Tyn-y-Castell
Elan Valley
Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park · Adjacent · 3-5 miles
Overview
Tyn-y-Castell is a secluded self-catering chalet set amidst the spectacular scenery of the Elan Valley near Rhayader, Mid Wales. Peaceful and wonderfully private, it sleeps up to six across two bedrooms (a double and a king that can be split into twins) plus a sofa bed, making it a flexible base for couples, families or small groups. Inside, large picture windows and a conservatory frame the surrounding countryside, so you can sit and unwind with the scenery laid out before you, and often a Red Kite soaring overhead. A cosy woodburner makes it welcoming in every season. A footpath leads straight from the door through ancient oak woodlands and up onto the heather-clad hills, so this is a true walkers', birdwatchers' and nature-lovers' paradise, deep in Red Kite country, with the Elan Valley's lakes and reservoirs a short drive away. Dogs are welcome.
- Southern aspect
- Clear
- External lighting
- Low Impact
- Other buildings
- Yes
Stargazing guide
Tyn-y-Castell sits in the heart of Elan Valley country, close to the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park, one of the darkest and best-protected night skies in the UK (and the first privately owned Dark Sky Park in the world). Secluded and well away from town lights, this peaceful spot enjoys genuinely dark skies, so on a clear night you can expect the Milky Way, planets, meteor showers and countless stars, far more than you'd ever see from a town. What makes Tyn-y-Castell nicely suited to stargazing is its seclusion and its outlook: the large picture windows and conservatory let you take in the sky from the warmth indoors, while stepping outside into the surrounding woodland and open hillside gives you a dark, unobstructed view once your eyes adjust. After a day walking the oak woods and hills, it's the perfect place to end the evening by the woodburner and then head out to look up.
Moon conditions
Waxing Gibbous · 92%
Cloud forecast
Checking tonight's sky…
Next 7 nights
Practical information
- Mobile signal
- Unknown
- Winter access
- Yes
- Nearest pub
- The Triangle Inn
- Nearest shop
- SPAR-Rhayader
- More about this stay
- Visit
Other dark places
Book directly with the host
No fees — you arrange it with them



