break or longer yurt holiday.
If you are only here for a few nights then after a lie in and breakfast a walk down to the village to gather supplies, maybe something from the local butcher and a visit to the pubs to meet some of the locals before heading back to get the BBQ going might be all you really need for a perfectly chilled weekend.
If you are here for longer, want to explore the countryside and get some fresh air, or simply knacker-out the kids then we are perfectly situated to access and enjoy all of the activities and scenery that mid-Wales has to offer.
Here are a few suggestions that we and our previous yurt guests of all ages have tried and enjoyed.
Llanfair Caereinion
Our nearest village is well served with a petrol station and Londis market; Spa grocers; Trevor Watkins Butcher; HSBC and NatWest Banks (both with cash machines); Post Office; Banwy Bakery, for bread, cakes, hotmeals, refreshments and great breakfasts; three pubs The Black Lion, the Goat and The Red Lion and Just 3 Drops a wine bar/cafe.
Pystyll Rhaedr Waterfalls
One of the seven wonders of Wales. A truly magical and spectacular setting high in the Berwen Mountains. If you want to get out and enjoy some fresh air this is a great place to start. Children love the short (20min) scramble up to the top which at 240ft is higher than Niagra! Though beware, the drop is vertical there are no barriers. Just what you want from a set of waterfalls. You can walk for miles from the top or bottom of the falls and the leisurely walk down gives you time to reflect on the excitement of the top.
Lake Vyrnwy
You won't believe you're in Wales! Simply enjoy the stunning scenery, or take a picnic down to one of the secluded lake-side coves. It's great place to come and tire the children out and you can also hire bicycles to really enjoy the 11 mile lake circuit which is perfectly flat and very easy for all abilities. For the more adventurous we suggest hiring some Canadian Kayaks and getting out onto the lake itself for a brilliant afternoon.
Dolgach Falls
A beautiful set of cascades and waterfalls. An hours drive away, but it's a stunning drive and these are well worth a visit. Either in their own right or as a stopping off point on the way too/from the coast or as a picnic place when taking the Tallyllyn Railway (see below) these make a great day out.
Walking/Hiking
Whatever you call it and whatever your ability we have a massive choice. What do you fancy? Mountains? Hills? Rivers? Forest? Coastline? We have it all. Starting with the very easy and short (30mins) stroll to the village, though this can be extended to a two hour loop, we are perfectly situated to easily access well known walks such as Offa's Dyke Path, Glyndwr's Way, Anne Griffith's Walk.
Rodney's Pillar on the Breidden Hills just the other side of Welshpool offers spectacular 360 degree views of the Severn Plain and north to Snowdon.
The Stiperstones Ridge near Shrewsbury on the England/Wales border is a five mile ridge crowned by several jagged quartzite tors. A great walk and you can reward yourselves with a visit to the Stiperstones Inn.
The bigger stuff on Dinas Mawddwy, Snowdon & Cader Idris (see below) is all there if you want it and we have a number of O/S maps and guide books for you to borrow/peruse. We are happy to answer questions we can and advise on suggested itineraries when you are here.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
We wouldn't recommend cycling on the roads as they are fast, narrow, bendy and with many steep climbs. Better to get off the road and onto some trails. Machynlleth the old Welsh capital is 30 miles away (about 40mins) and home to the Mach 1-2-3 trails which will take you out as far into the wilderness as you want to go on natural trails. The more recent ClimchX trails will take you out into the Dyfi forest on superbly technical trails that go on forever. See here for more details and information.? Coed-y-Brenin: Ok, I'll be honest. This will take you at least an hour to get to, so is probably only for the really dedicated, but this mountain bike mecca with stunning mountain views and trails of all lengths for all abilities demands inclusion. See here for more information and details.
Closer by we have the Rainbow Trails which will take you through the Dyfnant Forest.
For a more leisurely ride you can cycle the tow path of the Montgomery Canal from either Welshpool, or Berriew. Or the perfectly flat, but stunningly picturesque 11 mile circuit of Lake Vyrnwy.
Powis Castle & Gardens
A few minutes by car, or you could take the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway and walk through the deer park from the centre of Welshpool. Whether you visit the castle, just the gardens, or walk the grounds this is a lovely day out. Though be advised the castle itself opens at 1:00pm. The gardens which are spectacular and worth a visit alone open at 11:00am.
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
Opened originally as a small community putting sustainable living to the test the centre now welcomes 50,000 visitors a year. Based just outside Machynlleth and about an hour away. Go, explore and learn all about sustainable living for yourself.
Light Railways
There are many to choose from. Here are the nearest:
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway runs passed the bottom of our lane and you will more than likely cross the tracks on the way here. Some families have even purchased and annual pass and used the train as a taxi service into Welshpool. See here for more information, time-tables and fares.
Talyllyn Railway - the world's first preserved Railway and original inspiration for the Thomas the Tank Engine stories. A great day out and you can picnic at the Dolgach Falls. See www.talyllyn.co.uk for timetables and fares.
Llangollen Railway - primarily a steam hauled heritage line running seven miles upstream from Llangollen to Carrog followoing the river Dee. See here for more details of prices, timetables and events.
Visit the coast. - The beautiful port coastal town of Aberdyfi can be reached in an hour. With crab fishing sandy beach and great ice creams this is a wonderful day out. The beach stretches for miles for those who seek more privacy or a long seaside walk.
Bird watching at Lake Vyrnwy - for more information related to bird watching and RSPB events see here.
Dyfi Osprey Project
See the Red Kites Feeding at Rhayader. More information at gigrin.co.uk
Port Meirion
A must for all fans of The Prisoner. Take a drive through Snowdonia to visit the Clough Williams-Ellis masterpiece of an Italian village on the Welsh coast.
