Powys

Unitary authority in Wales

Coordinates:	52.32, -3.43
OS grid ref:	SO 02 69

Powys is the largest local authority in Wales by area, spanning much of mid-Wales and stretching to the English border. The county is dominated by uplands and open countryside - the Cambrian Mountains and parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park sit alongside deep river valleys carved by the River Wye and River Severn - giving it a sparsely populated, agricultural character.

Historically formed from the counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Brecknockshire, Powys has a strong medieval and rural heritage with hillforts and castles such as Powis Castle. Market towns and cultural hubs like Hay-on-Wye (famous for its literature festival), Brecon and Newtown help sustain local arts and community life, and pockets of Welsh-language use remain in many rural parishes.

The local economy leans on farming, forestry, small-scale manufacturing and tourism, with outdoor activities - hill-walking, cycling and paddlesports - bringing visitors. Long distances, limited public transport and an ageing population present service and connectivity challenges, but strong community networks, festivals and a steady stream of visitors keep many towns and villages economically and socially active across Powys.

Powys postcode districts

LD1, LD2, LD3, LD4, LD5, LD6, LD7, LD8, NP8, SA9, SY15, SY16, SY17, SY18, SY19, SY20, SY21, SY22

Most populated places in Powys

Places in Powys

Abermule Built-up area
Brecon Built-up area
Builth Wells Built-up area
Caersws Built-up area
Carno Parish
Clyro Built-up area
Crickhowell Built-up area
Forden Built-up area
Forden with Leighton and Trelystan Parish
Four Crosses Built-up area
Guilsfield Built-up area
Kerry Built-up area
Knighton Built-up area
Llandinam Built-up area
Llandrindod Wells Built-up area
Llanfair Caereinion Built-up area
Llanfyllin Built-up area
Llangattock Built-up area
Llangynidr Built-up area
Llanidloes Built-up area
Llanidloes Without Parish
Llanwrtyd Wells Built-up area
Llanymynech Built-up area
Machynlleth Built-up area
Montgomery Built-up area
Newtown Built-up area
Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Parish
Presteigne Built-up area
Rhayader Built-up area
Talgarth Built-up area
Tregynon Built-up area
Welshpool Built-up area