Mount Snowdon & Cader Idris
Some feel compelled to visit Snowdon whether to walk, or take the train up and the potential rewards for your efforts are great, though be advised it is a long drive (2hrs plus) and always busy. At peak times the surrounding roads and mountain itself can get very crowded.
Perhaps a better idea is to beat the crowds with a visit to Cader Idris. The summit at 2,927 feet offers panoramic views of the Snowdon Massif, Lleyn Peninsula, Long Mynd and Shropshire hills. On a clear day you can even see Ireland!
The above is a compilation of things our guests seem to have most enjoyed whilst staying at Strawberry Skys Yurts. many of which we have done ourselves so we are able to recommend them without hesitation. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of activities/places to visit. It would take a life time to find them all. And it does represent the more out-doorsy type of activity which our guests seem to appreciate. But please don't be put off if none of the above seems like your thing. There's plenty of scope for less arduous days out with many small villages/towns to visit in the surrounding areas and great a selection of food & drink to enjoy in a variety of locations.
We always try and find new places that we can pass on and share with you, so we hope the list will grow and develop the longer we are here.
Eating & Drinking
If you don't fancy BBQing outside your yurt every night or maybe you want to leave the yurt campsite to celebrate a special occassion then there are pleanty of local places to go. From a restaurant with a Mitchelin star to the local chippy there is something for everyone to enjoy on your yurt holiday.
Situated less than two miles away is the town of Llanfair Caereinion. Easy to reach by car or you can also walk there across the fields on the public footpath, for which we provide direction. The town is well served with three pubs, a wine bar, a bakers, a butchers, two banks, a petrol station and a couple of convenience stores. And if you spend too long in the pub and don't fancy the walk back then there's no need to worry as there is always the local taxi service on hand to drop you back at the yurt campsite.
Just 3 Drops - Llanfair Caereinion
A small wine bar which serves a range of home cooked food from Beef and Chorizo Casserole to Burmese Curry. Food served Thursday-Sunday from 6.30pm till 9pm. Booking is advised.
The Black Lion - Llanfair Caereinion
A traditional pub serving standard pub grub most days and a carvery on Sunday's often with bands playing on Saturday nights.
The Goat - Llanfair Caereinion
A family friendly pub which serves food every lunch time and in the evening from 7pm.
The Red Lion - Llanfair Caereinion
A small traditional pub serving pub grub most evenings.
Banwy Bakery/Cafe - Llanfair Caereinion
Open every day except Sunday this cafe serves a range of sandwiches, cakes and hot meals including breakfast.
Catric's Fish Bar - Llanfair Caereinion
Fish and chip shop with a take-out service only
Or if you are wanting to travel slightly further then Welshpool (approx 6 miles away) has several restaurants and coffee shops including a Greek restaurant, an Italian and a couple of curry houses. Or you could try the following.
The Lion Hotel - Berriew (5 miles)
Approx five miles away this is family run pub and restaurant which always gives a warm welcome. Food is served every lunch time and evenings (except Sunday evening).
The Chequers - Montgomery (10 miles)
A french restaurant which in 2011 became the forth restaurant in Wales to be awarded a Michelin star.
The Castle Kitchen - Montgomery (10 miles)
This is a cafe and deli which serves a range of home cooked meals. Open daily till 4.30pm
Directions
We are situated 8 miles west of Welshpool where our nearest mainline station and National Express coach stops can be found. Direct rail services run from Birmingham and on West Wales line. Other rail connections are made via Shrewsbury.
Directions to Strawberry Skys Yurts
For SatNav
(Please also read the Important notes at the bottom of this page)
Use postcode SY21 9HB.
Tomtom’s usually bring you directly to our gate, but as we share out postcode with the two farms either side other satnavs may take you next door or anywhere inbetween.
The neighbouring farm is called Rhos Fawr. If you arrive at this farm you have either gone passed, or not reached our gate. If you have come from the cross-roads just continue along the lane a little further until you see a farm gate with Clyniarth Cottage written on it. If you have come up the lane from the main road, then turn around.
From most directions:
Head for Welshpool and follow the A458 out towards Dolgellau/Machynlleth.
After 4 miles turn left onto the B4385, signposted Berriew.
Take first right, signposted Llanfair Caereinion/Cwm Golau.
Follow this road through a series of bends and you will see a cross-roads sign.
Turn right onto a single-track lane, signposted Cyfronyyd.
Drive past the house on the left, round the bend and over the rise. Our gate is next on the left.
From the west:
Follow the A458 heading towards Welshpool.
Turn right onto the B4385, signposted Llanfair Caereinion.
Proceed up the street and turn left after the chip shop, opposite HSBC and continue following the B4385 towards Castle Caereinion.
After about a mile and a half you will see cross-roads.
Turn left, signposted Cyfronnydd and drive past the house on the left, round the bend and over the rise. Our gate is next on the left.
IMPORTANT
Access to our land is down a track which is steep and rough towards the bottom. It is passable for vehicles with normal ground clearance but not for low profile sports cars, or in adverse weather such as snow and ice. If you are at all concerned then please feel free to leave your car by the gate. Call us on 07932023158 and we will collect you.
You will only see a farm gate with no house in sight when you arrive. Our gate is marked by orange reflective discs and has a sign on it marked "Clyniarth Cottage". The gate opens out into the road so leave yourself space to open. Please remember to close the gate after you and follow the track down.
Please DO NOT be tempted to drive on the grass verges, you will slide off! The central reservation is only grass and you will be fine if you simply come down slowly.
There may be livestock in the field so please take care, any livestock will get out of your way if you continue driving slowly towards them.
Cross the cattle grid and continue down the drive. Parking is on the next level area.
